Concept Description
AtWork is a national staffing franchise brand with more than 30 years of industry experience and two distinct ownership paths designed to match different backgrounds, goals, and operating styles. Whether an owner wants to build a community-based staffing office with a local team or launch a remote, specialty-focused recruiting business built around industry expertise, AtWork provides the systems, support, brand recognition, and infrastructure to help franchisees grow.
AtWork Personnel: Traditional Staffing Model
The AtWork Personnel model is the company’s traditional staffing franchise opportunity. It is designed for owners who want to build a visible presence in their local market through a physical office and a team-based operation. This model focuses on staffing needs across light industrial, logistics, office, clerical, hospitality, and other administrative or operational roles that keep local businesses running.
Personnel owners work within a protected territory and typically lead day-to-day branch operations that include business development, recruiting, client management, employee support, and team leadership. Because the model is rooted in community presence, local relationships, and operational execution, it is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to build a strong regional business with recurring demand and broad staffing applications.
AtWork Professional: Specialty, Remote Staffing Model
The AtWork Professional model is a remote, national franchise concept designed for owners who want to leverage deep experience or relationships within a specialized industry. Rather than relying on a storefront or large internal staff, this model allows owners to operate with greater flexibility while focusing on professional-level placements in sectors such as IT, engineering, accounting and finance, marketing and creative, legal, non-clinical medical, scientific, human resources, and education.
Professional owners can provide contract staffing, contract-to-hire, and direct hire solutions while building credibility in the sectors they know best. This model is especially well suited for owner-operators with strong industry knowledge, B2B relationship skills, and a desire to build a lower-overhead business that can scale through specialized recruiting and national reach.
Why the Two-Model Structure Matters
Together, these two franchise paths make AtWork a flexible opportunity for a wide range of entrepreneurs. The Personnel model offers a traditional office-based staffing business with strong local market visibility, while the Professional model offers a modern, work-from-home structure centered on industry specialization and higher-skill placements. Both models are supported by the AtWork brand and operating platform, giving owners the ability to choose the format that best aligns with their experience, market, and long-term business goals.
Testimonials
“I have had an incredible experience with AtWork, with the leadership team, with the support team, with the other owners that I have dealt with, the whole experience has been very positive.”
Damon Johanson
“AtWork caught my eye because of their strong leadership team with proven experience in the staffing industry. This gave me the safety net I wanted to take a chance in a highly competitive area such as Fort Worth.”
Jonathan Jenswold
“On the way back home from the discovery day, I knew I was going to own an AtWork franchise. I never felt pressured and have received nothing but support throughout my ownership. It is truly fulfilling to help companies and candidates find each other.”
Judy Scandura
“The support on a franchise level for an industry like this is very unique and you really feel a personal connection with the home office.”
Kevin Jones
Publicity
@WORK was recognized by Franchise Business Review for 2023Top 50 Franchisee Satisfaction Award.
@WORK was named 2024 Best of Staffing
Unit Option
Single, Multiple
Background
FDD Franchised Units: 83
Corporate Owned Units: 7
Projected New Units: 5
Year Established: 1992
First Year Franchised: 1992
Type of Business: Franchise
Hours of Operation: Regular Business Hours
Number of Employees: Small (1-5)
History:
In the late 1980s, as managing partner for a staffing firm, John Hall, Jr. successfully launched 11 staffing offices. The techniques he used showed him that offices in the rapidly growing staffing industry had the best chance for success if they were independent, professional, and backed by a strong support system. In 1990, Hall and his wife, Glenda assumed sole ownership of the 11 offices and formed AtWork Personnel. Today AtWork has grown to be cited as one of Staffing Industry’s Report’s Top U.S. Staffing Firms.
Availability
Territories: United States
Financials
Liquidity: $150,000
*Investment Range: $165,000 - $250,000
Minimum Net Worth: $100,001 to $250,000
6 Month Cash: $50,001
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Royalty: 7%-10%
Royalty Description: 7% of Gross Revenues (10% on full-time placement revenue); 8% of Gross Revenues for Professional Businesses
Advertising: $2,500 per calendar quarter minimum local advertising
National Advertising: Marketing fund 0.5%
Ramp-Up: 10 to 12 months
Passive Ownership: Passive Ownership NOT Allowed
Passive Ownership means the owner is working 15 hours or less per week in the business.
Available Discounts
- Veterans
Discount Description: We provide a 20% discount off the Initial Franchise Fee for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who meet the requirements of the VetFran Program.
Training, Support and Assistance
Co-Operative Advertising: N/A
Site Selection Assistance: Available
Lease Negotiation Assistance: N/A
Length of Training: 9 days+
Training Description:
AtWork has a comprehensive initial training program for new franchise owners that covers all subjects important to your business success. Your training will enhance business skills, selling capabilities, recruiting techniques and general office operations. Training includes 5 days of classroom setting training and 4 days of “hands on” out in the field training as well as ongoing operational support visits.
Operational and Marketing Tools:
AtWork provides franchisees with a number of tools designed to aid in the day-to-day operation of their
business. These tools include, but are not limited to:
• Labor Management Software
• Online Job Boards
• Extensive Resource and Training Library
• Backend Accounting Support
• Payroll funding & processing
• Customized location pages on atwork.com
• Interior Signage
• Pre-Established Vendor Relationships with Negotiated Pricing
• Credit and Risk Management support
Financing Assistance: Available
