From Public Service to Business Ownership: Building a Staffing Franchise in Ottawa

Career transitions often happen gradually, shaped by changing priorities, new opportunities, or the desire to take on a different kind of challenge. After building a career in the public sector with both the City of Ottawa and the Federal Public Service, my move into business ownership came from a growing interest in entrepreneurship and community impact. In 2013, my business partner and I acquired the Ottawa East Express Employment Professionals office. More than a decade later, the business continues to support employers and job seekers across the greater Ottawa region while offering a firsthand view into how local workforce trends continue to evolve. The transition from government work to franchise ownership was significant, but many of the lessons I learned in the public sector still apply today. Success in staffing depends heavily on communication, relationship-building, adaptability, and understanding the needs of both businesses and workers, all of which are transferable skills that I had acquired during my years in public service. Transitioning from Government Work to Entrepreneurship Prior to joining Express Employment Professionals, my career focused primarily on public service roles involving stakeholder engagement, compliance processes, and program operations. One of those positions included serving as a Program Information Officer within the Controlled Goods Program, where collaboration with professionals across the defense, aerospace, and industrial sectors was part of the day-to-day work. While government roles provide valuable experience and structure, entrepreneurship introduces a unique environment. One of the biggest adjustments involved moving from a structured organizational setting into a business environment where outcomes depend heavily on my own initiative, consistency, and local market understanding. Unlike larger institutions where responsibilities are often specialized, franchise ownership requires involvement across nearly every aspect of the business, from sales and recruiting to operations and strategy. At the same time, staffing offered something especially meaningful: the ability to directly impact people’s careers and local businesses in real time. Helping someone secure employment is not simply about filling a role. Employment affects financial stability, confidence, professional growth, and long-term opportunity. On the employer side, hiring the right people can influence productivity, morale, and a company’s ability to grow. That balance between supporting businesses and helping individuals build careers remains one of the most rewarding aspects of the staffing industry. Staffing Firms Sit at the Center of Workforce Changes Over the last decade, staffing firms have increasingly become closely connected to larger conversations around labour shortages, workforce participation, retention challenges, and changing employee expectations. Businesses today are navigating a very different hiring environment than they were even five or ten years ago. Competition for talent has increased across many industries, while job seekers are placing greater emphasis on flexibility, workplace culture, advancement opportunities, and overall fit. Because staffing firms work directly with both employers and candidates, they often have an early view into local labour market shifts. This exposure to the current hiring landscape can reveal broader economic patterns happening within a community, from growth in specific sectors to changing workforce demands. In Ottawa, employers across industries continue to face challenges related to recruitment and retention. Many businesses are looking for ways to remain competitive while adapting to shifting workforce expectations. Simultaneously, job seekers are evaluating opportunities differently than in previous years, often prioritizing long-term growth potential and workplace stability alongside compensation. Successful recruiting is rarely about simply matching a résumé to a job description. Long-term success comes from understanding company culture, communication styles, operational needs, as well as candidate goals. The strongest placements typically happen when there is alignment on both sides. For staffing professionals, that also means maintaining strong local relationships and staying actively engaged within the business community. Workforce trends are constantly evolving, and understanding what’s driving those changes requires ongoing conversations with both employers and employees. Building a Long-Term Service Business After more than a decade in business I’ve learned several important lessons about entrepreneurship and sustainability. First, service-based businesses are ultimately built on trust and consistency. Relationships take time to develop, especially in industries where businesses rely heavily on external partners to support hiring needs. Delivering reliable service consistently over time is what creates long-term partnerships. Second, adaptability is essential. Economic conditions, hiring demands, technology, and workforce expectations are always changing. Businesses that remain flexible and responsive are generally in a stronger position to navigate uncertainty and continue growing. Third, local involvement matters. Operating a staffing business is not just about recruiting employees or filling positions. It also means contributing to the broader local economy by supporting businesses, helping individuals find work, and participating in workforce development within the community. Ottawa has experienced significant changes over the last decade, and continuing to support the region’s employers and workforce remains a priority moving forward. The focus today remains on growing the existing Ottawa operation, strengthening relationships throughout the community, and continuing to help businesses and job seekers navigate an increasingly complex labour market. For anyone considering a transition into entrepreneurship, especially after a career in a more traditional professional environment, one of the most important lessons is that previous experience still matters. Skills developed in government, corporate, or institutional roles often translate more directly into business ownership than people initially expect. Leadership, communication, problem-solving, and relationship management are valuable in any industry. The environment may change, but the importance of those fundamentals does not. More than ten years after entering the staffing industry, the work continues to be centered around people and helping businesses build stronger teams while helping individuals find meaningful opportunities. That remains the most rewarding part of the business today.