With staff recruitment a key factor in business success like never before, leading Express Employment Professionals has arguably never been more important.

Colin Ongley found himself in the recruitment industry almost by accident. In the year 2000, after trawling the Yellow Pages for work, he came across an old connection.

“This person was from a previous life, so to speak,” says Colin.

“They saw the potential for my skills and suggested I take on a role I wasn’t even considering.

So, I threw myself into a position with the organisation recruiting for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games- certainly a trial by fire, but it was an incredible opportunity.”

Foundations for a career in recruitment

Colin’s first job was at family restaurant chain, Sizzler. He worked his way from washing dishes to getting the keys to his own shopfront.

“Everything I learned throughout my career in hospitality lent itself to recruitment, and recruitment in-turn did the same for franchising,” Colin says.

“The day-to-day for each may be very different, but the bottom line is about creating efficient environments and positive experiences.

“There have been a few defining moments in my working life when somebody had faith in me that I didn't necessarily have in myself and helped me realise what I was really capable of- my job now is doing this for others.”

Leading, serving, and accountability

Colin’s job (as he sees it) as General Manager ANZ, is to help franchisees thrive under the global staffing franchise, Express Employment Professionals. In doing so he is committed to three core values.

“Good leadership comes with accountability and a service attitude,” he shares.

“It’s important to lead by example, so I never ask anyone to do anything I wouldn't do myself.

I’m working with franchisees to give them a flying start before they even open their doors, helping them secure their office, hire their staff, and set up effective processes.”

The best thing about his role with Express, Colin says, is seeing franchisees harvest the fruits of their labor.

“I certainly don't profess to be the knower of everything, but after a couple of decades in the industry I can offer specialist advice,”

“A lot of it is about problem solving and creating the right connections, but some of the challenges franchisees come up against are a little more personal; they need a strong and aligned support network behind them if they really want to succeed.

When someone I’m working with takes on my advice and I see it pay off, that’s what keeps me coming back for more.”

The Australasian Journey

Express Employment Professionals entered the Australian market in 2020, opening their first agency in Sydney Olympic Park. Additional agencies in Adelaide, Greystanes, and Canberra have followed in the development of the brand into the market.

Globally, the franchise has an annual turnover exceeding $4.5 billion and 880+ locations across five countries. In 2023, Express Employment International was ranked in the top 10 franchise brands in the world by industry platforms. They are also the number 1 staffing franchise globally.

“We are just sitting at the cusp of what we're truly capable of here in Australia and New Zealand,” Colin says.

“Our parent brand in the United States has been around for over four decades, so we have a great, rich history and powerful resources to back our development here as we adapt to suit the Australasian landscape.

I see a vibrant future ahead of us - it’s certainly an exciting time to be in a role like this... I get to see real growth happening, firsthand, every day.”

With passionate franchise leaders like Colin Ongley at the helm, the drive to expand the brand in the local market, see it well-positioned to target and support business growth in staffing and recruitment services throughout Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.