1. How many years has Express Employment Professionals been in business? What inspired you to start, buy, or work with this business?
Express Indy South opened in July 2005, followed by Express Columbus, Indiana in 2014. My inspiration to start these businesses came from a desire to establish Express as a prominent employment resource on the south side of Indy. After years of frequent travel in a previous role, I yearned for a business venture that would allow me to have more time with my family while serving my community as a leader. This journey has allowed me to actively participate in various community initiatives, help more than 350 local businesses in the area find the talent they need, foster a successful family life, and celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary. , and was able to raise two successful college athletes.
2. Are you the original owner?
Yes, I am the original owner of both local franchises, Indy South and Columbus. The Express Employment Professionals franchise has been around for 40 years.
3. Please describe a typical work day.
These days, my focus is leading and developing leadership teams, working with local business owners along with business development teams, and overseeing financial operations as CFO.
4. What inspires your work and what sets you apart from others?
Personally, my passion lies in helping others succeed. I know that when others succeed, so does my team. At Express, we have a culture of serving others and giving hope. Trying to find the right employee or looking for a new job can be really difficult. Our goal is to help others find hope in the process and make a real difference in the lives of others.
5. If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, do you think you would have done anything differently?
I really don't regret it. Starting the Express franchise was one of the biggest decisions I've made. Over the past 19 years, Express has helped more than 30,000 people find work locally. If I had to do something different, I might have started my business sooner. However, I would also say that all of the experiences I had and the leaders I had the pleasure of working with before joining Express have made our business successful.
6. What is your best advice for someone who wants to start their own business?
I tell anyone looking to start a business to be prepared to sell not just a product or service, but a vision and purpose. Be ready to inspire your group of people through hardships, ups and downs. Owning your own business is the most rewarding thing, but it's not about you. It's about getting all groups of people rowing the same way toward a meaningful purpose.
Check the owner:
Name: Mike Hefner
Occupation: Owner/President
- How long have you worked with Express Employment Professionals? Tell us a little about your background and how you developed your skillset.
I started my business in 2005 (19 years ago). Prior to joining the business, he was a national account manager at Owens Corning and held various sales positions in the building materials industry.
- What has been your biggest success so far? What have been your biggest challenges?
We are most proud of receiving the Express Fab Five Award in 2007, Franchisee of the Year in 2011, and Greenwood Chambers Trendsetter Award in 2012. The company has also been named an Express Gold Circle of Excellence office 12 times out of the past 14 years. We are also proud to have diversified our product offering and relaunched the Specialized Recruiting Group in 2022 as the leading voice in Professional Recruiting.
We're in the people business, and it's a challenge.
- What motivates you to run as hard as you can every morning?
Helping people succeed and learning about the work we do every day makes a difference in someone's life. I've seen thousands of people change their lives by getting a new job. It is very rewarding to hear success stories from former employees who have worked with us.
- What are your hobbies outside of work at Express Employment Professionals?
Outside of work, I have spent most of my time watching my daughter on the softball diamond and supporting my son on the golf course. My wife Kelly and I love spending time with family and friends at our lake house and spending time by the water.
- What’s an interesting fact about your business that most people don’t know?
Many people think that Express only helps companies fill temporary jobs. Most of our clients rely on us to help them hire the talent they need. While some of those companies use us to find additional short-term help, we are truly a full-service staffing agency. Many people don't know that approximately 30 percent of our business is helping people at the administrative and professional levels find jobs through our specialized recruitment group. Many of these roles offer competitive salaries in excess of $100,000.
- What is an interesting fact that most people don't know about you?
I am a PADI certified scuba diver and have been diving for over 20 years.