Express Employment Professionals opens downtown Holland branch

After working for almost seven years at Express Employment Professionals in Grand Rapids, Amy Pierce made the decision to open a franchise in Holland.

"I had some clients in the Holland area who were always saying, 'Come help us, come help us,'" Pierce says. Opportunities presented themselves and Pierce made her move; she opened at 162 E. Eighth St. on Sept. 14. "I've always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and now I am," she says.

Express Employment Professionals, an international company, is a human resources firm that helps companies fill positions in administration and manufacturing. Clients include businesses and employment seekers.

Pierce looked at more than 30 locations before settling on the current space.

"I love the vibe in downtown Holland," she says. Before moving in, the office needed renovations.

"We did a build-out on the building to open it up. It was previously a mortgage company, and the changes made it feel warmer," Pierce says. "It doesn't have a temporary service feel to it. We're here to help people find permanent employment."

Pierce estimates her investment in the business is close to $100,000; she spent most of it on local suppliers and services. She also invests in her clients through educational events and programs. For job seekers, she offers resume writing skills and tips on marketing themselves. For businesses, she offers events on social media, time management and timely topics like the H1N1 flu virus.

Pierce says Express Employment Professionals in Holland is unique because it's locally owned, but has the backing of an international company. Though she moved from the Grand Rapids branch, she hired two new employees to work alongside her in Holland.

"We have a large name, but my name is on the door and I have investment in the community," she says.

Source: Amy Pierce, Express Employment Professionals, Holland

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].