IFA Honors Express Employment Professionals' Laura and Greg Sulentic as 2026 Franchisees of the Year

For Immediate Release

The International Franchise Association (IFA) has named Laura and Greg Sulentic, owners of the Express Employment Professionals franchise in Lincoln, Nebraska, as 2026 Franchisees of the Year. The Sulentics were recognized at the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., for their excellence in entrepreneurship, workforce development, community involvement and service to others.

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize outstanding franchise owners from IFA member brands whose leadership and contributions strengthen their businesses, support their communities and advance the franchise model. Recipients are selected for their commitment to workforce development, service and support of fellow franchisees.

"Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about: individuals who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves," said Matt Haller, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association. "Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities and support other franchisees. We are proud to recognize Laura and Greg Sulentic with IFA's highest honor for individual franchisees."

Across the Express network, the Sulentics have earned a reputation for putting service ahead of recognition. Fellow franchise owners often point to their collaborative approach and commitment to helping others succeed. Whether supporting a new franchisee or helping a peer work through a challenge, they have become trusted resources and respected leaders throughout the organization.

That same mindset shapes the culture they built in Lincoln. Those who work alongside the Sulentics describe an environment where people feel supported and valued, where relationships matter as much as results. Their office has become known for its personal approach to serving job seekers and local employers, a reflection of their belief that staffing is ultimately about helping people move forward.

"Laura and Greg have never measured success solely by what happens inside their own office," said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International. "They are deeply invested in the success of the people around them, from job seekers and client companies to fellow franchise owners across our network. Their willingness to support others reflects the kind of leadership that strengthens organizations and communities alike. This recognition reflects the impact they have made within Express and beyond."

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About Robert (Bob) Funk Jr.

Robert (Bob) Funk Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of Express Employment International, a global staffing franchisor founded and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He leads a portfolio of workforce solution brands, including the flagship Express Employment Professionals franchise, along with several affiliated brands serving specialized markets. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, we're in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

About The International Franchise Association

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.