Meet Tim Young | Franchise Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tim Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tim, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Growing up, I saw firsthand the impact a family-owned business could have on people’s lives. Although it wasn’t always easy, I admired the respect my father earned from other companies and the difference we made in our community. Working for someone else never inspired me; it was just a necessary step to reach my ultimate goal. I always envisioned creating my own culture and values. While Express is a franchise and not entirely “my” company, owning this location has brought me tremendous happiness and freedom.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey to successful business ownership was anything but easy. I studied business, physical therapy, and became a personal trainer. I started several businesses for income but never saw them as genuine long-term investments. I faced some trying times that knocked me down, and I struggled to get back up, unsure of what direction to take in the workforce.

I continued my education at community college, then Bible college, and even studied briefly at a university before finding my way into the staffing business. This industry completely changed my life, giving me a reason to wake up at 5 AM and work from 7 AM to 7 PM for four years straight. I worked for a company that taught me what it takes to be successful in the staffing business before venturing out on my own.

Express has brought success, challenges, and invaluable learning experiences. Being a small business owner is not for the faint of heart. You have to meet everyone where they are in their careers, help them develop into top performers, and figure out how to retain them. Everyone looks to you for guidance.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that, whether you are a trainer, worker, or leader, your team relies on you for direction. Your role in the office is crucial, and while it may not always feel like it, your team is looking to you to guide them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the area, I’d make sure they had the best time ever. As a native of Arizona, I have a deep love for this state and all it has to offer. Arizona is an incredible location—you can golf year-round, enjoy patio dining in the winter, and be just four hours from the ocean and two hours from the snow. If I had a friend in town for a week, I’d take them on a true Arizona adventure. We’d start with breakfast at Snooze in Tempe, then head to Tempe Town Lake for paddleboarding. In Phoenix, we’d explore the Desert Botanical Garden and the Heard Museum, followed by dinner at House of Tricks and drinks at Four Peaks Brewing Company. We’d spend a day in Sedona hiking Cathedral Rock and taking a Jeep tour of the red rocks, then drive to the Grand Canyon for a day trip. For a unique experience, I’d take them camping in the White Mountains, where the temperatures are 20-30 degrees cooler. We’d go on trail rides in the side-by-side, cook shrimp boils, and play games around the campfire. As the sun goes down, we’d gather around the fire with all our close friends and enjoy good conversation for hours on end.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My story and passion for what I do stem deeper than most can see. I genuinely love helping others succeed, and Express has given me a fantastic platform to do this. My mom has always been my biggest advocate in everything I did in life. As the youngest child, I was always up to something new—whether it was a lawn mowing business, working for the local Discount Tire, or studying to be a pastor, she always had my back.

Her unwavering support and belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. She passed away about seven years ago, and I promised myself that I would continue to drive forward and make her proud. Every success I achieve and every person I help is a tribute to her enduring influence in my life.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge the incredible team at Express Employment Professionals. Their dedication and hard work are integral to our success. The mentorship and guidance from other franchise owners have also been invaluable. They have not only shared their knowledge but have also provided a sense of community and camaraderie that makes the journey even more fulfilling.

Website: https://www.expresspros.com/tempe

Instagram: Expressprostempe

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10315168/admin/feed/posts/