Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) in Wisconsin announced today that it was presented with the Direct Hire Market Area of the Year and Marketing Excellence awards at Spherion’s 2026 National Meeting.
Locally owned and operated by Austin Kassner, the team was recognized for its strong growth and continued commitment to connecting local businesses with qualified talent, earning Direct Hire Market Area of the Year for the fifth time since 2013. As hiring dynamics have evolved, Spherion WI & Northern IL has continued to invest in its direct hire capabilities, including in skilled trades and IT, while also supporting a broader mix of workforce solutions.
Additionally, the team was recognized for its marketing innovation, including the launch of its weekly Hiring Happens newsletter, a locally written, conversational take on hiring trends and workforce dynamics across the region. In a dynamic hiring environment, with rapid changes in how companies think about talent and the growing impact of AI, Kassner’s team has leaned in to provide grounded, practical perspectives shaped by ongoing conversations with companies and candidates.
“This recognition reflects how our team shows up every day,” said Kassner. “Over the past year, we committed to spending more time in the market, talking to companies and candidates to better understand what they’re navigating. Based on what we learned, we worked to develop and deliver solutions that align with their needs. It has been an entire team effort, and this approach has been at the core of our long-term growth.”
The 2026 Spherion National Meeting was held in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel from March 18-21. Uniting franchisees, corporate leaders and strategic partners from across the country for several days of learning and celebration, this year’s company-wide gathering was especially meaningful as Spherion marks its 80th anniversary in 2026, celebrating eight decades of connecting businesses with talent and strengthening local communities.
Team members participated in educational sessions focused on topics relevant to the 2026 hiring reality, such as the importance of human interaction, legal trends, and using AI tools to grow revenue. The meeting concluded with Spherion’s Awards & 80th Anniversary Celebration, recognizing top-performing franchisees and offices whose leadership and results exemplify the brand’s commitment to excellence.
"As we celebrate 80 years of serving communities across the country, it’s incredibly inspiring to see the work our franchisees are doing in their local markets," said Kathy George, president of Spherion Staffing and Recruiting. "Austin and the team embody the qualities that have allowed the Spherion network to thrive for so many years. Their dedication to building meaningful relationships with clients and candidates while helping businesses grow and individuals find opportunity is making a lasting impact in the Rockford and Madison communities."
Each Spherion franchisee enriches their community by connecting businesses with talent and creating employment opportunities every day. When successful, the office and its investments flow back into the neighborhoods it serves. The power of Spherion is in its local roots.
To learn more about Spherion Wisconsin, visit https://www.spherion.com/our-offices/madison-wisconsin_1175/
About Spherion Wisconsin & Northern Illinois
Driving careers. Growing businesses. Bettering the community. These tenets have been at the core of Spherion WI & Northern IL since its doors opened over 35 years ago. Locally owned, Spherion provides comprehensive staffing and recruiting services, including: flexible staffing, temp-to-hire, professional direct-hire placement, and workforce management solutions. The Spherion WI & Northern IL team invests the time to develop relationships with everyone they work with to deliver differentiated results. Its tenured team understands the Wisconsin and Northern Illinois markets and has a proven history of matching the right candidates for the right role across a wide array of industries.
Our 4.9/5 local Google rating, based on hundreds of reviews, and national recognition as a Forbes Best Temporary Staffing Firm reflect our commitment to delivering consistent results for the businesses and individuals we support. We’re also proud to be recognized through inclusion on Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises and Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500 list. Partner with Spherion to strengthen your business or take the next step in your career.