75 Years of Work That Matters
75 Years
of Work That Matters
“The most meaningful part of this business is the tremendous sense of accomplishment of helping other people.”
– Robert O. Snelling,
From one office in Philadelphia to communities across the country,
Snelling’s history is shaped by local ownership, trusted relationships, and a commitment to meaningful work. That foundation continues to guide how we serve businesses and job seekers today and into the future.
“Our whole business was built on specialties from day one.”
– Robert O. Snelling,
June 1951
Where It All Began
In June of 1951, Lou and Gwen Snelling opened a small staffing office in Philadelphia with a simple belief: helping people succeed was work worth doing.
From the beginning, Snelling focused on people. Listening carefully. Understanding individual strengths. Creating connections built on trust. That people-first philosophy became the foundation of everything that followed and remains central to who we are today.
May 1956
Built on Specialization & Trust
Snelling grew by doing something different.
We leaned into specialization early, supporting distinct roles and industries with dedicated teams.
That focus on fit extended beyond individual placements. It shaped how Snelling built its network, prioritizing local knowledge and trusted relationships.
The result was a franchise model rooted in trust, with locally owned offices forming the backbone of a growing network. Relationships came first. Growth followed naturally.
1960-1970
Growing With the Workforce
By the 1960s and 1970s, Snelling had expanded across the country, helping hundreds of thousands of people find work and supporting businesses through periods of rapid change.
National recognition followed, but the mission stayed grounded.
Each new office represented a community served. Each expansion reflected the evolving needs of the workforce. Through economic shifts and changing employment models, Snelling continued to adapt while staying true to its purpose.
August 1976
Built to Evolve
The world of work has never stood still, and neither has Snelling. Over the decades, industries have transformed, technology has advanced, and expectations have changed for both businesses and job seekers.
Snelling evolved alongside them, expanding services, strengthening its temporary staffing division, and relocating its headquarters in 1976 to support continued national growth — all while refining how local offices serve their markets.
May 1990
Snelling Today
Today, Snelling is a network of proudly locally owned and operated offices serving communities across the United States, supported by the strength of a national brand and the HireQuest Global Talent Network.
That combination allows Snelling to deliver consistent, flexible workforce solutions while maintaining the local insight and personal relationships that have always set it apart.
Whether supporting business growth or helping individuals find meaningful work, the focus remains on partnership, trust, and long-term success.
NOW
Looking Ahead
Work will continue to change. New roles will emerge. Workforce needs will evolve. What will not change is the need for trusted partners who understand both people and business.
As Snelling marks 75 years, the focus remains forward, supporting communities, strengthening partnerships, and creating opportunity where it matters most.
The work that began in 1951 continues, shaped by experience and driven by what comes next.
Snelling Through Time
One of Snelling’s first female franchisees, Virginia McCuen (seated), owner of Snelling Lexington, SC, is pictured with long-time operations manager Bryce England and daughter Elizabeth Trenbeath, who became a partner in the family business in 2009.
At the 2011 Owner Convention, franchisees celebrated Snelling’s 60th anniversary.
After 40 years of franchise ownership, one of the original Snelling franchisees, George Barnes, retires—handing over the reins of Snelling Huntsville, AL to current franchisees Kathryn and Paul Brashier.
“It is hard to find a Snelling franchisee from George’s era that did not touch or help in some way,” Kathryn shares.
Franchisee George Huth celebrates 60 years of Snelling with his local Mobile, AL team.
Snelling Sherman, TX celebrates 10 years with their team, clients, family, and friends.