Madison Reporter

Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in Madison, Wisconsin, has received the Service Excellence Award at the company's annual National Meeting. The recognition was awarded to President and Franchise Owner Austin Kassner for the consistent delivery of exceptional service.

Kassner's South Central Wisconsin and Northern Illinois offices were praised for their high performance, achieving a quality assurance score of 93.5% and maintaining an average Google rating near five stars. Kassner has garnered attention for his community involvement, previously being named in In Business Madison's "Forty Under 40 Class of 2025" and as a "Millennial Franchise Rockstar" by Franchise Business Review in 2024. His offices actively collaborate with local organizations such as The River Food Pantry, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Rockford Promise.

"Building strong teams and creating opportunities is what we do—but it’s the relationships we build that truly make the difference," said Kassner. "We continue to challenge ourselves to be better, to show up for our partners in ways that matter. This award is a reflection of our team’s drive, passion, and commitment to the communities we call home."

The 2025 Spherion National Meeting took place from February 27 to March 1 at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. The event provided franchisees an opportunity to network and attend educational workshops. During the meeting, Spherion partnered with the San Antonio-based non-profit Soldiers’ Angels, creating no-sew blankets for military families.

“Reflecting on 2024, I am incredibly grateful for the passion and dedication of our Spherion community,” noted Kathy George, President of Spherion. “Gathering in San Antonio reinforced just how much our franchisees shape careers, support businesses, and uplift their communities in lasting ways. Austin and the South Central Wisconsin and Northern Illinois teams are a shining example of what makes Spherion exceptional—leading with integrity, fostering strong partnerships with candidates and clients, and setting the standard for excellence in our franchise community. Their unwavering commitment to creating opportunities and driving meaningful change makes a lasting impact, not just within Spherion but in the communities they serve. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and the difference they make every day.”