Franchisor: Jennifer Fedus (Hamilton, Ontario)
Jennifer Fedus is in the driver's seat
Background
Jennifer Fedus initially began working for AG+R as a bookkeeper. By 2006, Jennifer felt that she had developed enough expertise in the business and decided to purchase an AG+R location in Hamilton.
New Opportunities
Prior to purchasing the franchise, Jennifer researched the various financing options available to her. SCP's financing program appealed to her due to the competitive interest rates and the assistance provided around employee hiring. After a number of discussions, Jennifer became SCP's first franchise investment in 2006.
Profiting Everyone
SCP worked with Jennifer to articulate the ideal candidate characteristics she required and then identified the best local agencies that would be able to source and screen applicants to meet her needs. Specifically, SCP helped foster relationships with agencies that administer the Job Connect program, including, Mohawk College, YMCA, Youth Employment Centre, and the City of Hamilton Community Services.
Jennifer's experience with community hiring has been very positive since the program "takes most of the stress out of looking for people. Job Connect receives a lot of resumes and they do a great job at prescreening candidates that they refer. It is a win-win situation because it saves [Jennifer] a lot of time and energy". While she admits that "there is a bit of trial and error just like any other hiring process," there are no additional costs incurred when recruiting through the community agencies, as opposed to traditional approaches.
Keys to Success
Jennifer finds the community hiring program to be a "rewarding" experience and recommends it to any franchise operator looking to expand. She also praises the program for "its ability to build a career for someone who might not otherwise have had direction or a real opportunity to thrive." As SCP’s first franchise partner, the partnership with Jennifer proved to be remarkably successful and SCP has since managed to replicate the process for a growing number of franchise owners across the AG+R network.
Employee: Joel Oliver (Hamilton, Ontario)
Joel Oliver is living life in the fast lane
Background Joel has worked at Jennifer’s AG+R in Hamilton since 2006. Prior to this, Joel's work experiences consisted mainly of unsteady "McJobs." This changed when he applied to Mohawk College's Job Connect program which provided him with the tools and training to become a Tire and Lube technician with AG+R.
New Opportunities Prior to working at AG + R, Joel had limited knowledge of car maintenance and as a result, he started at an entry-level position. After a few months on the job, he began training as an apprentice technician and found the apprenticeship to be a great learning experience that has equipped him with the technical skills and relevant experience to work "under the hood". As a result of Joel’s positive attitude and drive to further his knowledge and skills, he has progressed at a remarkable rate, working his way up from an entry-level position to a service supervisor and then to a store manager all within a 2-year period. 
Profiting Everyone Joel explains that "I have been helped out along the way, but you really have to show that you are dedicated. I have put in a lot more hours than pretty much anyone I started off with... and it's paid off." Joel recognizes his colleagues for the role that they have played in his success and highlights that "the owners have probably been the best people I have ever worked with," having supported his career progression ever since he was hired.
Joel’s inspiring career progression has made him an excellent mentor to new recruits. He is able to lead by example and demonstrates how the system can work successfully. He notes that the success of a candidate depends on the individual's attitude and how hard they are willing to work, rather than simply their previous experience.
Keys to Success The community hiring program has allowed Joel to demonstrate his abilities and develop his skills on the job, encouraging him to achieve his personal and professional goals. Despite his positive career path to date, however, Joel is not done yet. Within five years he hopes to own a franchise location of his own.