HireQuest Inc (NASDAQ: HQI) is a franchise-based temporary staffing company that operates a network of franchised offices providing direct-dispatch staffing solutions primarily in the light industrial and blue-collar segments. Revenue comes from royalties charged to franchisees, who pay fees based on the wages of temporary workers placed through their offices. HireQuest owns the brands and back-office infrastructure while franchisees own and operate individual offices, a model the company states distinguishes it from the company-owned office model used by most staffing competitors. Brands in the portfolio as of the 10-K filed 2026-03-31 include HireQuest Direct, Snelling, TradeCorp, and DriverQuest. The MRINetwork professional search brand was contributed to a new entity, MRI Operations LLC, effective January 1, 2026, with HireQuest retaining a 40% ownership stake. The company is headquartered in Goose Creek, SC, and employed 88 full-time corporate staff as of December 31, 2025. Richard Hermanns serves as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board.

Revenue model

Royalty-based franchise model. Franchisees pay royalties calculated on the wages paid to temporary employees placed through their offices. HireQuest also provides workers' compensation insurance program administration and back-office support services to franchisees.

Products and services

Franchised temporary staffing services under the HireQuest Direct, Snelling, TradeCorp, and DriverQuest brands, focused on light industrial, construction, and blue-collar direct-dispatch placements. MRINetwork professional search franchises were divested into MRI Operations LLC effective January 1, 2026, with HireQuest retaining a 40% equity interest.

Customers and end markets

End customers are businesses hiring temporary workers in light industrial, construction, and blue-collar segments. Franchisees are the direct customers of HireQuest's royalty and support services. The company operates through franchisee-owned local offices where the majority of customer interactions occur.

Value-chain role

Franchisor and back-office service provider. HireQuest supplies brand, technology, training, workers' compensation insurance program, financing, and operational support. Franchisees own local offices, recruit and dispatch temporary workers, and bear direct customer relationships.

Geographic exposure

Nationwide U.S. footprint. Corporate headquarters in Goose Creek, SC. The filing describes the company as one of the largest direct-dispatch temporary staffing providers in the light industrial and blue-collar segments measured by number of offices, with a nationwide presence enabling competition for national account relationships.

Source: SEC 10-K, filed 2026-03-31

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