Entrepreneur and Recruitment Expert Based in Calgary, Canada
Joseph Majeesh is a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in oil and gas staffing, franchise development, and business management. Born and raised in Kerala, India, Joseph faced financial challenges early in life but persevered, earning both a BBA and an MBA in Human Resources Management. His career began in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a banking officer before transitioning into human resources roles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In 2012, Joseph moved to Canada, where his recruitment expertise quickly established him as a recognized leader in the oil and gas staffing industry. Having worked with top firms like PTW Energy and TRS Staffing, Joseph built a reputation for successfully staffing major oil and gas projects across Canada. Alongside his recruitment career, he ventured into franchise development, launching well-known brands such as Dairy Queen and McDonald’s across Western Canada.
Joseph’s approach to business is deeply rooted in community involvement and personal fulfillment, making him a respected figure in both his professional and social circles. His passion for innovation, dedication to giving back, and commitment to building lasting relationships are at the core of his success.
What inspired you to pursue a career in recruitment and later venture into franchise development?
I think my drive to help people find the right opportunities came from my own journey. Growing up in Kerala, India, I faced financial challenges, and I know firsthand how important it is to have someone who believes in your potential and guides you toward the right opportunities. My transition into recruitment was a natural fit because it allowed me to connect people with life-changing opportunities.
When I moved to Canada and solidified my career in oil and gas staffing, I saw the immense value in franchise development as well. I recognized that I could apply my experience in building teams to building successful businesses. Dairy Queen and McDonald’s were not only great investments but also a way to engage with my community on a larger scale. Both recruitment and franchise development allow me to contribute to people’s lives in meaningful ways, whether it’s through employment or providing a beloved local establishment.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in transitioning from recruitment to franchise development?
The transition was a learning curve because recruitment and franchise development require different skill sets, though they also share some common threads. Recruitment is about understanding people, their skills, and matching them with the right role. Franchise development, on the other hand, is about understanding markets, consumer behavior, and building a business from the ground up.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was adapting to the complexities of running multiple franchise locations while maintaining the quality and brand standards of each. It’s one thing to staff a project and another to manage day-to-day operations and customer satisfaction in a business. However, my experience in recruitment gave me the skills to build strong teams, which has been crucial to the success of my franchise ventures.
How has your background, growing up in Kerala and working in the Middle East, shaped your business philosophy?
Growing up in Kerala taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I didn’t come from wealth, so everything I’ve achieved has been the result of determination and staying focused on my goals. That upbringing made me resourceful and adaptable, two qualities that have served me well throughout my career.
Working in the Middle East further shaped my approach to business. I learned to navigate different cultural contexts and work environments, which gave me a global perspective. The fast-paced and competitive nature of industries in Jeddah and Dubai also prepared me to tackle complex challenges, whether in recruitment or franchise development. I learned the importance of building strong relationships—whether with clients, employees, or business partners—and that has become a cornerstone of my business philosophy today.
In what ways does community involvement play a role in your success?
Community involvement is at the heart of everything I do. Whether it’s through creating jobs in the recruitment industry or opening well-known franchises like Dairy Queen and McDonald’s, I believe that businesses thrive when they give back to the communities they serve. Supporting local events, engaging in charitable efforts, and building relationships with community leaders aren’t just “nice-to-haves” for me; they’re essential.
It’s not only about making a profit; it’s about contributing to something larger. When you invest in your community, people notice, and they support your business because they see that you care. For me, this sense of connection and responsibility brings a deeper level of fulfillment than financial success alone ever could.
How do you balance the demands of multiple businesses while staying engaged with your community?
It all comes down to time management and delegation. I’ve built strong teams that I trust to run the day-to-day operations of my businesses, which gives me the bandwidth to focus on higher-level strategies and, of course, community engagement. I make it a priority to be present at important community events and initiatives, and I encourage my employees to do the same.
That said, I’ve also learned the importance of stepping back from time to time. You can’t do everything yourself. You need to trust your team and empower them to make decisions. This balance allows me to maintain involvement in my businesses without sacrificing my connection to the community or personal fulfillment.
What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in franchise development?
Do your homework. It’s easy to get excited about launching a franchise because of the brand recognition, but not every franchise will work in every market. Understand the local community and customer base before diving in.
Franchise development is about building something that lasts, so take the time to research, plan, and get to know your market. And, of course, always invest in building a strong team. Your employees are the ones who will help carry out your vision and ensure the success of the franchise. Without a dedicated and well-trained team, even the best brands can struggle.
What has been the most fulfilling part of your career journey so far?
Without a doubt, seeing the positive impact my work has on people’s lives. Whether it’s providing someone with their first job, helping them find the right career, or opening a franchise that becomes a staple in the community, it’s incredibly rewarding. I’ve always believed that success isn’t just about financial growth; it’s about making a difference. That’s what drives me every day, and that’s what makes all the challenges worthwhile.
Published by: Martin De Juan
