Jim and Gavin Craig

Jim Craig and wife Gavin Craig opened the first Maryland franchise of Express Employment Professionals (formerly Express Personnel Services) in 1997.  Located in Columbia, MD, this Express office serves the entire Baltimore / Washington Business Corridor between the Baltimore and DC Beltways. Since 1997, the Craigs have achieved numerous awards, including the Express Fast Track, Fab 5, and Trendsetter awards, as well as the prestigious Circle of Excellence Award for 19 straight years since 1998. Express in Columbia, MD, has consistently been in the top 20% of all offices in the Express system and has been a consistent top three performer in the Northeast for several years. Jim and Gavin attribute their success to hard work, a well-trained and enthusiastic team, and understanding their clients’ needs while providing superior solutions to their staffing challenges. This office thrives on strong partnerships and friendships with some of best clients in the Baltimore, Columbia, Jessup, Elkridge, Savage, Laurel, Beltsville, Hanover, Catonsville, Halethorpe, and Glen Burnie areas.

Prior to opening, Jim received his bachelor's degree in Management from Penn State University in State College, PA. After graduating he became a Sales Rep with Xerox Corp, benefiting from one of the nation’s most prestigious Sales Training programs. While at Xerox, Jim routinely attended the Xerox Training facility in Leesburg, VA. Each visit enabled Jim to be introduced to the Baltimore/DC area as he developed the sales skills and entrepreneurial fundamentals that would lead to opening his first Express franchise. After 6 years at Xerox, Jim went on to sell software for Parametric Technology Corp for a few years. In 1997, Jim was recruited and encouraged to join the staffing industry by another Express Franchisee – his father Leo. Jim immediately loved the idea of finding good jobs for people and also good people for great clients and found his calling. After researching many markets, Jim decided to pursue his entrepreneurial dream and open an Express franchise in the beautiful Chesapeake Bay area that he had visited so many times and to rekindle a deep love for boating on the Annapolis area rivers where he had previously sailed with family and friends. Together, Jim and Gavin rented out their Pennsylvania home, packed up the moving van, and ventured a few hours south to open the first Express office in the state of Maryland in Columbia in August of 1997. 

Gavin Craig graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Wesley College in Delaware, and then moved on to a successful career selling homes for Coldwell Banker in Bucks County, PA. Before the birth of their two children Gavin was the Operations Manager of Express until 2001 and had a large and significant impact on the early and quick success in the late ‘90s. Still a recruiting machine, Gavin currently works part time with Express when needed, allowing her time to devote to their two children while serving on volunteer committees in Severna Park, MD. 

The Columbia, MD, franchise of Express Employment Professionals has been a member of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber, American Staffing Association, and proud sponsors of Children's Miracle Network, Casey Cares, and the Wounded Warriors Project. Express Employment Professionals has served over a thousand clients in and around the Columbia area since 1997. The Craig's and their qualified staff help local job seekers find great jobs while helping great clients find well qualified associates. Express offers a full line of HR and staffing solutions including traditional temporary staffing and direct hire placement in a variety of fields, including office services, customer service, technical, professional and light industrial positions. Express has a unique and ISO certified hiring process and is proud to be able to offer health benefits to our wonderful associates immediately.