Meet the Owner

Steve & Daina Bowman

Founders

After successful careers in corporate America, Steve and Daina Bowman purchased the Express Employment Professionals office from the owner of the Vernon Hills franchise in 2006. At the time, it was the second-oldest Express office in Illinois. Since 2009, the Bowman family has operated out of Libertyville’s Cambridge Plaza.

In memoriam of Steve Bowman (1949–2018), whose vision, leadership, and dedication were instrumental in building the foundation of the Libertyville office and whose legacy continues to guide the team today.

In 2015, Erika Waehler (née Bowman) became part-owner of the Libertyville office after spending several years in a variety of roles within Express. By 2018, Erika became the primary Franchisee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Over her 15-year career with Express, Erika has served as a Front Office Coordinator, Industrial & Onsite Recruiter, Office Services & Professional Staffing Specialist, and Operations Manager. She has earned the prestigious President’s Club Award twice and helped lead the team to more than 15 consecutive years of Circle of Excellence, Express’s highest honor for performance and achievement.

Continuing the family legacy, Erika welcomed her sister, Melissa Dearth, back into the business in 2019 as Operations Manager. Together, as second-generation leaders, Erika and Melissa carry forward the mission their parents began: helping as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people.

In 2026, the Libertyville office is proud to celebrate 20 years of serving Libertyville and the surrounding communities, honoring two decades of commitment to local businesses, job seekers, and the enduring Bowman family legacy.

Erika Waehler

Franchisee

Erika is a second‑generation Express franchisee for the Libertyville location. She began her career with Express in 2008 as an intern, learning the fundamentals of the business while completing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point.

After graduating, Erika joined the Express office in Madison, WI, where she managed large‑volume commercial accounts until 2012. She then returned to Libertyville to launch the Office Services division, expanding the office’s capabilities and service offerings. Since then, she has earned the President’s Club Award twice and officially became a franchisee alongside her parents in 2015.

Erika is passionate about developing her internal team, driving sales, and making a meaningful impact on the local business community throughout Lake County.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, cooking, gardening, practicing Pilates, and spending time outdoors fishing and hiking.

Email Erika