William Stoller, Co-Founder of Express Employment International, Passes Away at 74

William H. Stoller , who serves as the founder, CEO, and chairman of an organization based in Oklahoma Express Employment International On April 24, as reported by the company, he passed away. His contributions through his business ventures and charitable efforts have positively impacted over 11 million individuals globally. He was 74 years old.

In 1973, Stoller embarked on his journey in the staffing industry with Acme Personnel in Portland, Oregon. He earned praise for his inventive approach, coupled with unwavering honesty and dedication to aiding others' success, as stated in a press announcement. When the firm faced bankruptcy during the early '80s, he joined forces with two former colleagues from Acme—among whom was Bob Funk from Oklahoma City—to establish Express Employment.

They reached two crucial conclusions: becoming a franchise organization and concentrating on temporary assistance—flexible workforce solutions—which could foreshadow today’s “gig economy,” where individuals offer their services on request, much like performers such as actors and musicians have historically done.

Approximately three decades following the establishment of the firm, Stoller took over as CEO from Funk after an extended legal dispute, with most of the specifics remaining under seal. Both Funk and Stoller have stated that their relationship remains amicable.

Growth allowed Express to become one of the biggest employment firms nationwide, and it also relocated its corporate offices to OKC, as reported by The Oklahoman.

In November 2024, Stoller informed The Oklahoman that Express distinguished themselves through their franchise model in an overcrowded market that was rapidly shifting towards online platforms.

"I believe the most crucial aspect is that we operate as a franchise company, which means our business owners work directly in the field and reside near the markets they serve. This proximity provides us with an edge since we understand the local community well; residents know they can approach our branches to seek employment opportunities,” he stated. “Secondly, it’s our corporate culture and values. Our franchisees firmly adhere to the principle of assisting individuals in finding jobs, and this commitment shapes our organizational ethos.”

In addition to his role at Express Employment, he founded and owned the Stoller Winery, which is based in Oregon.

Out of consideration for the family, limited information is currently being withheld, as stated in the press statement from the company. Further specifics regarding funeral plans and additional memorial events will be disclosed at a future date.

The article initially appeared in The Oklahoman. William Stoller, who cofounded Express Employment Professionals based in Oklahoma, has passed away at the age of 74.