Express Employment professionals reported sales rose to $1.86 billion as of the end of July, up 8% compared to the same period last year.

The company, which ranks No 7 on the list of largest US staffing firms, forecast sales of $3.3 billion by the end of the year.

Chairman and CEO Bob Funk said that the credit for the growth goes to the company’s franchisees.

“It’s their willingness to build relationships and maintain face-to-face contact with customers and job seekers that creates success,” Funk said in a statement. “You can’t judge a person’s character just by looking at an online resume or application. You have to talk to people to learn who they are.”

Express has 789 franchise locations and plans to open more sites to reach 800 by the end of the year.