Celebrating 30 Years of Resilience: Defining Moments

This year, EDI Staffing proudly celebrates 30 years in business! As we celebrate our “Pearl Anniversary,” we’re reminded of the resilience that has kept us going—values that define our team and our work. 

Here’s to many more years of adapting to change while staying true to our mission of connecting exceptional talent with thriving businesses. 

Here are some defining moments over the last 30 years:

The Beginning: 1994

In 1994, the world was on the brink of the digital revolution. Netscape Navigator launched, marking the dawn of the internet era, while businesses relied on fax machines, paper processes, and early email. Today, those tools are relics of the past, replaced by advanced technologies like cloud computing, instant messaging, and AI-driven solutions. 

Major events going on in the world in 1994:

• The Rise of the Internet
• Netscape Navigator Opened the Door to the Digital Future
• Jeff Bezos Founded Amazon
• The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
• Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s First Black President
• Joe Gilbody Founded EDI Specialists Inc.

Through our founder’s experience with Rowenta, Inc. and the Stride Rite Corporation, Joe realized the value of inter-company data exchanges. He saw the potential in forming his own company and began providing top-notch electronic data interchange (EDI) professionals to clients from the front porch of his home.

Resilience Through the Decades

Since 1994, the last three decades have brought both triumphs and challenges. From navigating global disruptions like 9/11 and COVID-19 to weathering economic uncertainties and industry shifts, we’ve proven time and again that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about growing stronger.

After nearly two years, EDI Specialists Inc. expanded into the rest of Joe’s house—and his family relocated. It wasn’t until 1997 that EDI Specialists Inc. bought its first official 20,000-square-foot office building on Bellows Road in Raynham, MA. 

From the early to mid-2000s, EDI Specialists Inc. continued to expand and recorded an impressive growth of about 30-40% year-over-year. During this time, EDI Specialists Inc. attended conferences like Uconnect and GS1 where we would meet most of our early clients.

In 2007, EDI Specialists Inc. expanded its expertise and began offering non-EDI staffing solutions within information technology—despite some objections. Our idea of adding IT service offerings was a pivotal move for the company and has been to this day.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

As we look back, we’re filled with gratitude for the people who have been part of our journey—our employees, clients, and candidates. Their trust and partnership have been the constant threads that have helped us grow, no matter the challenges we’ve faced.

Some of our key milestones:

• Joined the American Staffing Association (2011)

• Rebranded from EDI Specialists Inc. to EDI Staffing (2014)

• Added IT, Accounting, Finance, HR, Admin, and Engineering Services (2018)

• Recognized in Forbes as one of America’s Best Temporary Staffing Firms (2020)

• EDI Staffing Celebrates 30 Years! (2024)

Thank you for 30 remarkable years. Here’s to the future, built on resilience, connection, and the enduring strength that has brought us this far.

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