Allegis Corporation

In 1983, two cousins, Steve Bisciotti and Jim Davis, started a company from a basement in Maryland. With secondhand equipment, they launched Aerotek, a staffing firm focused on the aerospace and technology sectors. They weren't just building a company; they were creating the foundation for what would become a global talent enterprise. In its first year, Aerotek generated $1.5 million in sales, signaling the massive potential of their model. The company grew steadily, expanding its services and footprint. A key moment was the decision to separate their booming IT staffing division into its own entity, TEKsystems. This specialization allowed them to dive deeper into specific markets. Eventually, they formed a parent company, initially named Team Aerotek, which was later renamed Allegis Group, to oversee their growing family of brands. Unlike many companies of its scale, Allegis Group has remained privately held throughout its journey, avoiding an IPO. This private status allowed for a different kind of growth strategy, focused on long-term value and strategic acquisitions. The company expanded its portfolio by acquiring specialized firms, such as MarketSource for sales outsourcing and Major, Lindsey & Africa for legal staffing. Today, Allegis Group is the largest privately-held staffing firm in the world, a testament to a journey that started with a simple idea in a basement.