First Step Staffing Philadelphia: Seven Years of Growth and Community Impact

By Teresa Araco Rodgers

Since launching in Philadelphia in 2018, First Step Staffing has evolved from a local startup into one of the city's most significant workforce development success stories. What began as a staffing company with a mission has grown into a cornerstone of Philadelphia's employment landscape, demonstrating how innovative approaches to staffing can create meaningful change in communities.

Philadelphia: The Foundation of Success

Philadelphia remains First Step Staffing's largest revenue market, and for good reason. The company has established deep roots in the community, recently opening a new office in North Philadelphia to better serve the neighborhoods where many of their employees live and work. This strategic expansion reflects First Step's commitment to being accessible to the communities they serve.

The numbers tell a compelling story of impact. Over 15,000 employees have been retained through First Step Staffing's programs in Philadelphia, representing not just jobs, but careers and opportunities for advancement. Perhaps most significantly, the company has generated $131 million in wages for Philadelphia workers – money that flows directly into local communities, supporting families and strengthening neighborhoods.

Solving Real Problems with Creative Solutions

One of First Step Staffing's most innovative approaches addresses a fundamental barrier to employment: transportation. Recognizing that many potential employees face challenges getting to work sites, the company operates a fleet of 11 vans throughout the Philadelphia area. This practical solution removes a major obstacle to employment while ensuring reliable attendance for their clients.

This transportation initiative exemplifies First Step's broader philosophy of identifying and solving the real-world challenges that prevent people from accessing stable employment. Rather than simply placing workers and moving on, they've built infrastructure to support long-term success.

A Year of Strategic Focus

As First Step Staffing enters 2025, leadership has designated this as a "settling in year." After years of rapid expansion, the company is taking a strategic pause on entering new markets to focus on strengthening existing operations and carefully considering capital allocation decisions.

The company's financial trajectory reflects this measured approach to growth. With current revenue at $68 million, First Step has set an ambitious but achievable goal of reaching $100 million in revenue nationally. Supporting this growth is a dedicated team of 65 employees who manage programs across all markets, ensuring consistent quality and service delivery.

Building for Sustainable Impact

What sets First Step Staffing apart in the crowded staffing industry is their long-term view of both business success and community impact. Rather than chasing rapid expansion at all costs, they're investing in the infrastructure and relationships that support sustainable growth.

The Philadelphia market serves as both the company's largest revenue generator and its proving ground for innovative workforce solutions. The lessons learned here – from transportation logistics to community engagement – inform their approach in other markets and contribute to their overall success.

Looking Ahead

As First Step Staffing continues to mature, their Philadelphia operations remain central to their identity and strategy. The combination of strong financial performance, innovative problem-solving, and genuine community impact positions them well for continued growth.

The company's measured approach to expansion, focus on employee retention, and commitment to addressing real barriers to employment suggests that their next phase of growth will be as thoughtful and impactful as their first seven years in Philadelphia.

For a city that has long struggled with unemployment and underemployment challenges, First Step Staffing represents a model of how private enterprise can create meaningful change while building a successful business. Their story in Philadelphia is far from over – it's entering an exciting new chapter of strategic growth and deepened community impact.