CEI Staffing
About the Company
CEI Staffing is a temporary staffing agency specializing in providing workforce solutions to government agencies and private companies. It assumes employment-related costs, such as workers’ compensation and health insurance, which makes it an attractive option for clients seeking temporary or permanent staffing without long-term commitments. The company’s main focus is city, county, and state government contracts, along with some private sector partnerships.
CEI’s operations aim to ease staffing challenges for businesses while creating job opportunities for individuals. With a professional and accessible customer service model, the company ensures that both clients and candidates have a positive experience. CEI has expanded its services to various states, including Rhode Island, New York, and North Carolina, while maintaining its headquarters in Florida.
Idea Behind Company
Eddie Edwards Jr. was inspired to start CEI Staffing after working as an investigator for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and gaining supervisory experience in the jail commissary department. Frustrated by the bureaucracy of his career, he decided to become an entrepreneur. Edwards gained valuable experience as a project manager for a family-owned staffing company in Atlanta, where he saw the potential for a similar business in Florida.
When his contract ended in 2004, Edwards launched his own staffing agency. To avoid competing with his family’s Atlanta-based firm, he focused on state and local government contracts in Florida. His previous experience in government and his understanding of their procurement processes helped him secure initial contracts and lay the foundation for his business.
Creating the Company
CEI Staffing’s business model centers on connecting temporary employees with companies in need. Many of its clients are government agencies, though some private sector businesses also use its services. By taking on the costs of insurances and payroll, CEI provides a cost-effective and low-risk staffing solution.
The company’s customer-first approach has been key to its success. From the start, CEI prioritized direct and responsive communication with clients and employees, ensuring that inquiries and issues were addressed quickly. This focus on professionalism and availability distinguished CEI from competitors and helped it build a loyal customer base.
Launching the Business
Launching CEI Staffing required careful planning and strategic decision-making. Edwards’ military background provided him with insights into government operations, which he used to successfully bid on contracts. He emphasized understanding the requirements of proposals and presenting competitive pricing and expertise.
CEI’s marketing strategy combined robust online campaigns through platforms like Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn with word-of-mouth referrals. The company’s recruiting department also leveraged platforms such as Indeed to attract qualified candidates. Despite limited initial resources, CEI’s emphasis on customer service and satisfaction helped it steadily grow its client and candidate base.
Earnings
CEI Staffing has grown significantly since its inception, reaching $170,000 in monthly revenue and over $2 million in annual earnings. The company’s success stems from its strong customer relationships, strategic use of technology, and ability to adapt to industry changes. For example, the widespread use of the internet allowed CEI to expand its client base beyond its local area, securing contracts in multiple states.
Despite challenges such as delayed payments and lost contracts, CEI has maintained its financial stability. Edwards’ business acumen and willingness to adapt have ensured the company’s resilience and long-term success. Looking ahead, CEI Staffing plans to continue navigating economic uncertainties while exploring new opportunities for growth in both government and private sectors.
