First Edge Solutions Celebrates 8th Anniversary with Ongoing Innovation and Expansion

First Edge Solutions, a leader in integrated multi-channel communication, print and document management services, celebrates its eighth anniversary this year with continued innovation and expansion. Starting with just one person in 2003, First Edge now has two communications manufacturing facilities, four office locations and nearly 100 employees. The company has built a strong offering in full service multi-channel and customer relationship marketing, as well as complete enterprise-level document management. As a result, First Edge provides a unique and comprehensive suite of solutions, from growth- and relationship-oriented communications, to data-intensive, highly regulated business communications.

“Every day customers impose tighter deadlines, while still expecting high quality and superior service. Because of the way we have built our company, we can move their content faster than anyone else, whether that’s an insurance EOB or a high-impact, personalized mailer. As the industry continues to shift towards better digital output options, the First Edge Solutions model proves itself every day as the future of print, document management and integrated marketing communications in our global economy,” said First Edge President and CEO, Robert Kraft.

Highlights and Accomplishments

Consistent innovation, outstanding service and visionary thinking have marked the company’s first eight years in business:

Strategic Growth through Acquisitions – Strategic expansions started early with acquisitions that delivered new core competencies, such as proprietary software development capabilities that complement a robust operation platform. This growth immediately propelled First Edge Solutions to become one of the largest digital print communication firms in both Wisconsin and Arizona.

Most recently in 2011, First Edge acquired the TAKA Group, a full-service marketing and design firm in Scottsdale, AZ. Renamed the FE Agency, this addition expands First Edge capabilities to bring clients full service marketing from creative and campaign development to execution, with closely monitored ROI. “I’m excited to be part of an industry leading company that stays ahead with new technology. I’m looking forward to leveraging the new, combined services to bring greater value to our clients,” said Aaron Kilby, former Managing Partner of TAKA Group and now Senior Vice President of Marketing & Creative Services for FE Agency.

Meet-Meme Social Media Trading Cards – First Edge developed customized social media trading cards that bring users’ online personas to the offline world and expand networking efforts with an engaging extension of their personal brand. Each customized trading card connects on a deeper level than traditional business cards or expensive high-tech devices. Scanning the card’s QR code or entering a personal URL instantly transports the viewer to a digital version of the Meet-Meme trading card, with links to preferred social media communication channels. People can immediately connect across online and offline spaces such as email, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, FourSquare, blogs, personal websites, telephone, snail mail, and other places in the user’s profile. More information can be found at www.meet-meme.com.

Multi-channel Communications Services – First Edge offers a rich, multi-channel approach that gives clients the communications mix that best suits their goals, from trusted paper-based materials to convenient digital delivery. “With a full communications supply chain, we are independent of what happens in the content space, because we deliver customers’ content using almost any channel,” said Kraft.