Minnesota's First IT Staffing Firm

A lot has changed in information technology since ESP Systems Professionals opened its Minneapolis office in 1968. IBM, Intel and Nokia were just starting to develop computers and programs, and an Electronic Data Processing (EDP) trainee earned just $6,000 a year. ESP made its first permanent placement in 1969 and placed its first consultant in 1970.

Since then, ESP has placed over 12,000 IT professionals in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire roles at Fortune 500, mid-sized corporations, and emerging growth companies in Minnesota.

In 1987, ESP evolved from primarily a permanent hire firm to offering IT consulting, contract programming and project management options for clients. By 1993, ESP had become one of the largest, privately held IT staffing firms in the upper Midwest. We did it by building the business on ideals and practices of integrity, value and commitment to clients and employees.  

Inc. Magazine named ESP one of the Best Small Companies to Work for in America. In 1996, ESP’s IT consulting and contract services merged with the public company, Cotelligent Inc., a national consulting firm looking to expand its upper Midwest presence.

ESP continues to be the most trusted IT staffing firm in the Twin Cities area with a long-tenured staff and the largest proprietary database in the Twin Cities. We uphold the same level of professional standards, personal values and client success by continuing to identify the best candidates in direct hire, contract-to-hire, and IT consulting. We begin with a commitment to quality and what follows is excellent customer service that exceeds both client and candidate expectations. After more than 40 years, our success still comes from placing people first.