20 Years of Staffing Excellence - The ATR Story

Since its beginning, ATR International, Inc. has focused on developing strong customer and partner relationships - ones that have matured and endured over time. When Maria Novoa and Jerry Brenholz founded the company in 1988, they could not have imagined the impact ATR would have on Silicon Valley and the industry as a whole.

The idea for ATR, or Advanced Technical Resources as the company was originally known, started 20 years ago when Jerry, an engineer with a master’s degree from Santa Clara University, saw an opportunity that no one else did.

While enjoying a successful 18-year career in the technology industry, Jerry recognized something that few others noticed. As most agencies provided lower skilled temporary staffing services there were very few firms that were able to sufficiently appreciate and service higher skilled technical professionals, or for that matter, satisfy the unique requirements of technology-based companies. And thus, Jerry’s vision was born.

As the company grew and matured, ATR's focus on technology staffing put it in a unique position that allowed it to take early advantage of many of the business trends that are now mainstream. For example, in the mid-90's, ATR built the very first website for one of Silicon Valley’s major companies. ATR was also one of the first staffing firms to integrate a database into its daily operations. And in 1994, ATR was one of the first staffing firms to receive ISO 9001:2000 certification that formalized consistency and quality in its business processes. However, most significantly, ATR was one of the very first staffing firms that introduced and provided substantial employee benefits to the contractors, which in turn shaped a more reliable and loyal workforce.

As ATR enters its third decade, it continues to expand its capabilities and service offerings while keeping its focus on technical innovations. It is ATR’s goal to take the lead and continue to advance the standards of staffing industry practices so others may follow. This vision is reflected in its core values.

“No matter how tough the future may be, our core values must never be discarded,” says Jerry. “Integrity, excellence and respect for the individual must always be the vanguards that guide ATR to reaching higher standards in the future. When I think about what we have been able to accomplish over the last 20 years, it's really amazing. I'm looking forward to the next 20 years."

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our accomplishment.