A letter from the CEO.
Three generations of family leadership – since 1985.
It’s humbling to write about my family’s story, as it says so much about where our family business came from and who we are today. It’s a story of grit and gumption, heart and hope — and it’s not only shaped our family’s business, it also shaped me.
At the age of 65, my grandmother Donna lost her job. It was 1985 and she didn’t know where to turn or what to do. Although devastated, she decided to do something radically different, so she made the bold move to start her own company. Her motivation was simple; she never wanted anyone in her family to be without a job. And she wanted to help people in her community find jobs. And yes — there was a little fire in her that said, “I’ll make my own way.”
That spark of determination and grit formed Gage Personnel (Gage Handy) in 1985. She set up shop in a tiny, one-room office on South 5th Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. For my grandmother, it was always about connecting people. And it’s still who we are today.
When my mom, Gwen, joined the business just a year after it began, everything started to shift. The business was growing quickly, but it was her heart, her vision, and her unwavering belief in people that truly shaped what we were becoming. She didn’t just speak to job seekers — she saw them. Every conversation was personal. Every placement mattered. For my mom, it was never just about filling a job; it was about restoring dignity, opening doors, and offering something even more powerful than employment: hope. Gwen’s vision made it clear that this business wasn’t only about staffing. It was about changing lives.
“Innovation and connection remain at the heart of everything we do.”
When my dad, Bill, joined the business, he brought more than leadership — he brought relentless drive and a deep sense of purpose. He’s the kind of person who never really clocks out, always chasing the next opportunity to help someone else. Whether mentoring other staffing business owners, supporting nonprofits, or co-founding the March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies campaign with my mom, Gwen, Bill’s commitment to community has shaped not only our company’s mission but the way we show up every day. His example reminds us that success isn’t just about business—it’s about impact.
And now it’s my turn. It’s still about the initial mission of connection, forged by my grandmother all those years ago. For me, it’s about continuing our traditions and sticking to our roots, and growing our business in the landscape of today’s technology and evolving market. Innovation and connection remain at the heart of everything we do.
Today, Gage Talent & Business Solutions is headquartered in West Reading, Pennsylvania serving clients both locally and nationally. Our client-focused approach has evolved to provide those we serve with personalized solutions that build stronger and smarter teams and make hiring easier for everyone. It’s about meeting every client right where they are, no matter how big or small the business or the challenge.
Almost four decades later, determination, grit, heart, hope, and are the building blocks my grandmother set in place, along with a new vision to provide our clients with exceptional service, innovative tools and our commitment to delivering flexible solutions in a rapidly shifting business environment. And it’s what we will continue to build on for the future. I hope you’ll come along for the ride…we’re just getting started.
With love,
