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As Odyssey Information Services celebrates its 25th anniversary, we sat down with CEO Jon Hibbs to reflect on the journey that started it all. From the early vision to the challenges faced and the legacy built, Jon shared insights into the company’s origins and the pivotal moments that shaped its success.
The Vision & Inspiration
In the late 1990s, Jon Hibbs and Todd Kirkby found themselves at a crossroads. After the company they worked for was acquired twice, they grew frustrated with the structural changes and realized it was no longer the right fit. One night, Jon went home and started drafting a business plan, a process that took three weeks. Shortly after, they made a bold move- quitting their jobs on the same day. Three months later, Odyssey Information Services was born.
March 2000 marked a defining moment when Odyssey placed its first two contractors at a major bank and an oil company. This initial success gave the company momentum, allowing it to expand rapidly. That same year, Odyssey made a crucial hire: Rudy Ramirez, the company’s first recruiter, who remains an integral part of the team 25 years later.
From day one, Jon and Todd were committed to building a company based on trust, integrity, and quality service. While their mission evolved over the years, their dedication to providing exceptional IT solutions and building lasting relationships remained at the heart of everything Odyssey did. Odyssey's first slogan was "the way technical recruiting should be."
Early Challenges & Milestones
Starting a company wasn’t without its risks. The biggest challenge in the first year? Cash flow. With no income or health insurance for six months, the uncertainty was daunting. Fortunately, Texas Capital Bank believed in their vision and provided the financial backing needed to launch Odyssey.
As a new company, gaining access to vendor lists was a significant hurdle. However, through persistence and strategic hiring, Odyssey began securing contracts and establishing credibility in the industry. By the end of 2000, the company had exceeded its initial growth projections and headcount goals.
As Odyssey continued to grow, the company expanded its presence beyond its original headquarters. Fifteen years ago, Odyssey opened its Houston office to better serve clients in the area and capitalize on the city's thriving business landscape. Led by Martin and Stacey Siebert, the Houston office has played a critical role in Odyssey’s expansion, strengthening its reach in key industries and further solidifying its reputation for excellence. The Houston team embodies Odyssey’s core values, fostering strong relationships with both clients and employees while driving business growth.
Building a Legacy: A People-First Culture
One of Jon’s biggest achievements is the caliber of talent Odyssey has attracted and retained. Employee tenure is one of the most defining aspects of Odyssey’s culture, with many team members staying for 10 to 20-plus years, growing alongside the company. One of Jon's proudest moments was having the opportunity to hire many of the talented professionals he and Todd had worked with before their previous company shut down. Bringing familiar faces onto the team helped Odyssey build a strong foundation of loyalty and expertise among its first employees.
“I take care of people during hard seasons, especially when I know they will bring business back,” Jon shares. Loyalty is at the heart of Odyssey—employees feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. Jon has always believed in taking risks and investing in his people, fostering a deep sense of commitment. That level of dedication is what makes Odyssey different. His approach has always been to "do everything you can" to support employees, ensuring they grow alongside the company.
One particularly memorable hire was Steve Donaldson. After the company he worked for went under in May 2009, Jon saw an opportunity to bring him on board. Steve’s expertise helped shape Odyssey’s professional services division. As the company continued to grow, it transitioned into a predominantly Statement of Work (SOW) firm, hiring professionals to lead and execute major projects. This shift led to $40 million in SOW revenue, accounting for 60% of the company’s total earnings.
Reflecting on the company’s 25-year milestone, Jon admits he never imagined Odyssey would last this long. “No—absolutely not. The plan was to sell it at some point because that’s what you did,” he recalls. But as the years passed, the company’s culture, relationships, and success made it clear that Odyssey was built to last.
Looking Ahead
As Odyssey steps into the next 25 years, the company remains committed to growth, innovation, and maintaining the values that have driven its success. From its humble beginnings to becoming an industry leader, Odyssey Information Services is a testament to vision, perseverance, and the power of building meaningful relationships.
Here’s to 25 years of excellence—and many more to come!