Fast-Growing Software Firm Leading EDJE Moving Across Dublin to Bridge Park

Fast-growing IT and custom software maker Leading EDJE LLC is staying in Dublin but moving across town to Bridge Park, where it plans to nearly double its headquarters staff.

The 12-year-old company's sublease expires this year at an office on a Perimeter Drive roundabout just outside the I-270 outerbelt. Leasing 8,200 square feet in Bridge Park will double its current space, with room to host technology education and networking events.

“We’re viewing Dublin as a whole, and particularly Bridge Park as the technology hub of the Midwest,” co-founder and CEO Joelle Brock said. “We want to bring as much technical talent to Dublin as possible.”

Most of the company's 70 employees work from home or at client sites, but the office is a central spot for engineers to work on group projects, as well as a home base for the sales team. It moved from Columbus three years ago.

"It's going to be a really cool space for collaboration – high energy, a lot of fun," Brock said. "If you look at our core values, Bridge Park represents those to a T."

Bridge Park provides energy and a mix of shopping, restaurants and entertainment that will improve retention and attraction of talent, Brock told me.

"The millennials aren’t going to be 'millennials' forever," she said. "They're going to have kids and they're going to want them to have good schools. I view Bridge Park as the opportunity for everyone to have an urban experience in the suburbs."

The vibrant location could also draw in new clients, Brock said. Working with the city, Leading Edje plans a "buy local" campaign for IT services.

Leading Edje plans to add 16 jobs to a base of 19 at the office. Jobs also will count for employees stationed at a client within the city.

Information technology makes up 10.5% of Dublin's workforce, triple the national average, the city said.

"The city has a strategic initiative focused on growing this industry sector," Economic Development Director Colleen Gilger said in a statement. “Retaining this successful IT company plays into our ability to continue growing Dublin’s already strong economy.”

Dublin City Council on Monday approved a $76,000 relocation grant and an up to $90,000 job creation incentive based on 18% of income tax withholding for five years if the company meets its hiring targets and other terms of the deal.

The company also had evaluated moving to the Pointe at Polaris in Columbus, Brock said.

Leading EDJE had $8.3 million revenue last year, and this year opened a Nashville office. Named for the initials of its four co-founders, the company has made Columbus Business First's Fast 50 list seven times.

Check out Brock's recent interview in the Women of Influence podcast here.