The DPI Group was founded in Portland, Oregon, as DePaul Industries in 1971. Over the years, it has transformed from a small, local nonprofit to a diversified social enterprise with a national reach. The timeline below features some of the key moments in The DPI Group history.
1971
A vocational training and employment program for people with developmental disabilities is formed, after the State of Oregon requested such a program. It is named in recognition of the $100,000 in seed funding provided by the Society of St. Vincent DePaul.
1972
Henry J. Casey donates a vacant building on what is now NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to serve as headquarters for the new venture.
1973
30 to 40 individuals with disabilities are in training and working each day on contract production tasks.
1981
DPI's budget reaches $1.7 million, surpassing the most optimistic forecasts.
1983
As social service funding dries up, DPI's Board begins exploring alternative revenue options, and recruits a business-oriented MBA graduate as executive director, who promotes the idea of a double bottom line—using business to drive social good.
1991
Freightliner Corporation becomes DPI's largest manufacturing customer. Various entrepreneurial businesses spur job growth, including producing fresh-squeezed orange juice, building lawn furniture, and bus shelter cleaning.
1992
DPI launches its temporary staffing agency.
1998
DPI launches its security division.
2004
DPI opens its food and consumer goods packaging facility on Portland's Hayden Island.
2011
By its 40th anniversary, DPI has trained or employed more than 15,000 people with disabilities, and paid wages and benefits of more than $150 million.
2013
DPI opens staffing locations in Baltimore, Maryland, and Sierra Vista, Arizona.
2015
DPI establishes its export business, and is recognized with the New Exporter Award by the Oregon Consular Corps. President & CEO Travis Pearson is invited to meet President Barack Obama to discuss international trade in May 2015.
2016
DPI closes its packaging facility and turns focus to a partnership model for the production of infant formula and food products.
2018
DPI founds the Community Services Network, dedicated to increasing collaboration between Portland nonprofits to help those in need.
2019
DePaul Industries rebrands as The DPI Group and rolls out new identities for three subsidiaries: DPI Staffing, DPI Security and Meadowlark Employment Services. Select DPI opens two new facilities: knife assembly at Fort Rock Tactical and an infant formula manufacturing partnership. And it opens two new facilities: knife assembly at Fort Rock Tactical and an infant formula manufacturing partnership.
2020
DPI launches Northwest Success, a janitorial firm providing cleaning to government agencies and employment for people with disabilities.
2021
During Fiscal Year 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, DPI employs 982 people with disabilities, who earn an average wage of $16.59 per hour and total wages of more than $14 million.
2022
Meadowlark Employment Services increases its offerings to include STEP, the SNAP Employment and Training Program.
2024
DPI expands its reach with new offices in Arkansas and Pennsylvania.
