Advantage Tech, Inc. ("ATI") was started by Andrew Marquardt and David O'Brien. Marquardt had been practicing employment law full time, and in particular, representing computer consultants who were being sued by their agencies for alleged violations of their non-compete agreements. Marquardt felt the lawsuits exposed a problem in the industry. In particular, he believed everyone should be allowed to earn a livelihood, but some of these agencies were not seeking legitimate ends, rather they were seeking to put the consultant out of work. That type of treatment exemplified the need for a more open philosophy regarding consultants.

Marquardt brought up the idea of starting a venture together with his brother-in-law, O'Brien, at the Kansas City American Royal Barbecue in October 1997. O'Brien had been working for a national company selling its IT staffing and consultancy services. O'Brien had worked in Kansas City, and assisted in opening and running an Omaha office. His skills were a must if the venture was ever to get off the ground. Marquardt and O'Brien talked several more times in the following weeks. Neither had a formal business plan, or anything in writing. Both men simply agreed Marquardt would finance the operation while he continued practicing law, and O'Brien would be the initial selling and recruiting engine.

As a result of their entrepreneurial seizure, Marquardt and O'Brien opened ATI's doors on January 12, 1998. As we look to the future, ATI has confronted numerous issues common to any growing business, including but not limited to, fast growth problems, market uncertainty, personnel problems, and appropriate goals and direction. ATI partners with organizations that value the consultant's role and understand how the consultant helps the business become better. In true partnerships, cost is rarely the issue, rather, experience, quality of work, retention programs, benefits and considerations unique to the project provide the overall framework of the partnership.

To contribute to our customers’ and consultants’ success by finding the right people for the right teams.


Honest.  Hard-Working.  Passionate. 



CEO Andrew Marquardt co-founded the Sparks of Hope Foundation, a Kansas City based not-for-profit that exists to provide local funding to charitable organizations that do not receive national funding. Over the years, Sparks of Hope has helped the Solace House (a place for grieving families), Amethyst Place (a home for destitute mothers), Turning Point (helping families in crisis), Sunflower House (uncovering abuse), KCCVI (helping the visually impaired, the Boulevard Free Health Clinic (aiding those who can’t afford healthcare), and a host of other small charities in the Kansas City area.

Advantage Tech continues to be an annual key sponser for the Walk for PKD. Polycystic Kidney Disorder affects 600,000 Americans and over 12 million children and adults worldwide. Visit www.pkdcure.org for more information.

Our employees are also committed to their own causes throughout their respective communities.