Building a Mission-Driven Brand From Day One
Building Relationships
Launching a startup is difficult. Launching one in a highly specialized, trust-based market is even harder.
Since its founding in 2020, Emergency DECON Services (EDS) has grown from a bold new venture into a recognized force across Long Island and the New York region – helping fire departments reduce exposure to harmful contaminants linked to firefighter cancer risk.
From the beginning, CS Designworks has been proud to serve as EDS’s strategic branding and marketing partner – helping transform an important mission into a credible, scalable, and highly visible business.
The Relationship Began Before the Launch
Our partnership with founder Rich Gross began well before EDS was formed. We previously worked together at Rockefeller Group Technology Solutions, where Rich served as COO. That relationship was built on trust, execution, and shared standards – qualities that continued when Rich launched EDS along with Tom Riedel.
When it came time to build a new company from the ground up, he knew the brand would matter from day one.
The Challenge
EDS was entering a niche market that required more than marketing. It required education.
Many fire departments were increasingly aware of carcinogen exposure, contaminated turnout gear, and the long-term health risks facing firefighters. But awareness alone does not build a company.
EDS needed:
• A trusted and professional brand identity
• Clear messaging around complex safety issues
• Marketing materials that established credibility quickly
• A digital presence that generated awareness and leads
• Ongoing communications to support rapid growth
The challenge was not simply visibility. It was trust at scale.
“I’ve worked with Nick since my days as COO at Rockefeller Group Technology Solutions, so when it came time to launch EDS, I knew the importance of building a strong brand from day one. CS Designworks has been instrumental in helping us establish a professional market presence, elevate awareness within the firefighter community, and support our rapid growth. From branding and website development to ongoing marketing, trade shows, and social media, they have become a true strategic partner in helping us expand our reach and communicate our mission.”
– Rich Gross, Founder, Emergency DECON Services
Building the Brand
CS Designworks partnered with EDS to create a complete market presence – from strategy through execution.
Our turnkey involvement included:
• Logo design and brand identity
• Website design and development
• Sales collateral and marketing materials
• Trade show graphics and event materials
• Advertising campaigns
• Ongoing social media campaigns
For a startup, every touchpoint matters. We ensured the brand looked established long before it was.
Supporting a Growing Business
EDS initially focused on apparatus cleaning, decontamination services, superior products, and industry education. As the business gained traction, the company expanded by acquiring the RedLine NY franchise – adding on-site turnout gear cleaning through a specialized mobile unit.
Today, EDS can clean and decontaminate up to 42 sets of turnout gear in a single day.
AI-Powered Marketing Efficiency
Using a dedicated AI-trained internal knowledge base built around EDS content, services, messaging, and history, we streamlined campaign development – particularly across social media and ongoing communications.
The Impact
Since launch, EDS has become a known and trusted name throughout Long Island and the New York market, securing relationships with numerous fire departments and expanding service capabilities.
What began as a startup is now a respected regional brand with real operational momentum.
Built for What Comes Next
Launching something meaningful? Scaling faster than your marketing can keep up?
Whether you're a startup building credibility or an established company entering a new growth phase, CS Designworks helps organizations turn vision into visible momentum.
The ultimate inspiration is the deadline.
 Nolan Bushnell