In 1985, the partners of Innovative Display & design, Inc. were still in college planning and hoping for success in business. The study of industrial business led them into the world of trade show exhibits, and in 1986, with $150 dollars each, the three officially opened the company, building small, customized exhibits and point of purchase displays. With the departure later that year of one of the original partners, Donna Shea, another classmate from the University of Bridgeport's industrial design department joined the team. Donna brought a dynamic sales and marketing approach to the young company, and along with Gene Shapiro and Andrew Pandiani began to make the company grow.

The three learned early on to respect each others' talents and use their individuality to do what was best for the company. With Andrew handling the production, Gene the financial aspect and Donna sales & marketing they turned a $450 original cash investment into a multimillion dollar corporation.