text: Below is an context that describes a sql query, paired with an question that provides further information. Write an answer that appropriately completes the request.  # noqa: E501
  ### Context:
  CREATE TABLE Third_Party_Companies (company_name VARCHAR, company_id VARCHAR); CREATE TABLE Maintenance_Contracts (maintenance_contract_company_id VARCHAR, contract_start_date VARCHAR)
  ### Question:
  Which company started the earliest the maintenance contract? Show the company name.
  ### Answer:
  SELECT T1.company_name FROM Third_Party_Companies AS T1 JOIN Maintenance_Contracts AS T2 ON T1.company_id = T2.maintenance_contract_company_id ORDER BY T2.contract_start_date LIMIT 1