Partnership in works between YBI, PeopleKeys


By Brandon Klein

bklein@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Business Incubator has a new partner to provide additional services for its portfolio companies.

The downtown incubator has reached a “philosophical agreement” with Boardman-based PeopleKeys Inc., said Barb Ewing, chief operating officer of YBI.

PeopleKeys has provided tools to measure the connection between personality and human behavior for the last 30 years.

“In almost every case, the formula for ongoing success for start-up companies is putting the right team together so that a culture of excellence continues throughout the organization in all positions needing filled,” Jim Cossler, CEO of YBI, said in a statement. “PeopleKeys uses personality testing and DISC [dominance, influence, steadiness, and compliance] behavioral analysis techniques to help companies find the right people to add to the team.

“They also help companies understand how to place new hires in an environment that helps the individual and the company reach their ultimate potential. This is a great help to the companies working with the YBI, and a substantial contributing factor to the high success rates we’ve seen.”

Ewing said details of the agreement still need to be “ironed out” before the final version can be presented to the board of directors for approval April 20. If approved, PeopleKeys would help portfolio companies identify their leadership styles and skills, which would help them select staff to complement them, she said.

PeopleKeys Inc. relocated to 8392 Tod Ave. in Boardman from New Castle, Pa., almost three years ago.

The company released the following statement: “PeopleKeys’ President Sandy Kulkin appreciates working with the YBI. We have been working internationally with organizations and companies and now are pleased to be working with the No. 1 university-affiliated business incubator in the world right here in Youngstown.”