THE PEOPLE SOURCE GROUP is based on the simple idea that there is a better way.

During their extensive professional careers Principals Barry Meyers and Joel Smith, witnessed many organizations fail or not achieve the level of success they should have enjoyed.  Both men served in senior executive positions in a wide variety of companies, from start-ups and family businesses to Fortune 500 companies.  It was at a local family owned textile finishing and products business that they first met and worked together for 12 years in leadership positions.

When Barry and Joel decided to establish their own business, they discussed where they could make the most significant contribution.  They realized that the variety of their business experience revealed one common theme: Organizations' failure to utilize people in the most effective way.

One of the key reasons for this failure was that many organizations, in their unbridled enthusiasm for growth, often hired new employees automatically before making a tough analysis of what kind of people would best serve their needs.  When the businesses' circumstances changed, they did not possess the flexibility and agility to respond to these changes.  When the inevitable downturn struck, they were too slow to react and therefore, were saddled with an excessive payroll that had to be trimmed at great cost to the bottom line and employee morale.

Barry and Joel developed a better way, and that is the principle that underpins THE PEOPLE SOURCE GROUP.  The principle: An objective analysis should precede the engagement of people.  For some positions or business tasks, full-time employees are the best answer.  However, for many tasks or projects, the use of highly capable consultants, "full-performance people", is the most appropriate strategy.

Barry and Joel founded THE PEOPLE SOURCE GROUP in late 2001 at a critical time when their highly competent consultants and objective counsel were sorely needed.  The last two years have been a roller-coaster ride for most organizations.  The after-effects of technology's bubble burst and 9/11 meant that many companies had to downsize rapidly, but still had the need for important jobs to be completed.  Other companies found that their market niches were experiencing rapid growth, and they needed people fast. Still other companies wanted trained people, but were not ready to consider full-time employees.   All of the organizations needed greater flexibility.

Since its founding, THE PEOPLE SOURCE GROUP began supplying highly qualified consultants, exclusively "full-performance people," to organizations for interim assignments.  Since that time, the group has gained in clients, recognition and credibility.  And, most important, the group has helped an increasing number of organizations succeed because they exercise greater control over their utilization of people resources.

Barry Meyers

Barry has over 30 years of experience in information technology in textiles, paper, printing, newspaper, apparel, manufacturing and distribution.  Barry has held director and manager positions for small to medium sized companies and management positions for start-ups and a Fortune 500 company.  He was a consultant and partner in a computer-service organization that provided part-time consulting and operational support for diverse small business clients.  He has managed and directed technical professionals for over 25 years.

Prior to THE PEOPLE SOURCE GROUP Barry was the Director, Corporate Information Services for a mid sized Apparel manufacturer.  During his career he has had experience in creating and managing teams in both technology and manufacturing environments.  He has been responsible for developing short- and long-term strategic plans and capital and operating budgets.  He has also developed electronic commerce systems used both domestically and internationally.

Barry holds a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from Penn State University, a Master of Business Administration degree in Computer Systems from American University, Washington, DC, along with several technical certifications.  He has continued his education with numerous technical, business and management courses.   He is also on the board of directors of the Entrepreneur's Forum of Greater Philadelphia and serves as the Strategic Planning Officer for the Forum.  Barry was an Officer in the US Army Corps of Engineers and is a Vietnam veteran.

Joel Smith

Joel's experience with technologies is extensive.  At HITEK, Joel supported Sarnoff and its ventures in a variety of technologies, including semi-conductors, low temperature cofired ceramic on metal, pharmaceuticals and hybrid fuel cells.  At TSG, Inc., Joel provided engineering support for numerous products and processes, including polymer and solvent coatings and laminates.

Joel holds a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Towne School of Engineering, University of Pennsylvania.  He has taken numerous advanced courses in management and business.  Joel is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of BioStrategy Partners and serves on the board of BioLaunch 611+ KIZ.  He is the Chair Emeritus of the Small Business Board and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Steering Committee of Mid-Atlantic Diamond Ventures of Temple University and is a founding member of the University of Pennsylvania Center of Organizational Dynamics.