If you are coming to PeopleSpace, double check your address and make sure you’re going to 1691 Kettering St.. Here is why…

PeopleSpace Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has been in operation in Irvine Ca. since 2013. We are currently fighting for our trademark since another PeopleSpace Inc (registered in Delaware) decided to move in the same zip code (less than a mile away) in 2019!

So you must be asking… How is this possible?

Our mission has been to serve entrepreneurs with community and a place to work since 2013. For the past 9 years, we have evolved from helping local entrepreneurs to hosting an AI Program with International Exchange Students. Applied education has always been the forefront of our purpose.

In 2019, another PeopleSpace Inc opened up in Irvine under the same zip code, less than one mile away from us using capital P and S… just like us. I tried to contact the secretary of state inquiring about their registration in California but apparently, nobody cares. I also email the city since they should not have been granted a DBA in California… again no one responded.

Luckily, Knobbe Martens is so amazing to take us on as a client and has been fighting for us diligently and tirelessly the past 2 years! It’s unresolved at the moment due to their ample amount of funds and their ability to stall progress.

We are registered in California while they are registered in Delaware. It appears that they are doing business as Interior Office Solutions (IOS) in California but use the branding of PeopleSpace. Trademark law considered them as a different category since they “sell furniture” and we rent out workspace.

What a coincidence that they are able to ride on my trade mark and SEO to redirect traffic! They SELL furniture to workspace and we ARE a workspace. Clever right?

There’s so much confusion…

We currently receive multiple calls from their vendors, clients and potential employees daily.

I also get their mail as well!

Even Google at one point got us confused and did not understand why there’s two of us. Our listing and information got crossed!

This is so frustrating and they are just trying to stall until I disappear! They have underestimated the power of small businesses and our community!

Help support us and spread the word! Any advice on this is welcomed as well! Can they actually operate here in California when I’ve registered here since 2013? Contact me @ info@peoplespace.us if you have any suggestions!

Hope to see you all soon.

More from Melinda Pang Kim

Love podcasts or audiobooks? Learn on the go with our new app.Try Knowable

After 2 years of no traveling for students and staff, Korean students are able to come back to PeopleSpace for our Summer AI Training Program. On top of their projects, they will be going on adventures like camping, Disneyland and US travels! They’ll be arriving mid July so follow us to meet them all and follow them on their journey! We’ll be posting their adventures in our blog/newsletter and FB Page.

Hire Power Radio

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-88ut5-992342

Melinda Kim: Select Your Founding Team For Your Business Like You Would A Marriage. Only when your Values are Aligned Will it Stop the Breakup!

Founders need to build the cultural foundation before building the product! Building the right team is more important than just any team.

Today’s Quote:

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” ― Helen Keller

Show highlights:

• The importance of taking the time to select the right team
• Recognizing the team challenges
• How to set the right foundation for building a great team

Challenges we see with teams:

• What you really need in a team…Taking anyone is not the right thing to do
• Hiring anyone or for skills dramatically increases the likelihood of failure.
• Founder need to develop their muscles to make smart hiring decisions
• The foundation- transparency & culture
• Purpose- What’s in it for me?
• How and who makes decisions?
• Most importantly, How does the team solve problems?
• Develop the EQ to have the difficult conversations

Framework for Building the Right Team from the Beginning:

• Establish mission, vision & values (as a team)
• Communication standards
• Foster transparency
• Business Model Canvas (product driven)
• Establish process
• Define who you are BEFORE you make your first hire
• Only hire people who mirror your core values and align with your vision
• Great things often come out of conflict

Takeaways:

• Culture first
• Transparency
• Hire people who will take you where you want to go

Melinda Kim is the Executive Director, co-founder of PeopleSpaceOC, an incubator and workspace located in Irvine, Ca. She is a proven executive/entrepreneur who facilitates collaboration and innovation between developers and business entrepreneurs from around the world.

Aside from her responsibilities, Melinda is also a Startup Weekend Facilitator and NASA Space Apps Lead. She specialize in Statistics Driven Product Analysis, Business Strategy, Growth, Community and Social impact.

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-88ut5-992342