In companies that offer creative services, such as communications, fashion and design, people shape the company and the right mix is the key to delivering the best results.

The Design People, Inc., a website and online marketing firm, employs over 170 developers, designers and project managers in the U.S. and the Philippines. It credits its success to the people behind the scenes.

Filipino brothers Tiger and Mike Bitanga, run the company from offices in Manila and Los Angeles, respectively. "The Filipinos' creativity is a powerful force," says Mike, general manager of The Design People, Inc.'s Manila operations. "You have to hire the right people who will also be magnets for other artistic types. To become a successful web design studio, you must create an environment that encourages new ideas, design and innovation," he adds.

Apollo Angco is a former commercial model and talent manager who represents recording artists from Canada, the Philippines and other countries. His natural people skills make him a perfect fit as the firm's sales manager.

2007 Philippine Blog Awards winner Richmond Ruiz brings his award-winning expertise as one of the company's web strategists.

When he's not training new designers and directing websites, Jonathan Salialam, creative director, is also a hip hop dance instructor

The Design People, Inc. has launched thousands of websites since it was founded in 1999. Though most of its clients are in the United States, the projects are done locally. One of its recent projects is realtor Hilton & Hyland, whose clients include Hollywood A-listers like Madonna, Johnny Depp, Bruce Willis and Halle Berry. For more details, visit The Design People, Inc., visit http://www.thedesignpeople.com.