Like a lot of new ideas these days, the original concept for HR-DNA developed over a cup of coffee at Starbucks. John W. Parker, while serving as Director of Leadership Development at First Union, would frequently visit Starbucks and plan ways to transfer his wealth of business experience into his own firm. 



After several months of planning, Parker was introduced to Brent Brower by a mutual friend.  Parker and Brower hit it off and began talking about forming a partnership that would leverage their respective strengths.  Parker's strength was in consulting while Brower was passionate about executive coaching.  The two began meeting regularly at Starbucks to plan the launch of their partnership.  HR-DNA was founded in early 2001 based on Parker and Brower's belief that people ("human resources") represent the DNA of any organization.