Presidential Point of View--With Ken Roberts

September 28, 2007

As President of your organization what does an average day look like?

Morning: checking mail, voice mail, phone calls, study status, sales activity. Mid-day: client calls, proposal writing, project advise, time at the gym, quick lunch at my desk. Afternoon: mostly client contact, proposals/pricing, any company financials/operations issues, prepping for the next day, out the door around 6:30 or 7:00. Evenings: Check calendar/email, light correspondence right before going to bed.

What was the best business decision you ever made?

To start this business in partnership with Sandy Cooper.

As a business leader how do you measure success?

The growth of my people, the growth of our business, and respect among our peers

Are there certain qualities that you look for in people you are hiring?

We try to find the folks where research is in their blood--where it is a passion and not just a job.

Who do you admire the most in the research community?

After all of these years, I still have to say Sandy Cooper.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Lead by example, treat people with respect, empower them to do right.

Please list 3 words that describe your self

Mentoring, curious, passionate

What inspired you to get into the market research industry?

I'm the oddball that started in M.R. right out of school. It was that or actuarial work. A course I took in school interested me.

How do you motivate your employees?

We work hard at building a true team environment. This includes simple things such as bringing pizza or beer in for lunch occasionally, the entire office went sailing this summer, I have a company BBQ at my home every year. I think it's important it is at my home and not a public place. The entire office runs in the Chase Corporate Challenge. We congratulate everyone for the good work they do--share the compliments from clients. We also let them have the growth, both internally and with outside education, they want and need. Most of all, we treat everyone with respect. They know that just because I am the boss, it doesn't mean I always have the best answer.

What do you do for fun when you aren't working?

Exercise, running (run 3 5k+ races a year), photography, food and wine (have built up a substantial wine cellar), hanging out at our weekend place in the middle of a forest.

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