I work here at Gongos because, quite simply, it is “home” for me in a professional sense. In my career I’ve worked for another research firm and have twice worked for General Motors. But in the end, I’ve chosen to work here because this company - and the people who work here – are very special. I can’t honestly imagine working anywhere else and feeling as positive and professionally fulfilled as I do.
I consider myself a creative thinker by nature and, in my role as the leader of our newly-formed Research Innovation Team, I get a chance to put my creativity to work every single day. For me, the challenge of working with the talented people in this company to help us become the most innovative research firm in the industry is exciting. Our culture has made it all possible. It places strong emphasis on putting our employee’s talent to the best use possible, even if that means creating new roles and functions within the company. Because of this, I can honestly say that I come to work each day looking forward to new challenges. I know that I can put my talents to work and make a true difference in the company, both now and in the future.
I began my career as a graduate of Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute), working first as a co-op student and then as a strategy analyst for the GM Truck & Bus Group. Following a brief stay at another firm (where I initially met John Gongos), I became one of the original five employees when Gongos was formed in October 1991.
In 1998, I received a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology, and worked as market researcher, as well as a psychotherapist in private practice. In 1999, I was offered a position with GM Powertrain to work in a newly-formed Strategy Development Group and worked as a Senior Strategy Planner, where I led the development of a powertrain market model and worked on a long-term hybrid vehicle strategy for General Motors.
In 2003, I returned to Gongos where I’ve transitioned from being a Senior Project Director to a Research Director in charge of our Research Innovation Team.
My typical week is filled with lots of interactions with various teams working on the development of our new products. On top of that, I’m usually involved with some research projects for our clients (I mostly do work in the consumer electronics industry). Since I’m a focus group moderator, I typically work on developing creative ways of structuring a focus group project. If I’m in the analysis phase of a study, I’ll be working hard at developing a visually engaging and compelling report. When I’m not doing any of the above, I work on various initiatives related to innovation.
First and foremost, I love spending time outside of work with my wife Jill and my infant son, Ethan. You can typically find us outdoors going for a walk or a hike. We love to travel, so researching and planning our next destination is something we enjoy doing as well.
I’m a pretty avid photographer, and I love photographing Ethan. My other favorite photographic subjects are architecture, automobiles, landscapes and nature.