Passing the Torch

When I was 24 years old, I became one of the founders of a new market research company. At that time, I’d only been in research for four years. Young, naïve, and with little to lose, I enthusiastically jumped in. It never occurred to me that I’d spend the next 37 years helping that little startup—TRC Insights—not only survive, but thrive.

I’ve very much enjoyed the ride; navigating massive changes in the industry, evolving our skillset, our products, and our expertise, and working side-by-side with many smart, curious, and talented people.

At the same time, though, there are things I hope to accomplish that go beyond TRC. So, I think it is the right time for me to step back from my day-to-day role as President.

Here again, I am fortunate to have a great team of people who can move TRC forward and see it through whatever challenges lay ahead. Rajan Sambandam, our Chief Research Officer, will take over as President. Though he has “only” been with us for about 30 years, Rajan has been integral in helping steer TRC into the mighty analytics and insights driven firm we are today.

My association with TRC is not done, though. As it happens, my youngest is moving out making my wife and I empty nesters, and I see my new role at TRC in a similar light. I won’t be in the office to offer daily advice and counsel, but I will always keep TRC in my thoughts and continue to check in, as needed, to offer whatever wisdom I’ve gained over 40 years.

I look forward to new things. Not just more golf, but I plan to do more volunteer work, travel, and to finally finish the book I started writing before TRC (as it turns out, starting and running a market research company is more all-encompassing than my 24-year-old self ever imagined).

I’ll close by thanking the many people who have helped to make TRC a success.

First, my other partners at TRC. Ed Olesky has been a partner from day one and a friend for longer than that. Without him, there is no way we’d be where we are. Jennifer Van de Meulebroecke joined us early on, right out of college, and has grown to be one of the top experts in healthcare research. She has personally built some of the best client relationships we have.

Second, our managers and employees whom I’ve had the great pleasure to work with and learn from, and feel deeply gratified by their commitment and loyalty. It has been so much fun seeing my (work) family members develop professionally (new skills, new responsibilities, etc.) as well as develop personally (marriages, kids, etc.).

Third, our clients who have truly defined what being a partner means. Helping them with their most challenging business problems has helped us become a better company.

Last, but not least, my family. My wife has been very supportive of me through many challenging times at TRC. My parents gave me the grounding that drove my success. Running a business can often feel like a very lonely job so having a supportive family is priceless.

I know great, exciting things lie ahead for the market research industry and, of course, for TRC. I look forward to seeing it from a different perspective.