Keith, Co-Chief Executive Officer

Keith joined Universal in 2005, bringing extensive corporate management and technology expertise. Since joining, Keith has developed and implemented unique client solutions and redesigned Universal’s infrastructure which has increased system uptime by 80%, as well as providing full hardware and data redundancy.

Prior to Universal, Keith worked at Greenwich Technology Partners as a senior member of the computer security consulting group. He also held positions at Arthur Andersen, LLP where he was part of the Computer Risk Management Division. Keith is an accomplished author with several books published by McGraw-Hill.

Keith earned his B.S. in Accounting from Binghamton University. He is currently a Certified Public Accountant as well as a Certified Information Security Systems professional.

Mike, Co-Chief Executive Officer

In 1997, Mike set out to create a premier market research telephone data collection center. Through dedication and hard work, and focusing on his clients’ successes, he built Universal into one of the largest and most trusted market research facilities conducting telephone and web interviewing in the United States and throughout the world.

Mike earns his clients’ trust through his proactive, creative and realistic approaches to data collection. His successes have earned him a top reputation. He advocates “commitment to training, quality assurance, and reliable and accurate results at competitive prices with time efficiency.”

Mike trained in market research at Lieberman Research. Prior to that, Mike pursued careers in finance and consulting, holding positions at First Boston (CSFB) and Andersen Consulting (Accenture).

Mike graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and attended New York University’s Stern Graduate School of Business.

Larry, Chief Strategy Officer

Larry has worked in a senior level position for some of the largest and most well known Market Research companies including Louis Harris, Roper Starch Worldwide, Friedman Marketing NOP and GFK . He has a proven track record throughout all areas of market research including procurement and supply of data collection, project management, and research sales and design. He has extensive experience with on site, in-home, mall, mail, web, IVR , and telephone interviewing, as well as multi-channel approaches. Larry also has extensive integration experience, off-shoring, process review, change management and research implementation

Leslie, Executive Vice President, Account Management

Leslie played a key role in the design and building Universal from the ground up. Today her role is to assist in the day-to-day operations of the facility, as well as managing existing business and developing new business for the center. Leslie’s twenty years of experience and her commitment to excellence have given clients the confidence needed to repeatedly call on her.

Prior to Universal, Leslie held the position of Vice President of Operations at Manhattan Phone Center/Roper Starch Worldwide, where she was responsible for all phases of the operation, including overseeing the supervisory, project management, and field management teams.

Leslie earned her B.A. from Rutgers University.

Ashley, Vice President, Account Management

Through dedication and hard work, Ashely develops customized strategies to manage individual client needs and advise them on the best solutions. She is involved at each level of data collection from interviewing, supervising and monitoring to reworking questionnaire design, reporting and data analysis. Focusing in each of these areas has helped her to create a fresh outlook on how to best help clients determine what they need and how to get there.

Ashley prides herself on being responsive and detail oriented, making sure that all goals are achieved from start to finish. Her clients feel secure and confident at all times which, in turn, maintains a strong loyalty to her and the Universal team.

Ashley got her start in data collection at Irwin research and Phone Solutions, LLC before moving to full service at Lieberman Research. Wanting to get back to servicing clients full time, she joined the Universal in 2001. Prior to that, she pursued her BA in Public Relations at Florida State University.

Jeff, Vice President, Account Management

In 2006, Jeff joined Universal, bringing with him seven years of market research data collection expertise which spans programming to project management to sales and service. Client service has always been his strength, and he prides himself on delivering on each and every project.

Active in the research community, Jeff has served on the Marketing Research Association’s NorthWest Chapter Board since 2007 and is the current Vice President.

Jeff works from Universal’s Portland, Oregon office where he has called home for the last thirteen years. When not pounding the pavement for Universal, you’ll find him at every Portland Trail Blazers game, camping, hiking or on the occasional mountain climb.

Brendan, Vice President, Account Management

Brendan joined Universal in May 2009, bringing with him over 25 years experience in web and CATI survey data collection. Through the years, Brendan has worn many hats. He started as a telephone interviewer in college and continued to work as a Field Supervisor, Field Director, Project Director, Executive VP of Sales and Operations and Senior Account Executive. Primary responsibilities at Universal include business development and client services. Brendan attributes his longevity and success to being proficient at building industry relationships and friendships, not just attracting “clients”. Caring about the client’s professional well-being means getting to know them on a personal level, he believes.

Prior to joining Universal, he was VP of Web/CATI Data Collection/Sales at Q Research Solutions for eight years, he was responsible for 90% of the company’s web/CATI volume.

From 1993 to 2001 he served as Executive Vice President with Centrac Inc. in Fairfield, NJ.

Brendan currently serves as the MRA Greater New York Chapter Past President after serving as President last year.

Dan, Vice President, Account Management

After 5 years as an Account Manager at Survey Sampling International servicing over hundreds of clients up and down the east coast, Dan joined Universal Survey in 2010. Dan brings extensive online and telephone sample design, as well as domestic and international best practices to the Universal team. His strength lies in his intrinsic desire to help his clients succeed in any way possible. Through honesty and demonstrated tireless efforts, he builds trust, paramount in the research industry. He also serves on the MRA, and is PRC Certified.

Dan received his BS in Marketing from Manhattan College. He is an eternal optimist, and his positive energetic vibe is unrelenting. His favorite things to do outside of work are fishing and going to the beach in the summer, and snowboarding in the winter.

Rob, New Business Manager

Rob began his market research career at Lieberman Research in July, 2007 and in January, 2008 he was promoted to Marketing Director.; In this position, Rob was responsible for new business development within Pharmaceutical and Healthcare industries. His excitement and dedication led to several new key accounts. Rob remained with Lieberman Research until joining Universal Survey in October, 2009.

Rob currently holds an M.A. in Industrial / Organizational Psychology from Hofstra University and a B.A. in Psychology from St. John’s University.

Originally from Warsaw, Poland, Rob is known for his outgoing personality, infectious sense of humor, as well as the positive atmosphere he creates.

Lisa, Client Service Manager

Lisa celebrated her 17th anniversary in market research by joining the Universal team in 2007. Her industry career started as an Executive Interviewer and progressed on to Senior Editor, Call Center Manager and Department Head, all of which led to her current position.

Lisa prides herself in providing exceptional client service and strives to meet and exceed expectations. Her client commitment, combined with proficiencies in various phases of the research process, have provided her with a distinctive prospective that translates into a top notch track record.

As a pitcher and second baseman for a top level softball team, Lisa knows when to take the lead and when to be a component of a championship unit. Her drive and commitment on the field transfer to the box seats when cheering on her beloved N.Y. Mets. As a fan, a player and a Manager, in Lisa, “You Gotta Believe”.

Jeane, Client Service Manager

Jeane began her career in Market Research as a telephone interviewer in 1989. Recognizing quickly that she had found her niche, she rose quickly through the ranks, holding positions as Phone Room Supervisor, Survey Programmer, Interviewer Trainer, and Project Director, ultimately coming to Universal as a Relationship Manager. Jeane ‘s love of the Relationship Manager position can be attributed to the opportunity to partner with clients, ensuring best service and a top quality data product every time we work together.

When not working, Jeane’s interests ranges from reading and doing word and number puzzles to rooting for her favorite football team – Go Colts!

Jim, Client Service Manager

In 2010, Jim joined Universal bringing with him over 10 years of data collection experience. Jim’s started at TVG, managing their call center, and responsible for all qualitative and quantitative data collection. Subsequently, Jim journeyed into the world of secondary market research at IMS. During this period, Jim was responsible for managing the data collection of their syndicated audits. Just prior to joining Universal, Jim was the Director of Field Operations at RG+A, and responsible for all managing all field/data collection activities.

Jim really enjoys the challenge of marketing research operations, and strives on developing solutions for tough projects.

Jim graduated magna cum laude from Delaware Valley College. A former competitive athlete, outside of Universal Jim can be found either in the gym, riding his motorcycle, or reading.

Jonathan, Project Manager

Jonathan rose through the ranks at Universal, first working as an interviewer, then monitor and supervisor. His experience at these levels has provided insight, a fresh outlook, and a diverse array of strategies to meet data collection needs.

Jonathan is highly dedicated and extremely committed to the success of every project. He takes proactive, responsive and creative approaches to data collection, and has the tools to see even the most difficult jobs through to the finish.

Originally from Youngstown Ohio, Jonathan was heavily involved in sales and marketing where he worked for MCI WorldCom and America Coming Together. He worked his way through school at The Youngstown Playhouse, where he held the position of Marketing Manager for three years before making his fateful journey to New York City.

Jonathan studied Music and Drama at Youngstown State University.

Todd, Project Manager

Todd began his career in Market Research in 1995. He quickly rose through ranks in the call center environment, beginning as interviewer to floor manager, and now to his current position of Project Manager.

Todd is an avid reader and enjoys anything to do with popular culture.

Brian, Project Manager

In January 2007, Brian joined Universal as a Senior CATI and Web Programmer. One year later, he was promoted and now utilizes his extensive experience and knowledge of both programming and phone room operations to provide clients with a unique perspective into the various phases of the data collection process. He strives to provide clients with the exceptional service they have come to expect of Universal.

Prior to Universal, Brian worked as a Market Research Interviewer, Phone Room Supervisor and Survey Programmer. He attended the New York Institute of Technology, earning a B.S. in Business Administration/Finance. He’s a standout lacrosse player, and in his free time, enjoys fishing, reading mystery novels, and watching his beloved New York Giants.

Dan, Project Manager

Since beginning his market research career in 1999, Dan has been developing his market research skills and now places highest regard on the validity of the data for our clients’ needs.

Prior to joining Universal, Dan was a Project Director at Mediamark Research Inc. in the Interactive Department.

Dan attended the Long Island University, earning a B.S. in Business Administration. In his free time, enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, and any outdoor adventure.

David, Project Manager

David began his career in research in 2000. After serving as a Digital Media Analyst for Jupiter Media Metrix, he worked for various online and market research companies in analytical and sales support roles, among them Buzzback Market Research, Confirmit, and Black Enterprise Magazine. During this time, he developed a comprehensive market research and data collection skill set which led to his position as a Project Manager at Universal.

David is a voracious reader and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Nicole, Project Manager

Nicole began her career in Market Research in 2003 as an interviewer while she was in college. After completing her studies, she committed to learning data collection and project management. She was promoted to phone room supervisor, and a project director shortly thereafter. Her attention to detail and "don't take 'no' for an answer" attitude helps her address her clients' needs and meet them with exceptional service. She prides herself on building strong relationships and taking a proactive approach to successfully completing every project.

Nicole has a B.A. in Communication from William Patterson University of New Jersey. In her free time she enjoys acting and learning how to play the guitar.

Harry, Project Manager

With years of market research experience already under his belt, Harry joined Universal in 2006 as an evening shift supervisor, and his ambition and dedication have since been rewarded with a promotion to the Project Department.

Harry has a proven track record in motivating a large staff and recognizes the importance of maintaining quality and productivity.

He began his career as an Advertising Research Supervisor for Competitrack Inc. in the Television Media Department. When he’s not in the office, Harry enjoys art and music. Additionally, he appreciates spending quality time with his family