Jay Scott
Chairman
Jay answers the tough questions. He believes better information leads to better understanding, and his clients come back because they trust him to get it right. He is an innovator, looking for new ways to expand the research toolbox, whether by technology or methodology. With a broad understanding of qualitative, quantitative, and design techniques, Jay is passionate about identifying business opportunities, creating new products and services, and bringing them to market. This dates back nearly 30 years when he led research that extended the product mix for key CPG brands. The lessons learned are now applied more frequently in B2B situations, including answering tough questions in e-commerce, global transportation, supply chain and logistics. When not at work, you can often find Jay watching his daughter's soccer games or sneaking out of town to catch the Atlanta Braves.
Mike Nash
President
Mike thrives on delivering data-driven recommendations and action plans to solve complex business problems. His international research experiences and consultative engagements typically include a mix of qualitative and quantitative techniques. As a well-versed moderator, Mike is focused on better understanding the B2B decision making process, mostly among high tech, telecom, and business service verticals. His expertise often finds him speaking at industry-related events and conferences on topics such as how to conduct research to support the creation of thought leadership content and how emotions influence B2B decision making. Mike's out-of-office passions include global travel, improving his golf game, and sampling Syracuse's rising food scene - which is better than you might think!
Kris Fischer
Executive Vice President & Treasurer
Kris is heavily focused on developing insights based on market research, customer data and external sources in order to provide both strategic and tactical actions. As much of her work relates to path to purchase and concept / pricing analysis, Kris and her team have expertise in capturing planned and in-the-moment decision processes. They use a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods to identify insights and effectively communicate actions for various audiences within their client organizations. Through her more than 20 years at KS&R, Kris has developed expertise in telecommunications, technology, professional service, and retail industries. In her free time, Kris enjoys trying new recipes in her kitchen and walking her dog Harvey at the local state parks.
Jim Kraus
President, Buyer Persona Institute, a Division of KS&R
Jim has spent the past three decades managing high-performing market research teams on the client and supplier side. In that time, he’s worked on hundreds of studies that directly inform marketing, sales, and product strategy with a particular focus on understanding buyer attitudes and behaviors. Jim’s focus is championing the “voice of the buyer”, particularly as it relates to helping clients improve the ROI of all their marketing and sales activities including thought leadership, demand generation, lead nurturing, and sales plays. Outside of work, Jim enjoys reading, sports / exercise, and spending time with his wife, daughters, and two dogs (also female!).
Mike Bard
Vice President & Principal
With over two decades of experience at the firm, Mike is known as an expert in designing and implementing large scale tracking research programs. He prides himself in working with his teammates and clients to not only find the answers to tough business issues but communicate them in a way that enables all involved to act upon the insights. Mike is from a small country town where he and his wife enjoy spending time outdoors, watching their kids play sports, and water activities, on the water and with their four children.
Christine Nelson
Vice President & Principal
Christine has a keen ability to build relationships, and her collective experience as a partner to Research, Marketing, Finance, R&D, and Innovation delivers top-notch client service and holistic consultation. Christine combines a decade of experience at KS&R with a decade of experience on the client-side to drive new product development through advanced analytics, forecasting, and new methods. She is passionate about leveraging the full toolkit of global qualitative and quantitative methods to support healthcare clients in the med tech, device, and pharmaceutical spaces. Christine has a passion for personal finance and enjoys partnering with her husband to teach classes, provide counseling and record their podcast on the subject.
Dan Conners
Vice President & Principal
Dan takes pride in his ability to solve complex problems and drive successful real-world outcomes through rigorous methodologies and impactful consultation. Since joining KS&R in 2012, Dan has primarily focused on the Retail, E-commerce, and Logistics industries. Within this ever-evolving space, he works closely with clients to plan and execute global initiatives in the areas of price optimization, new product development, segmentation, value proposition, brand health and messaging, and customer journey. Away from work, you can find Dan spending time outside with his wife and son – swimming at a park, exploring the local food scene at a festival, or enjoying a day at the golf course.
Kathleen McKnight
Vice President & Principal
Kathleen brings a wealth of experience supporting B2B and Technology focused clients on a global basis for more than 20 years at KS&R. She is skilled in establishing research programs to help inform actionable insights and often helps brands fine-tune their messaging to target purchase decision makers and influencers via win/loss analysis, brand tracking, message testing, and segmentation studies. Outside of work, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and getting outside in nature whether it be in her garden or hiking.
Paul Scott
Vice President of IT
Prior to joining KS&R in 2011, Paul worked as a web developer, database administrator, and in IT management. Early days at the firm were focused on software development and building tools to manage data for its clients. Today, it’s much more focused on cloud computing and cybersecurity. Paul states, “I am fortunate to have such a strong team around me. Every day presents big changes and new challenges to tackle, which keeps it an interesting and exciting place to work.” In his free time, Paul enjoys skiing, camping, and spending time with his kids.
