About Me
Hi
there, I'm Ben. I'm a Managing Partner here at
PluggedIN. I've been involved in qualitative research since 1999
moderating focus groups, online groups and a variety of other
qualitative methods. I began my career in advertising (Y&R), then
moved to a small qualitative firm in Hoboken (Northlight Marketing). I
wanted to swim in a larger pond, so I jumped at a chance to work for
Harris Interactive in early 2001. Then in 2005 I was given the
opportunity to manage the qualitative group at Harris Interactive,
which gave me some great exposure into the research marketplace as a
whole and a chance to meet some really great people.
One of
these "great people" was my business partner Matt Foley (not the
motivational speaker). We started PluggedIN to focus exclusively in
market research online communities (MROCs). I believe they are the most
effective, flexible, and adaptable way to run qualitative research. I
think they have the potential to change the nature of the
client/customer relationship, as well as transform the way we as
researchers do our job. Plus, they are a fun way to get to know the
people we study, so we've got that going for us...
Random Facts
- My son Henry turned 2 earlier this year and I am seriously thinking
about training him to moderate MROCs... He is a
natural. He says "why" more than anyone I have ever met.
- My first qualitative research project (back in 1999) was with food service workers.
- I am 5 ft 10 1/2 inches tall which is the same height as Dwight D. Eisenhower (according to Wikipedia).
- I am one of eight children.
- I am a RIVA trained moderator (yes, I have the certificate to prove it!)
- I am a big Mets fan and lived only a few miles from the old Shea stadium in Whitestone (Queens, NY).
- I have never shot under 90 on a "real" golf course, but I have several golf outfits that make me look like I can.
- I used to be in a band called Adrian's Revenge back in 2003-2004. We once played at the KOA.
Contact Me
You
can email me directly at bwerzinger@pluggedinco.com. I'm also on
Twitter (@benpluggedin) and LinkedIN
(http://www.linkedin.com/in/benwerzinger).