MEET OUR
EXPERT TEAM
Delivering Excellence for Over 40 Years
About Us
WHO WE ARE
TRG is an independent research and consulting company specializing in assisting clients through fact based market analysis to make critical business decisions regarding products and services that best meet their users' needs. Founded in 1981, we have a strong track record of pushing the traditional boundaries of research through state-of-the-art solutions to unearth market intelligence that helps decision-makers quickly adapt to industry changes, identify new opportunities and keep ahead of the competition.
WHAT WE DO
Drawing on advanced education, extensive practical experience and deep technology understanding, TRG offers our clients a unique blend of theoretical and real-world expertise through a complete range of research services. For over 40 years, we’ve consistently helped leading-edge companies reach the best conclusions for creating real value through our focused consumer research insights. We are known for delivering thoughtful solutions to challenging strategic and operational problems.
Our Executive Team
Meet the incredible individuals who form the heart of TRG. Our team is not just about skills and expertise; it's about our shared work philosophy, dedication to quality, and our commitment to making a difference in the community. Get to know us better and discover what drives each of our team members.
John Ruchinskas, Ph.D. - Principal & Founder
Dr. John Ruchinskas, Ph.D - B.A. (Rutgers University), M.A., PhD. (Communications Research-concentration on Advanced Research Design/Statistics; Annenberg School at the University of Southern California)
Dr. Ruchinskas has directed independent research and advised major corporations on system planning, acquisition, and implementation for over 40 years. He has conducted market assessment studies for computing and internet firms and has supervised technical/professional staff in research/system design contracts for over 50 clients and more than 800 primary research projects...
Karen Zevin, M.A. - Principal
Karen Zevin - B.A. (City College CUNY), M.A., Ph.D. Program in Sociology (ABD); M.Phil. Sociology (Columbia University)
Karen Zevin is an experienced market research and competitive intelligence professional, with a background in project management, analysis, and consulting for over 45 companies in technology, education, and financial services. Previously, she worked in advertising and product research, led Ashton-Tate’s Market Analysis and Research department, and contributed to the Software Publishers Association’s research board. Her expertise spans quantitative and qualitative research across diverse audiences including IT professionals, developers, business decision makers, and consumers...
Catherine Ward, M.B.A. - Principal
Catherine Ward - B.S., M.B.A. (University of Kansas)
Ms. Ward has directed hundreds of market research projects for major corporations for over 25 years, with extensive expertise in the areas of computer hardware and software, multimedia, gaming, and telecommunications. Ms. Ward was a full-time member of Microsoft’s research team in Redmond for over a decade, where she conducted worldwide research for the MSN, Windows Media, eHome, and Windows product teams. Ms. Ward played a key role in the development and implementation of critical research supporting the release of MSN’s first portfolio of consumer internet services (portal, search, messenger, hotmail, and content channels), as well as Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center, Xbox, Zune and the Windows ME, 2000 and XP operating systems...
Tom Wong, M.B.A.
Tom Wong, B.S. (Geography & Business, Oregon State University), M.B.A. (University of Colorado Boulder - concentration in marketing and statistics)
Mr. Wong has been involved in the creation, design and application of marketing research for over 30 years. He has a broad range of research experiences gained through working in a variety of industries including financial services (Citicorp), automotive (Nissan), technology (Microsoft) and Advertising/consulting (Millward Brown). He has personally conducted and managed over 500 primary research projects ranging from new product development to branding and advertising.
William Smolka, M.B.A. - Moderator
William Smolka, Moderator BA (Bucknell), MBA (Columbia University)
Mr. Smolka has moderated over 1000 Microsoft focus groups for TRG. He is recognized as a uniquely talented moderator whose sessions are not only informative but highly interactive and engaging.Mr. Smolka’s past experience includes Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Buitoni Foods, Director of Marketing at Pillsbury, and a Brand Manager at Proctor and Gamble. For the past 30 years, he has provided marketing consulting and research to companies which require assistance in the development of their marketing mix...
Our Valued Clients
We are proud to collaborate with an exceptional network of clients who have trusted us with their [specific area or project]. Our partnerships are a testament to the strong relationships we build and the successful projects we deliver. Explore the logos below to see the esteemed companies we have had the privilege to work with.
