As I was driving to work the other day, I was overcome by an intense rush of gratitude for the fact that I have a job I love in an industry which has surrounded me with great people.  So I started thinking more about what Market Research means to me and thought an acrostic would be appropriate.

M-A-R-K-E-T R-E-S-E-A-R-C-H

 Mentors  –   Where would I be without my mentors?  This is the perfect place to thank those who have inspired me to become the person I am today.  I couldn’t possibly list everyone here, but there are a few incredibly special people who have truly shaped me. 

Of course I have to start with my Dad, Joe Baldi, who taught me that you can achieve anything as long as you set your mind to it. He taught me how to build strong relationships and how to constantly nurture them and to be honest, ethical and fair no matter what the circumstance.  

Audrey Ross was the first field director I worked for when I entered the industry 20 years ago at FRC Research.  She had a tremendous influence over me both professionally and personally.  From Audrey, I learned the importance of quality in data collection and how to remain true to myself.  

Bette Anne Champion has been a role model I’ve looked up to since we met through the MRA five years ago.  I worked closely with Bette Anne while co-chairing the New York/Philly Joint Chapter Conference program.  She is a great thinker and showed me how to analyze a situation from all angles before making any decisions. 

I’ve lived a very full life so far, and there are countless others who have impacted me dramatically, but I’m only on “M” and have 13 letters to go! 

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