About Us

Our philosophy is to offer unparalleled support and service. Every client and every project is unique, and at Universal, our goal is to be your partner and an extension of your organization. Not only do we seek to understand your business needs, offering best-in-class value, service and quality, but also work proactively with you to uncover new opportunities, and build new solutions.

Championing our organization is an experienced team with rich, diverse experiences. We’re accessible; we follow-through; we problem solve; and we are committed and involved with every client and every project, every step of the way.

Keith, Co-Chief Executive Officer

Keith Strassberg is the Co-CEO of Universal Survey, one of the largest independently owned and operated full service data collection companies in the United States.

Keith oversees Universal’s operations and pushes the company to be a highly competitive and efficient partner. Universal’s clients benefit from his insight and extensive technical abilities and Keith is known for developing and executing solutions in dynamic and fast-moving technology environments.

Prior to joining Universal, Keith was a Senior Security Engineer for Greenwich Technology Partners as well as holding senior positions at The Guardian Life Insurance of America & Arthur Anderson, LLP.

Keith is a published author. His latest book, “Network Security: The Complete Reference”, provides insight into just about any security challenge technology managers might face.

Keith earned his B.S. from Binghamton University and is currently a CPA 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 Louis Harris, Roper Starch Worldwide, Friedman Marketing NOP and GFK . He has a proven track record in 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. Larry currently works from NYC and Pennsylvania offices.

Adam, Chief Sales Officer

Adam has more than 20 years’ experience in the market research industry, and shows no signs of slowing down. From his first job in research, conducting mall intercepts, to his most recent position as Vice President of Regional Sales at Authentic Response, Adam believes a thorough knowledge of products, smart strategies and true partnerships are what ensure success. His extensive experience within all research methodologies makes him an invaluable resource for all of our clients.

Adam works from Maryland, but is never too far from our NYC office. Or a softball bat.

Leslie, Executive Vice President

Leslie played a key role in the design and building Universal from the ground up. Today her role is to manage existing business and develop 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 operations, including overseeing the supervisory, project management, and field management teams.

Leslie earned her B.A. from Rutgers University.

Ashley, Vice President

Through dedication and hard work, Ashley develops customized strategies to manage client needs and advises 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 before moving to full service at Lieberman Research. Wanting to get back to servicing clients full time, she joined Universal in 2001, and now works from Florida. Ashley earned her BA in Public Relations at Florida State University.

Jeff, Vice President

In 2006, Jeff joined Universal, bringing with him seven years of market research data collection expertise in programming, project management, 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 President.

Jeff works from a Portland, Oregon office where he has called home for the last fifteen years.

Brendan, Vice President

Brendan joined Universal in May 2009, bringing with him over 25 years 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. Brendan currently works from offices in New Jersey, and his responsibilities include business development and client service. 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. From 1993 to 2001, he served as Executive Vice President with Centrac.

Marc, Vice President

Professionally, Marc has been in the Market Research industry since the 1990s. His areas of focus span Healthcare Professional online sample, panel sample, as well as Syndicated IT Research and Consulting services.

Marc hails from Wilton, Connecticut where he and his family of four enjoy spending time at kids sporting events including football, basketball, and baseball. Marc has coached both his son and daughter in every sport from age 6 to 11. Marc earned his B.A. in History with a minor in Accounting from the University of Connecticut.