Keith, Executive Vice President

Keith joined Universal in 2005, bringing extensive corporate management and technology expertise. Since joining, Keith has developed and implemented unique client solutions and redesigned Universal’s infrastructure which has increased system uptime by 80%, as well as providing full hardware and data redundancy.

Prior to Universal, Keith worked at Greenwich Technology Partners as a senior member of the computer security consulting group. He also held positions at Arthur Andersen, LLP where he was part of the Computer Risk Management Division. Keith is an accomplished author with several books published by McGraw-Hill.

Keith earned his B.S. in Accounting from Binghamton University. He is currently a Certified Public Accountant as well as a Certified Information Security Systems professional.

Leslie, Executive Vice President

Leslie played a key role in the design and building Universal from the ground up. Today her role is to assist in the day-to-day operations of the facility, as well as managing existing business and developing 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 the operation, including overseeing the supervisory, project management, and field management teams.

Leslie earned her B.A. from Rutgers University.

Mike, Strategy, Planning and Business Development

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.

Ashley, Account Services

Through dedication and hard work, Ashely develops customized strategies to manage individual client needs and advise 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, LLC before moving to full service at Lieberman Research. Wanting to get back to servicing clients full time, she joined the Universal in 2001. Prior to that, she pursued her BA in Public Relations at Florida State University.

Jeff, Account Services

Jeff joined Universal in 2006, bringing with him seven years of market research experience. Jeff expertise spans programming to project management to sales and service. Client service has always been his strength, and he prides himself on delivering on each and every project.

Jeff works from Universal’s Portland, Oregon office where he has called home for the last ten years. When not pounding the pavement for Universal, Jeff spends his time raising his two teenage children Jeff Jr. and Natalie. He also enjoys shooting pool with his friends, playing cards, horseback riding, hiking and pitching horseshoes in his backyard.

Lola, Account and Project Management

As a 25 year market research veteran, Lola began her career as an interviewer, and worked her way to Editor, Supervisor, and Quality Control Manager. Lola is as knowledgeable in CfMC spec writing and reporting, as she is in Phone Room Management. Since 1994, Lola has been a Senior Project Manager and receives high marks from her clients, who continually return to her for repeat business.

Lola joined Universal in 2006 to link up with Universal's prosperous team.

Lola is happily married and has two great boys. She loves to read, paint, and crochet.

Lisa, Account and Project Management

Lisa celebrated her 17th anniversary in market research by joining the Universal team in 2007. Her industry career started as an Executive Interviewer and progressed on to Senior Editor, Call Center Manager and Department Head, all of which led to her current position.

Lisa prides herself in providing exceptional client service and strives to meet and exceed expectations. Her client commitment, combined with proficiencies in various phases of the research process, have provided her with a distinctive prospective that translates into a top notch track record.

As a pitcher and second baseman for a top level softball team, Lisa knows when to take the lead and when to be a component of a championship unit. Her drive and commitment on the field transfer to the box seats when cheering on her beloved N.Y. Mets. As a fan, a player and a Manager, in Lisa, “You Gotta Believe”.

Michael, Project Management

Joining Universal in 2007 as an interviewer, Michael advanced quickly to his current position on the Project Team. As a monitor, he learned the finer points of quality interviewing, and as a shift supervisor the importance of effective data collection.

His 10 years of experience in retail management helped his transaction into his field of Market Research. Michael uses that experience when motivating a team for better production or coaching an interviewer for better quality.

When not at work, Michael spends his time writing and performing poetry throughtout New York City. His first collection of poems, Peaked at 7th Grade..., is "near completion".

Jonathan, Project Management

Jonathan rose through the ranks at Universal, first working as an interviewer, then monitor and supervisor. His experience at these levels has provided insight, a fresh outlook, and a diverse array of strategies to meet data collection needs.

Jonathan is highly dedicated and extremely committed to the success of every project. He takes proactive, responsive and creative approaches to data collection, and has the tools to see even the most difficult jobs through to the finish.

Originally from Youngstown Ohio, Jonathan was heavily involved in sales and marketing where he worked for MCI WorldCom and America Coming Together. He worked his way through school at The Youngstown Playhouse, where he held the position of Marketing Manager for three years before making his fateful journey to New York City.

Jonathan studied Music and Drama at Youngstown State University.

Claritza, Project Management

Claritza began her career in research with Harris Interactive. In 2001, she joined Universal as an evening shift supervisor, and quickly proved to be an ambitious team player. Through hard work and dedication, and an energetic, optimistic work ethic, she quickly rose through the ranks to her current position as a valued member of our team.

Her unique sense of commitment to quality, organization and intuition brings her clients a sense of trust, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction, and delivering superior client services in a professional and responsive manner.

Claritza pursued her BA in Marketing at the State University of New York, College at Brockport. She is fluent in English and Spanish

Todd, Project Management

Todd began his career in Market Research in 1995. He quickly rose through ranks in the call center environment, beginning as interviewer to floor manager, and now to his current position of Project Manager.

Todd is an avid reader and enjoys anything to do with popular culture.

Elizabeth, Project Management

Since 2006, Elizabeth has held many positions at Universal. Her roles have included executive interviewer, coder/editor, monitor and call center supervisor. Elizabeth has most recently settled in as a member of the Project Team.

As Elizabeth continues to expand her roles in the research process, she has developed a vast market research and data collection skill set. She holds each and every position with pride and dedication, and consistently displays these qualities through her quality work.

Originally from Michigan, and after traveling the country, she settled in New York in 2002. Elizabeth spends her leisure time with her son. She is the co-owner of an auto shop and loves to read.

Harry, Project Management

With years of market research experience already under his belt, Harry joined Universal in 2006 as an evening shift supervisor, and his ambition and dedication have since been rewarded with a promotion to the Project Department.

Harry has a proven track record in motivating a large staff and recognizes the importance of maintaining quality and productivity.

He began his career as an Advertising Research Supervisor for Competitrack Inc. in the Television Media Department. When he’s not in the office, Harry enjoys art and music. Additionally, he appreciates spending quality time with his family and friends.