Since her college days, Tammy has been fascinated by the theater of everyday life. She founded Sachs Insights 20 years ago; analyzing focus groups, ethnography and user experience research and creating documentaries that illuminate the insights and reality of everyday people for the marketers who seek to connect with them.

Fast forward to present: Sachs Insights has grown into a community of eclectic researchers who are passionate about uncovering the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of all kinds of people. We view qualitative research as an art.

Having worked with pioneers in interactive design, Tammy was inspired to build the first independent Customer Experience Lab at Sachs Insights – where participants assess the appeal and usability of websites, mobile applications, kiosks and games. She co-authored a book capturing her philosophy toward user experience (Back to the User, 2002, New Rider Press) with Gary McClain, Ph.D.

Prior to founding Sachs Insights, Tammy was a product developer at Citibank and a planner at Ogilvy and Mather. She graduated from Wesleyan University, magna cum laude, with a BA in Theater and Psychology and from NYU with an MBA in Marketing.

Joining Sachs Insights in 1994, Robert co-created an environment where he could utilize his interest and experience in research, media, contemporary culture and the creative arts.

Robert oversees the development of marketplace leading practices in Brand, Innovation and User Experience and consults on how to integrate consumer insights to drive brand, marketing and communications goals.

He is the chief architect of study design at Sachs, developing new methodologies to address client challenges and further the practice of qualitative research as an art. Chief among these methods are Creative Engagement Groups which tap into consumers’ creativity and engage them in drawing, collage and other creative exercises that result in powerful brand metaphors.

His past lives as theater, film and video director, producer, writer and actor as well as teacher, political pollster and curator are evident in his nuanced approach to the analysis and presentation of consumer driven insights. He works closely with clients to determine the optimal ways to market research findings within organizations in order to build brands and foster innovation.

Robert is a sought after speaker at client sites and research industry events. His current focus: Gen Y and how this generation of Millenni-Adults will shape the brand landscape.

In his ten plus years at Sachs, Paris has conducted interviews with thousands of consumers, investors, doctors, patients, hipsters, fashionistas, tech leaders and followers. His quest: to develop breakthrough products, services, communications and interactions. In addition to moderating focus groups, ethnography and user experience research, Paris oversees the training and development of our research team.

While intensely curious about all marketing and product development challenges, Paris is particularly passionate about finance, technology, healthcare and small business. He has an innate ability to master complex topics – from futures trading to the intricacies of disease management – and emerge with strategic insights.

Paris moderated and analyzed a major healthcare study on managed care that was featured in The Wall Street Journal for its impact in shaping consumer directed health plans.

John Montgomery has provided strategic, financial and operational management and planning for global high growth companies for the last 20 years. John has been CFO/ COO in the telecom/broadband, software development, digital television, consumer products, Internet retail, and technical consulting industries from startup to Fortune 50 firms.

After leading the strategic planning of California telecom’s digital age, John has worked closely with management and venture firms to develop and execute strategic plans, refine operations, raise millions in new funding, rebrand, and reposition firms.

John’s international experience includes establishing and managing disciplined financial and planning processes, and leading negotiations in overseas offices in Shanghai, Rotterdam, Oslo, London and Rio de Janeiro.

In professional services, John restructured a firm providing worldwide consulting and management services, building capabilities to enter new markets, standardizing financial and cost analysis processes and recently enabling a major equity investment.

John has a BA degree in International Business/Asian Studies, and a MBA in Finance from Brigham Young University, and a JD from John F. Kennedy University.

Jessamyn enjoys translating consumer insights into actionable strategies, and her experience working in teams with designers, strategists, and marketers helps her position innovative ideas and user needs in the context of client needs. She brings along a rich set of tools and methods to complement her naturally inquisitive spirit, and has applied her creative problem solving skills to projects across an array of topics including health care, finance, consumer products, and technology workflow.

Jessamyn graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology’s Institute of Design with a Masters in Human-Centered Design. There, she focused on user research and strategies for developing innovative products, services, and brand experiences. Jessamyn holds a BA from Brandeis University, where she majored in literature and minored in economics. Her previous work experience includes Point Forward, an innovation consultancy in Silicon Valley and Penn Laboratory for Experimental Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.

According to Thomas, qualitative research combines the best of both worlds: the ability to uncover new and often surprising insights for clients and the opportunity to observe or speak with people to understand their attitudes and behaviors.

He majored in Business Administration-Marketing at the University at Buffalo (Go Bulls!) and was first drawn to market research after assisting a marketing professor with one of his research studies. Prior to joining Sachs Insights, Thomas was a researcher at Ketchum, a public relations firm. There he worked on a range of primary and secondary research projects for clients in a variety of industries, including consumer products, technology, and finance. Some of his work was even mentioned in major news publications, including the Wall Street Journal and American Banker. At Sachs Insights, he is part of the UX practice that focuses on finance, health care, and technology clients.

Outside of work, Thomas is an avid runner who recently completed his first half marathon. He also enjoys swimming and rock climbing.

Scott brings years of research and field experience in his dual roles as moderator and Field Director. He believes the best research results are achieved when all parties – client, researchers, and the field – work together exchanging ideas and formulating solutions.

A skilled researcher and ethnographer, Scott’s innate ability to connect with people enables him to meld into the fabric of their lives, developing immediate rapport with consumers of all sorts, allowing them to openly discuss their lives, aspirations, travails, successes and the secret of their personal sense of style.

Danielle’s deep passion for understanding people and their decisions allows her to deliver clear and action-oriented consumer insights. Her deep interest began, during her summer breaks from college, while she was a recruiter at Hatch Global Research. She paired that work experience with extensive coursework in Marketing, Advertising and Consumer Behavior, as well as, a literary fascination in psychology, behavioral economics and consumer behavior publications.

Danielle graduated from Skidmore College with a BS in Management and Business. She then worked at Three Group Research, LLC as a Senior Research Analyst. At Three, she grew deeply interested in Media, Branding and Gen Y Research. Her projects have been wide-ranging: she has conducted research projects ranging from alcoholic beverages to electronic goods to television shows.

While attending Skidmore, she competed on the tennis team and successfully reached the number one position for singles and doubles. She loves competition and always brings creativity and an upbeat attitude to every project.

On a trip to Los Angeles, Pam found herself in the gift shop at The Getty Museum, drawn to a book called “How To Be An Explorer of the World.” Instantaneously, she felt that the book encapsulated her life pursuit. For Pam, qualitative research allows her to constantly explore and pursue her passion for understanding the “why” behind the “what.” By making qualitative research her career, her tendency to be overly analytical has evolved into a great skill.

Prior to joining Sachs, Pam worked in a variety of disciplines at Interbrand, a global brand management consultancy. Her experience there anchors her in looking at every business problem with a strategic branding lens, and of course, always through the eyes of the audience: the consumers.

Pam studied Sociology at Emory University, where her curiosity about how and why people tick consistently drove her to analyze scenarios both inside and outside the classroom, and now, the work environment.

Emily brings a “human” perspective to understanding people and their motivations. As a researcher, she strives to transcend the potential confines of a research setting to unearth key emotional drivers. Her intelligent, warm hearted nature makes her a natural and highly effective moderator. Emily specializes in conducting ethnographies and Creative Engagement Groups that tap into the consumers’ right brain, therefore enabling them to be co-creators – helping marketers shape powerful positioning and communications brand platforms.

Before Sachs Insights, Emily worked as a Market Research Analyst at Houghton Mifflin Company. In that role she worked with the product development, marketing, and advertising teams to create and market educational materials. Emily has a BA in Psychology from Skidmore College and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Psychology at NYU. Additionally, she received certification in Moderating from RIVA Training Institute and has completed market research professional development from the Burke Institute.

Emily creatively and strategically translates qualitative findings into actionable insights that provide marketers with a better understanding of consumer attitudes, behaviors, and trends. Experienced in moderating focus groups, ethnographies, and user experience research, her primary focus is on media analysis, including the influence of multiple media platforms on the TV viewing experience. Her passion for media research keeps her in-the-know about the constantly changing media landscape. She is excited to help clients better understand their current and potential audiences’ behaviors in order to guide programming, development, and branding.

Prior to joining Sachs Insights, Emily worked on research projects at NBC Universal, conducting primary research for Bravo, Oxygen, and iVillage. Distinguished for her keen observational skills, she is adept at analyzing and processing visual data, making her a valuable team member at Sachs. Emily draws from her experience in visual arts, television production, and social research to find innovative ways to dig below the surface and satisfy her innate and incessant curiosity about consumer behavior.

Emily has a BFA in Photography from Washington University in St. Louis and received a Master of Science in Applied Social Research, with a focus on media research analysis, from Hunter College.

Sarah’s natural gift for qualitative research stems from an insatiable curiosity that crosses industries and consumer segments. Clients appreciate the energy and creativity she brings to user experience and ethnographic research and her ability to present findings and recommendations to build consensus and align members of the development team.

With her prior experience in legal and business affairs and interactive research at the Oxygen Network, Sarah can provide an understanding of consumer marketing challenges and opportunities from a larger business, legal and financial perspective.

She graduated from Rollins College, where she majored in Psychology and received a BA in Liberal Arts.

Mardi views research as a means for discovering the deep motivations behind consumer preferences. Her candid and open-minded stance with respondents allows her to create collaborative spaces to engage people on an emotional and behavioral level.

With her keen sense for identifying and addressing both strategic and tactical issues, Mardi delivers insights that are both inspirational and actionable.

Mardi received her BA in Psychology from New York University and has completed coursework at NYU towards her Master’s Degree.

Leslie started at Sachs behind the camera, videotaping ethnographic interviews and focus groups. However, she soon became intrigued with exploring the attitudes and behaviors of consumers and wanted to play a larger role in telling their stories. Leslie has since evolved into a multi-talented researcher, whose ability with video technology is only surpassed by her skilled moderating and her passion to uncover the deepest, most telling consumer insights.

Leslie conducts research with a wide range of consumers – from children in grade school to senior citizens – about topics as diverse as media entertainment and health care. Leslie received her BA in English and Film Studies from Wesleyan University.

Communicating effectively is an art. In the same way that a captivating story resonates with an audience; consumer driven insights can be presented to marketers such that they enlighten, inspire and fuel innovation. Chris is driven to facilitate this communication.

After earning a degree in Electronic Media Production at Syracuse University, Chris became an editor and marketing consultant at the Asia City Publishing Group in Bangkok, Thailand. His work shaping brand perceptions in Southeast Asia introduced him to new ways of thinking within the business landscape.

Chris’ adaptable and open minded nature makes him perfectly suited to the spectrum of industries he works with at Sachs Insights.

Cara Schaary brings a resourceful, creative and business-driven approach to qualitative research. Her work at Sachs Insights unites her diverse background and experience with ideas rooted in consumer insights. Cara is particularly skillful at extracting rich conversations and contextual insights from interviews and focus groups conducted in nontraditional environments.

Some of Cara’s past clients have been American Express, Talbots, Ralph Lauren Rugby, TIAA-CREF, McCormick, MTV, Comedy Central, Sundance Channel, Cablevision and Comcast.

Prior to joining Sachs Insights, Cara was an Idea Architect at People, Ideas & Culture, a NYC-based Advertising and Brand Consultancy, working for clients such as Equinox and Colavita. She has also consulted for start-up companies Groupable and New York Video School, as well as SPI Marketing, for clients like Absolut and Diet Pepsi. Previously, Cara managed brand strategy and communications for YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Network (YAI Network).

Cara graduated from the University of Florida with a BA in Public Relations and an outside concentration in dance and completed the Miami Ad School Account Planning Bootcamp.

Rachel’s curiosity about human behavior coupled with her natural ability to connect with others has led her to a qualitative research path and enables her to draw out key insights around consumer attitudes and behaviors. Her insights have shaped significant elements of various brands including media marketing and advertising campaigns and concept development.

After graduating from the University of Michigan with concentrations in Spanish and Anthropology, Rachel lived and worked in Central America to concentrate on cross-cultural communication and international development. Her experience in international business and the non-profit sector has provided her a better insight and first-hand knowledge of foreign markets and humanitarian issues.

Prior to joining the team at Sachs, she worked in the research department at Scripps Networks, conducting qualitative and quantitative projects for Scripps Networks’ interactive, ad sales for HGTV, DIY, Travel and the Food Network brand programming departments. Rachel’s experience across industries and cultures gives her a well-formed perspective on how humans interact with brands and how brands can provide touch points for a richer palate of consumer experiences.

From the decision science research labs at Carnegie Mellon University, to the 7+ years he spent in digital communications, marketing research, and strategy consulting for the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical industries, Ken continues to evolve his understanding of how people interact with and experience brands that impact their lives. Before joining Sachs Insights, Ken worked as a Manager in the strategic consulting group at Rosetta, a digital marketing agency in New York.

Ken brings extensive Healthcare and digital agency background to the team of Healthcare Industry experts at Sachs Insights, leveraging his experience to help develop and grow Healthcare brands. Ken has the advantage of being equally conversant with life sciences, medical devices, and drug classes across many therapeutic areas, enabling him to design strategic research that connects with consumers, patients, caregivers and HCPs.

The result: powerful research that draws on the ability to connect and co-create with these audiences, speak their language, empathize with their experience, and draw rich insights and recommendations that drive product development, branding and strategy.

Consumers of Healthcare brands are living complex, technology-driven lifestyles; this is an enormous strategic challenge and opportunity for the Healthcare industry. It is critical for marketers to be in close touch with key consumer groups and understand them from the ground up.

Ken’s mission at Sachs Insights is to bring our vast wealth of consumer-centric research and digital marketing expertise to the Healthcare industry; teaming with clients to conceptualize, develop, refine, and invigorate their brands across digital platforms.

Ken has a BS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie-Mellon University. He is an avid boater, fisherman, outdoorsman, and former college athlete. He tries to live as close to the ocean as possible, and if not on land, you can bet the sea is where he will be.

Ligja’s fascination with how humans behave is the cornerstone for her career in User Experience. Driven by a desire to help create user-centered products that inspire, enlighten, and entertain, she has dove head-first into the world of qualitative research in a lifelong effort to make the world a simpler, more usable place to live.

Before joining the Sachs Insights team and focusing full-time on research, Ligja was an User Experience jack-of-all-trades: Interaction Designer, Information Architect, Content Strategist, User Researcher, Analytics Analyst and Media Strategist all-in-one with burgeoning interactive agency The Archer Group. She has also honed her skill set and knowledge base in a variety of agency and consultancy environments, including Alcatel-Lucent, G2 Interactive, Y-Prime, and MS&L Group.

With her background spanning a range of disciplines and verticals, she is able to apply creative problem solving to research strategy and design while juggling the real-world demands of marketing and interactive development that our clients face.

Ligja has a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University. When not working, she enjoys traveling, running, food adventures, video games, and karaoke.

Julie, always captivated by human behavior, is a natural researcher and strategist. Her active listening skills were honed while performing research for her Master’s thesis and teaching undergrads research project design. Her thesis, an investigation on how positive moods affect decision-making and memory, strengthened her non-verbal listening skills. Julie’s undergrad and graduate work focused on the “effects of emotion on cognition”. In addition, Julie’s previous work as a therapist for children with autism additionally contributed to her active listening skills.

Julie has a M.A. in Cognitive Psychology from Stony Brook University and a B.A. in Psychology, from Marquette University.

Outside of work, Julie’s fascination with human behavior, coupled with her love of pop culture, extend to the worlds of theater, karaoke, and improvisational comedy.

As a teacher, Shannon’s greatest joys were the ‘light bulb moments’ when her students comprehended a new, difficult topic. These moments led Shannon to consider the differences in each student’s learning process and to challenge herself to find new ways of teaching to their needs as individuals. Shannon’s curiosity about the ways in which people learn and think is at the basis of her passion for User Experience research. Over the past eight years, Shannon’s research informs design, development, and sparks new positioning ideas for marketing and branding teams. She believes through listening and observation, valuable insights come to the surface on their own; such ‘light bulb moments’ with clients fuel Shannon’s passion for research.

Shannon joins Sachs from Blackbaud Inc., where she worked with interaction design teams as the in-house Usability Engineer. Her innovative usability methods were an integral part of product development – where her research insights transformed product requirements into usable design inspired by the voices of the target audiences. Prior to her time at Blackbaud Inc., Shannon conducted research and analysis for Usability Sciences Corp., working with a broad array of clients: eCommerce, pharmaceutical, financial services, software, and hardware.

Shannon, a native Texan, holds a BA in English Literature from Texas A&M University. When not conducting research, you can find Shannon training for relays, marathons, writing, traveling, and rooting for the Dallas Cowboys.

Andrea brings to Sachs 19 years of experience in domestic and international market/public opinion research.

Andrea joins our Media and Branding team following work with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) managing focus groups in Sudan, Burundi, and Somalia. Prior to her work in Africa, Andrea was Partner at Nancy Dodd Research, Senior Vice President at SS+K, and Vice President at KRC Research.

Some of Andrea’s clients: Warner Bros. Television, MTV Networks, Discovery Channel, Imagine Entertainment, Time Warner Cable, Polo Ralph Lauren, L’Oreal, Zagat, Remy-Cointreau, Beringer and Citigroup.

Research comes naturally to Andrea. Incurably curious, she always has been driven to travel, understand other cultures, and expand her world. Andrea can talk to anyone, as is immediately obvious when you watch her moderate a focus group or conduct an interview. Whether advising the president of Bolivia on political strategy, speaking to everyday people in Sudan about the impact of the peace process, asking MTV viewers about their favorite programming, or presenting research findings to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, she is in her element.

Andrea received a B.A. in political science and French from Wellesley College and an M.A. in international relations from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.

She is a speaker at industry conferences, including CTAM, the QRCA and is a regular guest lecturer on research at NYU‘s Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications program.

Ashley joins Sachs from Knewton; where she led in-house and remote usability testing on wireframes, high fidelity prototypes, and live online learning product websites. At Knewton, she also developed online learning software and rapid prototypes, working cross functionally between product, design, and marketing. She believes that researching ‘early and often’ is crucial throughout the user experience development process. Her natural curiosity, attention to detail and creative problem solving make her a valuable asset to the User Experience team here at Sachs.

Ashley graduated from the University of Florida with a BA in Visual Art Studies, with an emphasis in Digital Arts and Sciences. When not researching, Ashley enjoys hiking, concerts and museums. You can also find her at New York’s local craft fairs selling handmade jewelry and accessories from vintage and recycled textiles.

As an engineer, Maya has always been curious about technology and the product design life cycle. She realized something was missing when she watched family members and others struggle to master technology. Maya believes there should be a link between the individual and the technology they use. The “technology disconnect” Maya observed, sparked an intense interest in user experience and human factors research. Maya’s left-brain craving for analytical thinking and user interface structure; pairs well with her right-brain craving to communicate and empathize with people. Maya’s strategic research design and execution is essential to ensuring Sachs Insights clients have no technology disconnects with their customers.

Before joining Sachs, Maya moderated and led user experience research for medical devices at Wiklund Research & Design Inc. She conducted myriad usability studies across the U.S. and much of Europe. Fascinated with physicians and medical staff interviews; Maya learned the challenges faced by manufacturers and hospital staff when introducing new medical devices to their patient populations.

Maya received her BS in Engineering Psychology from Tufts University, while working part-time with a financial company’s user-experience team. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Human Factors in Information Design at Bentley University.

When Maya is not conducting research, she enjoys traveling, reading, biking and playing Ultimate Frisbee.

Jessica’s drive to understand consumer behavior forms the foundation of her enthusiasm for qualitative research. Adept at finding and creatively translating discoveries into achievable solutions, she has applied her skills to projects for clients in numerous industries – including media, finance, and fashion.

Before joining Sachs Insights, Jessica worked in public relations, where she collaborated with fashion and beauty industry clients to shape brand perceptions. She maintained close contact with media outlets and conducted research to guide brand development.

Jessica graduated with honors from Skidmore College, where she studied Psychology and Art. She worked closely with cognitive and social psychology professors in executing a variety of research initiatives. In addition to these projects, she conducted interviews on college students’ emotional reactions to their post-graduation plans in the economic downturn. The resulting documentary film has since exhibited in a limited release.

Jessica has spent her career exploring the many facets of information design. She brings to her work a passion for understanding how people interpret and respond to information in different contexts. Having had client side responsibilities in multiple industries — including financial services, technology, and publishing — she is able to quickly come up to speed on complex projects, as well as translate insights into strategic and tactical recommendations.

Prior to joining Sachs Insights, Jessica was SVP for application development at Marsh USA and VP at Citibank’s consumer marketing division. She also founded a GPS applications development company.

Jessica graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA in Government, and received her MBA from Harvard.

Kelley draws from her unique background of user-experience design and business; bringing a creative and results driven approach to qualitative research. At Sachs Insights, she unites her passion for healthcare with her innate curiosity for understanding human behavior and designing ways to facilitate superior digital experiences.

Prior to joining Sachs, Kelley worked as an Experience Designer at BrightLine iTV where she designed, measured, and optimized the effectiveness of multi-platform digital campaigns grounded in consumer behavior. She brings a strong strategic mind and keen understanding of user experience to the table, and has worked across healthcare companies and agencies to shape marketing and branding strategies.

Kelley has as a BS-Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University; with concentrations in Marketing and Graphic Communications Management and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. When Kelley is not working, she likes to take on graphic and interaction design projects; creating clothing, art, digital graphics and designing logos for small businesses and nonprofits. True to her Western Pennsylvania roots, as soon as cold weather hits Kelley heads to the ski slopes to escape the indoors.