At a time when businesses were moving out of state, Mark Dengler chose to stay in Central New York and start his own company.
In early 2000, Dengler’s previous employer had moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, along with his position. Rather than following the company, Dengler took hold of his fate and formed a consulting firm. He conducted a few feasibility studies and found there was a need for affordable market research here in CNY, so he formed Research & Marketing Strategies, Inc. (RMS) and began building a client base.
His forecast was right on the mark and, despite an economy facing years of recession, RMS flourished. The firm showed clients in a variety of industries (including healthcare, education, financial and manufacturing) the value of using market research for effective decision-making. The firm also developed long-term relationships with many clients, most of whom are still with the firm today.
“Market research isn’t a one and done thing,” Dengler said. “It’s something companies constantly use to grow and optimize their resources.”
Other elements of the firm’s success are the low turn-over rate and dedication among employees.
“Our employees have been able to establish long-standing relationships with many of our clients, which really enables us to act as an extension of our clients’ businesses. We know their history, we know their issues, and we can help them find the path to ultimate success in their future.”
As the company approaches its 10th year in business, it has grown significantly. Megan O’Donnell is still with the company and was the firm’s first employee in June of 2002. RMS now occupies a 3,000-square foot facility (complete with a full-service focus group facility and call center) that generates more than $1.25 million in revenue annually and provides professional positions to 17 full-time employees and 14 part-time employees.
When asked at what point did he know RMS was a success, Dengler said, “When people say they’ve heard of us. It feels good to be recognized for the impact we’ve made with our clients.”
