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Todd Markusic

Rochester, United States

Senior Consumer Insights Expert/Adjunct Professor

Expertise

Market ResearchQuantitative ResearchCustomer InsightMarketing StrategyCompetitive AnalysisConsumer BehaviourCompetitive IntelligenceCustomer Experience

About

I am a seasoned consumer insights and marketing researcher who thoroughly understands the nuts and bolts of managing strategic projects and providing actionable results. With over 20 years of experience, I am a well-known entity in the Detroit research community. Having spent virtually my whole career in marketing research, I have developed a keen understanding of how to successfully manage and complete every phase of a research project. I excel in consulting with clients and developing meaningful research solutions that provide actionable results. One of my greatest experiences was being selected to be part of the team that launched a new marketing research firm which is now one of the most successful research firms in the country (Gongos Research). With 15 years of supplier side experience (Ipsos (RDA group), Gongos Research, J.D Power) and over 5 years on the client side (AT&T, FCA, General Motors), my career path has exposed me to numerous quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. It has also provided me with experience working in many diverse industries such as automotive, media, advertising, commercial trucks, CPG, finance, technology, energy, and powersports. Keeping up with the changing times, I have developed strong digital marketing skills with experience managing the performance of digital, CRM, and social media campaigns and have working knowledge of tools such as SPSS. mTab, Tableau, and Qualtrics (and other EFM platforms). I have led market research projects in 18 different industries, have expert knowledge of traditional and innovative research methodologies for proprietary and syndicated research studies and am considered a SME in CASE (connectivity, autonomous, shared mobility, electrification.

Industries

AutomotiveMarketing and AdvertisingTransportation/Trucking/Railroad

Work

Truckstop

Customer Insights Manager

Truckstop

May 2022 - present

Leading the research efforts for a privately owned SaaS company that is a leader in transportation technology and freight matching solutions.
Wayne State University

Adjunct Professor

Wayne State University

Jan 2020 - present

Teach a graduate-level marketing research course to students in the University’s MBA program.
Rocket Mortgage

Senior Market Researcher

Rocket Mortgage

Jan 2021 - Jan 2022

Member of the Market Intelligence team supporting the Rock Family of Companies with a strong focus on helping to grow Rocket Auto.
Ipsos

Vice President/Customer Experience Lead

Ipsos

Jan 2014 - May 2020

Managed the Ipsos Mobility Navigator syndicated program focused on Autonomous, Connected Car, EVs and Shared Mobility. ✓ Led ad hoc research studies that leveraged traditional and new methodologies for clients that included GM, Ford, FCA, Bose, Harman Kardon, Quicken Loans, Panasonic, and Volvo with annual revenue of $1.5M. ✓ Promoted to Vice President for results delivered in growing business with General Motors, Ford, SCI, and Bose clients. Successfully tested 300+ product concepts over two years. ✓ Relaunched and managed a large-scale syndicated study that focused on disruption in mobility (Navigator). Recognized CASE SME in this segment (CASE) after delivering a 200% sales growth in year one. ✓ Worked with GM in developing a customer journey map that identified and prioritized customer pain points and moments that matter. Findings shared with CEO led to numerous process improvements within the GM organization
GM (Aquent)

Analytics Manager, Commercial Fleet

GM (Aquent)

Jan 2013 - Jan 2014

Supported the group’s Vice President and sales staff through the research, documentation, and analysis of sales data totaling more than $10 billion annually. ✓ Monitored and forecasted sales, developed sales tools, and conducted analysis into team performance relative to sales and profit targets. ✓ Improved efficiency and accuracy of company sales fleet sales forecasts by 20%. ✓ Executed incentive, vehicle profitability, and new order analysis for use by the C-suite in improving the efficiency and accuracy of company sales fleet forecast. ✓ Created customized sales tools that improve the effectiveness of sales calls and strategies.
Airfoil Group

Director of Research and Strategy

Airfoil Group

Jan 2012 - Jan 2013

Led research efforts that supported account teams in the development of metrics for determining the impact of the firm’s public relations programs through primary and secondary research into client insights and key competitors. ✓ Developed the company’s first social media research process. ✓ Established the framework that led to the formation of the company’s Digital Media group. ✓ Provided the critical information used in the development of pitch strategies for multimillion-dollar PR opportunities with Nissan and 23andMe.
FCA - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Advanced Product Research Manager

FCA - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Jan 2011 - Jan 2012

Managed the design and execution of research projects that aided in the vehicle design decision-making process. ✓ Primary responsibilities included product and feature clinic management and project management for the company’s Quality Function Deployment (QFD) process. ✓ Directed the ground floor research efforts that drove decision-making for the launch of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. ✓ Developed standard voice-of-the-customer requirements deployed across both the Chrysler and Fiat organizations.
J.D. Power

Sr. Director

J.D. Power

Jan 2005 - Jan 2010

Held P&L responsibility for three practice areas – Marine, Motorcycle, and Commercial Trucks – and all associated research projects. Provided thought leadership on all projects and efforts to expanding the client base.
Cuz Enterprises

Owner/Operator

Cuz Enterprises

Jan 2001 - Jan 2004

Owned and operated 4 retail stores
J.D. Power

Director of Supplier Services

J.D. Power

Jan 1998 - Jan 2001

Education

Albion College

Albion College

BA

Present

Georgia State University

Georgia State University

MS

Present