Our Leadership
Helping guide the future of qualitative research are these outstanding people.
Patrick J. Gorman, Chairman of the Board
Patrick J. Gorman joined Quester in 2004, with over 25 years of marketing research and technology experience, Patrick has had a long and successful career that encompasses both the client side of the business, wherein he managed several large accounts, and the marketing research supplier side of the industry, where he specialized in the development of new technology based services. He has held senior positions at Research International, Equifax/Elrick and Lavidge, and Synovate.
John L. Graaff, President & CEO
Over 35 years of experience in the entrepreneurial startup, growth, and development of technology companies. In addition to founding and growing four successful technology companies, Mr. Graaff has also been a consoler for the SBA's SCORE program for over 15 years. In that time he has consoled over 750 technology start-up companies.
John Mertens, General Manager
John Mertens joined Quester in 1999 and has been very involved in the continuous development and application of Quester's tools. With a background in the field of law, John began his Quester career within research, and then moved to a role as a liaison between the Research and Internal Development departments. Today, John brings his wealth of Quester experience, along with a background of more than 15 years in management, to his role as General Manager.
Dennis Wilson, Chief Information Officer
Dennis Wilson joined Quester in 2001, during which time he has been responsible for designing and implementing Socrates® and Aristotle® in conjunction with the research of Quester's founder, Dr. Charles Cleveland. He is a proven technologist and software innovator, with over 18 years of experience in the industry. At Quester, he is responsible for architecture, design and development of Quester's solutions.
Andrea Richards, Senior Vice President
Andrea Richards joined Quester in 1995, during which time she has played an integral role in the development of Quester's tools. As a cum laude graduate in Psychology and English from Buena Vista University, Andrea brings a keen sensitivity to language to her role at Quester. She is a proven leader and experienced linguistic analyst, who now guides our research team to focus on delivering the most meaningful qualitative insights in a variety of industries, including packaged goods, pharmaceuticals, media, hospitality and insurance.
Thatcher Schulte, Sales & Marketing Director
Thatcher Schulte joined Quester in 2002, during which time he has been responsible for managing many of the key accounts of our business. As a former Research Analyst and Account Manager, Thatcher is well versed in the application of Quester's deliverables, and has been instrumental in the development of Quester's qualitative solutions. Today, Thatcher is responsible for the strategic marketing objectives of Quester and manages our Sales & Marketing Department.
Judith Kobler, Marketing Director
Judith Kobler joined Quester in 2004, during which time she has been responsible for selling Quester's solutions to Fortune 500 companies. Before Quester, Judith held key positions as Vice-President Client Services, responsible for new business development at major marketing research providers including Decisions Center, Elrick & Lavidge, Market Facts and the NPD Group. Judith is an industry veteran with 35 years experience working with companies across a broad range of categories including packaged goods, financial services, telecommunications and technology. She has extensive experience working on research projects involving consumers as well as B2B across all professional levels.
Nichole Seedorf, Employee Services Director
Nichole Seedorf joined Quester in 2006 as a member of the accounting team. With a background in communication, training, and employee benefits, Nichole strives to build a foundation which allows employees to focus their energy and enthusiasm on our clients. Today, Nichole is responsible for the Employee Services Department which encompasses all of Quester's Administrative, Financial and Human Resource functions.
Patrick J. Gorman, Chairman of the Board
Patrick J. Gorman joined Quester in 2004, with over 25 years of marketing research and technology experience, Patrick has had a long and successful career that encompasses both the client side of the business, wherein he managed several large accounts, and the marketing research supplier side of the industry, where he specialized in the development of new technology based services. He has held senior positions at Research International, Equifax/Elrick and Lavidge, and Synovate.
John L. Graaff, President & CEO
Over 35 years of experience in the entrepreneurial startup, growth, and development of technology companies. In addition to founding and growing four successful technology companies, Mr. Graaff has also been a consoler for the SBA's SCORE program for over 15 years. In that time he has consoled over 750 technology start-up companies.
John Mertens, General Manager
John Mertens joined Quester in 1999 and has been very involved in the continuous development and application of Quester's tools. With a background in the field of law, John began his Quester career within research, and then moved to a role as a liaison between the Research and Internal Development departments. Today, John brings his wealth of Quester experience, along with a background of more than 15 years in management, to his role as General Manager.
Dennis Wilson, Chief Information Officer
Dennis Wilson joined Quester in 2001, during which time he has been responsible for designing and implementing Socrates® and Aristotle® in conjunction with the research of Quester's founder, Dr. Charles Cleveland. He is a proven technologist and software innovator, with over 18 years of experience in the industry. At Quester, he is responsible for architecture, design and development of Quester's solutions.
Andrea Richards, Senior Vice President
Andrea Richards joined Quester in 1995, during which time she has played an integral role in the development of Quester's tools. As a cum laude graduate in Psychology and English from Buena Vista University, Andrea brings a keen sensitivity to language to her role at Quester. She is a proven leader and experienced linguistic analyst, who now guides our research team to focus on delivering the most meaningful qualitative insights in a variety of industries, including packaged goods, pharmaceuticals, media, hospitality and insurance.
Thatcher Schulte, Sales & Marketing Director
Thatcher Schulte joined Quester in 2002, during which time he has been responsible for managing many of the key accounts of our business. As a former Research Analyst and Account Manager, Thatcher is well versed in the application of Quester's deliverables, and has been instrumental in the development of Quester's qualitative solutions. Today, Thatcher is responsible for the strategic marketing objectives of Quester and manages our Sales & Marketing Department.
Judith Kobler, Marketing Director
Judith Kobler joined Quester in 2004, during which time she has been responsible for selling Quester's solutions to Fortune 500 companies. Before Quester, Judith held key positions as Vice-President Client Services, responsible for new business development at major marketing research providers including Decisions Center, Elrick & Lavidge, Market Facts and the NPD Group. Judith is an industry veteran with 35 years experience working with companies across a broad range of categories including packaged goods, financial services, telecommunications and technology. She has extensive experience working on research projects involving consumers as well as B2B across all professional levels.
Nichole Seedorf, Employee Services Director
Nichole Seedorf joined Quester in 2006 as a member of the accounting team. With a background in communication, training, and employee benefits, Nichole strives to build a foundation which allows employees to focus their energy and enthusiasm on our clients. Today, Nichole is responsible for the Employee Services Department which encompasses all of Quester's Administrative, Financial and Human Resource functions.