Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Elster.
Founded in 1963 by Joseph H. Rabin, Rabin Research Company built its reputation and following by providing exceptional market research services to blue chip companies around the world. Mr. Rabin, who retired in 2015, shared his insight about why he started the company:
“In the early 1960s the marketing research field was going through an evolutionary period. I recognized the need for a research company that could supply very high quality marketing research services to advertising agencies and their clients. I established the company with an operating philosophy called ‘The Quality approach to Marketing Research Services.’
The key to our business model was flexibility and customized solutions so we provided what our clients really needed rather than forcing them to buy complete studies, when they did not need them.
Our goal was to become an integral part of our clients’ research departments so we could help them staff their departments, keep up-to-date with the most cutting edge research technologies, and satisfy their internal clients. Key to achieving those objectives was having highly qualified senior level project directors to work directly with our clients. The rest is history!”
Michelle Elster, a second-generation owner of Rabin Research Company, feels strongly about retaining the basic philosophies that provided the foundation for this company. However, it would not be here today without being open to and diligent about change. H.G. Wells said this many, many years ago:
“Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature’s inexorable imperative.”
Our industry is transforming daily. We feel that it’s our responsibility to remain on the leading edge of our business. However, we will not change just to fit in. We will do it when we feel it’s the right decision for our business and our clients.
With advances in technology, many doors have opened to us. We can now work collaboratively with companies around the world to bring our clients the best of the best. This new access has expanded the types of services we can offer, increased the speed at which we can deliver our work, enabled us to reduce costs wherever possible, and improve the value, insightfulness, and creativity of our deliverables.
Many of our clients have worked with us for more than a decade even if they changed jobs. They continue their relationship with us because they know we have their best interest at heart. They feel that there is no request too difficult for us to handle. Why do they feel this way? Because they know we care. We care because we take this business very personally.
The famous quote “It’s not personal. It’s just business.” just doesn’t fly with us. To us, it is personal. And it’s personal to our clients as well.
At Rabin Research Company, we are respectful of our past, committed to today, and prepared for the future. We welcome you to join us on this journey!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As a second generation owner of the company, it was a challenge to follow in my father’s footsteps. Those were some big shoes to fill! Despite the fact that I had already been an important part of the company and management team for many years prior, the transition was difficult. There were surprises at every step of the way during the first year of my ownership. I lost a lot of sleep for the first year (or more).
Other big struggles that are on-going, include:
1) It’s challenging to keep the pipeline filled with new clients and studies.
2) Making sure we are always financially prepared for whatever may lie ahead.
3) Ensuring that we have the best people and they are trained properly.
4) Staying on top of the latest tools, techniques, and technologies.
5) Remaining relevant (this may be the biggest one of all).
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Rabin Research Company story. Tell us more about the business.
We began as a primary marketing research company focusing on consumer packaged goods. However, demand for other services, types of research, and sector expertise forced us to expand our offerings. Today, we are proud to offer a range of primary qualitative and quantitative research; secondary research services; and, database and marketing analytics. We serve virtually every industry and have experience in both B2B and B2C sectors, and we do this globally.
Each of our senior directors have 30+ years of experience – in the industry and with the company. Our clients have one primary contact for all your needs, from proposal through analysis. We are not just a research resource, but also a trusted business partner.
We serve every client with care and concern at every step of the way. Each study is led by senior management who provides personal attention their work.
Our clients feel that there is no request too difficult for us to handle. They turn to us with their toughest questions, most challenging brand issues, and loftiest goals. We work collaboratively, learning as much as possible so that we can provide strategic guidance. We act as a sounding board for many. Some clients even include us in their strategic planning sessions to leverage our experience and industry expertise.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not sure I believe in luck, but I do believe in timing and there being a master plan. There have been too many things in my life that happened that either should not have happened or were very unexpected (e.g., I married my high school sweetheart, ended up having 3 kids instead of 1 – including a set of twins, wound up going into my family business, etc.). I believe that many of these sorts of things are out of our control. The rest of it, I attribute to long hours and hard work.
Contact Info:
- Address: 500 N Michigan Ave.,
Ste 1410,
Chicago, IL 60611 - Website: www.rabinresearch.com
- Phone: 312.527.5009 ext.15
- Email: melster@rabin-research.com
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