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The Strategic Marketing Services Team
SMS is located on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa's College of Business Administration in Cedar Falls, IA. Our staff consists of highly skilled project managers with years of research and industry experience. Additionally, our university affiliation provides access to a deep pool of talented faculty consultants, as well as name recognition and credibility among research participants. | |
| Each principal member of SMS’s respected staff has earned the Marketing Research Association’s prestigious PRC—Professional Researcher Certification—at the Expert Level. The Certification signifies that these individuals have met a stringent set of criteria and possess the knowledge and practical experience in marketing research necessary to earn this credential. |  |
 | Ron Padavich, PRC Director Ronald.Padavich@uni.edu (319)273-6942 |
Ron Padavich has been the director of Strategic Marketing Services since 1991. In addition to managing and directing the overall operations and staffing of SMS, Ron also works with clients and manages projects in the areas of marketing intelligence (research and analysis), strategic planning, marketing strategies, market segmentation, and competitor analysis. His primary responsibility is to ensure that each member of the SMS team delivers an unsurpassed quality of service and customer satisfaction to every SMS client. Ron has over 25 years of business experience in both the public and private sectors. He has sales experience in insurance and investments, marketing and communications experience with a major utility company, and project management experience with private sector businesses through the University of Northern Iowa's College of Business Administration. He also teaches business management skills through the University's Executive Development Center, and holds a B.A. in Political Science from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. | |
 | Greg Gerjerts, PRC Senior Program Manager Gregory.Gerjerts@uni.edu (319) 273-2960 |
A marketing research professional with over 20 years of experience, Greg Gerjerts has managed client projects at Strategic Marketing Services since 1993. Greg's responsibilities are focused on both formulating and managing a wide variety of research and analysis projects aimed at meeting our clients' most pressing business intelligence needs. Although his project management experience is broad-based, Greg has placed special emphasis on business-to-business research, having helped his clients make significant advancements in the areas of customer satisfaction and loyalty, competitive intelligence, and new product development. Prior to his joining SMS, Greg served for eight years as Manager of Marketing Operations at a large defense R&D and manufacturing firm, where he also served as Manager of Technical Publications. Over the years, his business background has included considerable experience in a private consulting role, in which he has written investment packages and new business proposals, guided strategic alliance initiatives, and authored technical articles for publication in trade journals. Greg has a B.A. and an M.A. from The University of Northern Iowa, with additional undergraduate experience at Arizona State University. During his professional career, he has participated in numerous continuing education opportunities, including participation at various international conferences and seminars, and graduation from the Notre Dame School of Database Marketing. | |
 | Christy Bauer, PRC Program Manager Christy.Bauer@uni.edu (319) 273-7314 |
As a Program Manager, Christy Bauer has a successful record of leading teams in development, administration, and presentation of market research and analysis projects for business clients across multiple industries. Her primary responsibilities include construction of client proposals and methodologies to address specific research needs, administration of primary and secondary research techniques, analysis and interpretation of data findings, and final documentation and presentation. Christy is also experienced in the development and implementation of technology-based research strategies such as web surveys and online research panels. Christy holds a B.A. degree in Marketing and a Certificate in International Business from the University of Northern Iowa. She has been employed with Strategic Marketing Services since 1998, and formerly worked in the medical industry. | |
 | Sara Ehrig, PRC Program Manager Sara.Ehrig@uni.edu (319) 273-7315 |
Sara joined Strategic Marketing Services in 2001 and is responsible for the development of student associates through SMS's Experiential Learning Program. As a program manager with SMS, Sara concentrates on leading teams in the effort to provide clients in multiple industries with information relevant to their specific needs. Her primary responsibilities include the administration of primary and secondary research, analysis, and interpretation of data findings, and the presentation of results. Sara also places a significant focus on student training and development of professional growth by fostering mentor relationships with student research associates. Sara holds a B.A. in Marketing and Management from Wartburg College and has brought valuable experience to the organization in marketing research, management, and sales. | |
 | Robin Rector Office Manager Robin.Rector@uni.edu (319) 273-2886 |
Robin has been with Strategic Marketing Services since 1991. In addition to maintaining the daily operations of the department, her responsibilities include keeping detailed financial records for multiple accounts, and targeting and contacting prospective clients. She received the University's "Panther First" Award, and has facilitated seminars on delivering quality service to students. Robin holds a B.A. degree in Psychology and Business Administration from Wartburg College. | |
