"Collectively,
our company
principals
boast a
staggering
80 years'
experience
in the
business..."
|
William
Bilkiss, CFO
With nearly thirty years of his life
spent in Marketing Research, there is really little Bill has
not seen. Yet he will tell you that one of his favorite things
about this industry is that it never gets old, because there's
always something new to look forward to. Bill is a graduate
of California State University in Northridge with a Bachelor
of Science Degree in Accounting. After spending several years
in accounting and becoming a Certified Public Accountant he
entered Marketing Research and became a partner at Los Angeles
Marketing Research Associates. At Focus & Testing Bill handles
the books and is always available to give guidance. When not
at Focus & Testing or LA Marketing Research, Bill loves to
cook. His English Toffee has won several Blue Ribbons at the
LA County Faire and has become a favorite in the Client Lounges.
Spence
Bilkiss, President Since
its 1995 inception, Spence has headed the day to day operations
at Focus & Testing. A third generation Market Researcher,
it seems like Spence was born with a clipboard in his hand.
After graduating from Chapman University with a Bachelors
of Arts Degree in American History and English, Spence worked
for a short while with his father and grandfather at LA Marketing
Research. Shortly thereafter he decided, along with Bill and
John, to open what he hoped would be the most magnificent
yet most practical facility of it's kind. Never one to sit
still, when not at Focus & Testing Spence can usually be heard
beating his drums.
John
Laurence, Chief Consultant
A Veteran of WWII, John first entered
Marketing Research as an interviewer in the 1940's while he
was attending college. Before founding Los Angeles Marketing
Research Associates in 1967, John lent his talents to a multitude
of industries including plumbing supplies, plastics, food
and beverage and journalism. Whether it's lending an ear or
sharing his vast knowledge John can often be found consulting
with Spence. Poetry buffs don't be surprised if you ever come
across his work. John is an award-winning Poet and has been
published several times.
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Diana
Aklyan, Director of Food Projects
One of Focus & Testings specialties has
always been food and one of the reasons they've been so successful
at it is due to its phenomenal staff, headed by Diana. After
graduating from Paralegal School, Diana decided that the legal
world wasn't for her and instead decided to try her hand at
Marketing Research. When it comes to food there isn't a product
category she hasn't tested. She knows the right questions
to ask and can often make practical suggestions to ensure
things run smoothly. When not at work Diana enjoys working
around her new house with her husband and children.
Marlen
Potourian, Recruitment Manager
Marlen
moved to Los Angeles from Israel in 1994 and began working
at Focus & Testing as a part time interpreter in 1996. Soon
after she began working in the phone-room and was promoted
to recruitment manager in 1997. She credits her careful attention
to detail and diverse appreciation of other cultures and ethnicity's
to the high show rates she has enjoyed.
Elise
Frigon, Office Manager Anyone
that has called Focus & Testing in the past three years has
heard Elise's cheerful East Coast accent as she connected
you to the right extension. After graduating from Utica College
in Utica, NY, Elise spent several years in Restaurant Management
prior to working at Focus & Testing. Always willing to assist,
there is little at Focus & Testing that she does not know
about. When not dealing with respondents, clients and the
Focus & Testing Staff, Elise enjoys going to Lakers games.
Bob Johnson, Vice President - Operations
A graduate of California State University
in Northridge, Bob began his career in Marketing Research
twenty years ago as a telephone recruiter. Since then Bob
spent fifteen years in a variety of positions at Adept Consumer
Testing, before joining the staff of Focus & Testing in 1996.
Overseeing all of the non-food related studies at Focus &
Testing, Bob has made it possible for many clients to sleep
easier at night. His experience with executive, medical and
technological studies has proven to be an invaluable asset
that clients have come to appreciate and count on. As devoted
as they come, clients often marvel at Bob's reliability, dedication,
knowledge and experience. Throughout his years in research
Bob has moonlighted as a music journalist and commentator.
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