A co-founder and Principal of Edge Research, Jon Kulok has spent over 12 years in the survey research field developing strategic quantitative and qualitative research for clients in the corporate, political and non-profit sectors. “I get particular satisfaction helping young companies with their unique challenges through custom market research,” says Jon. “I enjoy business and have an entrepreneurial spirit, which comes through when I’m working with clients.” Jon has developed, executed and analyzed strategic market research studies for such diverse companies as Nextel Communications, Citrix Systems, Intuit, Household Finance Corporation, and The PGA Tour. A pioneer in the online research revolution, Kulok has also provided tactical online research to such companies as CBS Sportsline, Discovery Channel Online, and Hollywood.com.
With hundreds of surveys and focus groups to his credit, Jon’s clients respect his ability to understand the “big picture” of their business. “Unlike many market research companies, we don’t conduct research in a vacuum. Understanding the overall business objectives is paramount to developing meaningful research that is tailored to our clients’ needs, says Kulok..
Kulok believes that Edge’s attention to detail and depth of knowledge in their practice areas set them apart from other market research companies. “We work closely with our clients to understand their business needs, devise the right research objectives and the right research methodology”, he explains. In addition, the Edge team is accessible, flexible and efficient, providing a cost effective partnership for their many clients.
Jon says that one of the biggest market research pitfalls is when research objectives are not assessed and understood at the beginning of a project. “That starts a domino effect . . . with the wrong objectives, you go down the wrong research path, and then the client isn’t happy with the end results. Then sometimes the findings are never even used because the whole project is so off-target.”
Prior to founding Edge, Kulok was a senior analyst at the Mellman Group, providing strategic research to many non-profits such as the Rockefeller Foundation, SeaWeb and Rock the Vote. Jon began his market research career as an associate at Peter Hart Research working extensively on print and electronic media polling, including the NBC News/Wall St. Journal poll and the U.S. News and Work Report’s editions on “Excellence in America”.
A graduate from Trinity College with a degree in political science, Jon also studied policy issues at American University . His professional affiliations include membership in CASRO (Council of American Survey Research Organizations), as well as formal training at RIVA Market Research.
Jon’s biggest role model is his father, William Kulok. “He started and ran a number of very successful businesses and valued a happy and stable family life, as well.” In his free time, Jon enjoys spending time with his wife Victoria and two children, Sydney and Will. He also enjoys cooking, traveling, reading and playing golf.
