I started in this industry in 1990 as a way to supplement my income.  I was teaching in a private school, not making a lot of money, but loved the flexibility it gave me to be around for our son.  I was expecting our second child and was going to teach part time for a few years.  I had a friend in the focus group industry and she said, "Why not recruit for us?" 

 

The rest is history.  I recruited for one company for many years.  When I went back to teaching full time, I took a break from recruiting until my oldest son was ready for college.  I knew the extra money would come in handy, so I went back to that same company.  After a full day of teaching second graders, it was a pleasure to come home and talk to adults.  My boys were older and didn't need me as much and I love to be busy.  This was a perfect second job for me and really helped supplement our family’s  income.  

 

Fast forward to June, 2019, when I retired after 40 years of teaching. My plan was to recruit full time.  By then I was working for a second company and loved it more than ever.  Who knew that the world would shut down in March, 2020 and all focus groups would come to an end.? After several months the market research industry realized that they could hold focus groups via zoom.  A whole new world opened up, and just like that I went from being a small-time recruiter for people in the Philadelphia area to a national recruiter!

 

The best part of this job is that I get to talk to people all over the USA.  I love hearing the different accents, "meeting" and getting to know so many different people.  I love to make people happy.  My regulars greet me as though I am a long-lost friend.  I have had people in my database for over 30 years, and we chat nonstop when I call to recruit them on a new study. 

 

 

Let me share a story about how I met one of my recruits in person: 

 

It was a Saturday morning, more than 20 years ago, and my mom and I were at Kohls.  We got an early start that Saturday and the store was empty.  We were in the petite department, looking for some new spring outfits for my tiny mother.  I kept saying, "Mom - how about this?  How about that one?"  All of a sudden a young woman approached me and said, "Are you Judy, the market research lady?"  Hesitantly, I said, "Yes - why?"  She then said, "I'm Michelle, you call me all the time.  I recognized your voice."  Michelle is still on my list, and still doing studies for me, as is the rest of her family.  I have literally watched her three daughters grow up on Facebook, and I feel like she is a close friend, even though we never met face-to-face again.  That's why I love this business - I meet the nicest people!

 

My goal with this business is to build up my database to include tens of thousands of people from all over the USA - with your help! I can help so many people make a little extra income, while having fun. Many of the groups are virtual, but now some are back to being in-person.  I now represent five companies and am getting inquiries from even more from all over the country - it's very exciting!

 

I am no longer retired, but that's fine.  I make my own schedule, work when I want to, and take off when needed. Building this national business has been so rewarding, and I can't wait to see where this journey will take me.  I am happy to have you along on my new adventure!

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And that’s a wrap!
Love,

Judy