About Our People

Nancy Weinstein, President

With almost 30 years of market research experience, Nancy brings a unique perspective to her work, having spent the majority of her career as a research supplier along with notable time as a corporate Research Director. Through these experiences, she has gained a deep understanding of quantitative and qualitative research techniques and mechanics, as well as an appreciation of corporate research users, their marketing issues and the environment within which they must perform effectively.

Prior to establishing Weinstein & Associates, Inc. in 1995, Nancy was the Director of Market Research for Western Publishing, makers of Golden Book® and the leading manufacturer of children’s educational toys and products. She was also the Market Research Director for Sears Catalog and Direct Response.

Nancy has also worked for well-respected, consultative research suppliers, including Goldring & Company, Inc and Walker Research. Well versed in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and techniques, Nancy has designed and executed market research for clients representing a broad spectrum of industries and consumer targets.

Nancy enjoys sharing her market research passion with others, having been a speaker at the National Direct Marketing Association (DMA) conference and conducting a series of seminars about consumer research and its applications. She is also a member of the American Marketing Association (AMA), the Market Research Global Alliance (MRGA), and the firm adheres to the principles and guidelines set forth by CASRO.

Emily Chardell, Moderator, Associate

Emily is a seasoned marketing and research professional with 30 years of experience. She has worked across diverse industries as an advertising executive and a moderator, allowing Emily to bring these unique experiences and insights to her work for our clients. Emily is recognized as having an innate sensitivity to consumers, and an exceptional ability to put respondents at ease as she engages them in highly productive and thought-provoking discussions. She is well versed in qualitative techniques, including traditional focus groups, online group discussions, recall focus groups, stacked focus sessions, in-person and telephone individual in-depth interviews and ethnography.

Prior to becoming a full time moderator, Emily spent 14 years in Client Service at Leo Burnett advertising agency, including five years as a Vice President. She was charged with developing and implementing marketing plans and advertising campaigns for both new and established products on many major accounts including Procter & Gamble, Kraft, Kellogg’s, McDonalds and Kimberly-Clark.

Emily is a member of the Marketing Research Association (MRA) and the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA). She is a founding Friend of Beauty for the Brave, a charity committed to helping wounded U.S. troops and their families, and serves on the Women’s Board of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago.

Debra Gehring, Senior Project Manager, Associate

Debra has worked with Weinstein & Associates, Inc. since its inception. She handles many day-to-day requirements for both qualitative and quantitative research, with extensive skills in technology, project management, research procedures and data analysis.

Prior to her work at Weinstein & Associates, Inc., Debra spent three years at David Kessler & Associates, Inc. managing projects for the promotions company and handling all the day-to-day activities.

She has more than seven years experience in the U.S. Air Force as a Weapons Controller Technician. During her tenure, Debra also managed training and evaluation offices; four years at Tyndall AFB, Florida and three years at Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan.

Debra is an active community volunteer, currently managing the Accelerated Reader program for more than 500 children. Debra graduated from North Central College with a Bachelors of Science in Management, and a minor in Marketing. She also completed her MBA with High Honors at DePaul University, concentrating in Marketing.

Stuart Drucker, Statistician, Associate

Stuart is a well-respected statistician with over 25 years of experience. He is highly proficient in univariate and multivariate techniques, including but not limited to perceptual mapping, segmentation, product design/price optimization and customer satisfaction/loyalty modeling methodologies. Stuart has particular expertise in applying methodology that incorporates qualitative and mixed measurements into response models, such as logistic regression and discrete choice.

Stuart has authored and published several articles, and has been a presenter at the national Sawtooth Software Conference. He also was awarded Expert status as a Professional Certified Marketer by the Marketing Research Association (MRA), and is an active member of the American Marketing Association (AMA).