Steven Wolf

About

Steven Wolf is a veteran market researcher whose core areas of expertise include customer needs and behavior, market opportunity assessment, concept testing, brand positioning, customer targeting, marketing and sales channels, communications planning, and customer experience improvement. His 18 years of experience as a researcher and marketing strategist has helped his clients to better understand their industry environment and target buyer needs. He has led nearly 200 research and consulting assignments across the healthcare, education, technology, finance, professional services, automotive and non-profit industries. Some of his past projects include the analysis of the e-commerce market for Toyota and a stint in consumer marketing and sales at Wenner Media.

Employment

6 roles

Jan 2013 - Present 13 years 4 months

Market Researcher

Independent

Led market research (primary and secondary) and marketing strategy projects for start-ups, non-profits, small businesses and Fortune-500s – independently and in partnership with consulting firms and creative agencies.

Informed K-12 math and ELA curriculum non-profits’ market expansions through industry and stakeholder research.
Led multi-modal research and strategy effort – including internal, competitive, subscriber and exhibitor research, personas and integrated communications – to inform B2B content and events provider’s new operational strategy.
Deployed account survey to inform restaurant take-out platform’s product strategy and identify CX opportunities.
Captured consumer insights and competitive best practices to inform financial social responsibility campaign concept.
Developed market landscape across 12 service lines for aging services non-profit.
Conducted research to inform private equity firm’s acquisitions, including HR platform and dental practice software.
Researched consumer needs and organizational decision dynamics to improve tech firm’s targeting and sales plans.
Informed leading P&C insurance provider’s partnership strategy through analysis of adjacent industries and players.

Mar 2005 - Dec 2012 7 years 9 months

Partner/ Associate

HawkPartners

Led 100+ research and strategy engagements, primarily for Fortune-500 clients in healthcare, financial services, high tech and hospitality. Responsibilities also spanned developing client relationships, contributing intellectual capital, training staff, and improving operations.

Client Engagements: Directed projects addressing diverse marketing challenges, including industry and competitive analysis, customer attitudes and profiles, value proposition development, target audience segmentation, concept testing, and customer experience improvement.
Business Development: Acquired and led account relationships including a global vaccines maker and major insurance provider, generating ~$740,000 in sales. Managed many additional clients, contributing another ~$1.4 M.
Governance: Developed firm capabilities overviews, and a proposal improvement process. Led Training & Knowledge Sharing – enacting a “brown bag” program and building Case Study and Proposal libraries.

Jul 2000 - Feb 2005 4 years 7 months

Principal, Associate

MarketBridge

Was assigned as a project leader at leading marketing and sales consulting firm.
Delivered 20+ market intelligence, marketing/sales strategy, and channel integration engagements, including consumer and partner insights, marketing “funnel” analysis, marketing mix optimization, and campaign development.
Fostered healthcare client relationship, including leading or teaming on ~$750,000 in business development.

May 1999 - Aug 1999 3 months

Strategic Planning Associate

Toyota Motor Sales USA

Analyzed industry e-commerce dynamics, including changing consumer needs and behaviors, new competitive initiatives, emerging partnerships and go-to-market models, and technology trends (e.g. Telematics).
Advocated e-business strategy to senior executives, including principles and suggested actions.

Mar 1996 - Jul 1998 2 years 4 months

Consultant, Account Executive

Interbrand

Managed brand naming projects end-to-end - including developing strategy briefs to focus creative direction, leading copywriting efforts (e.g. Dell Inspiron, DuPont Supriva).
Worked with 50+ clients across many industries.
Moderated ideation sessions and focus groups to develop and test concepts, and analyzed customer research.

May 1993 - Mar 1996 2 years 10 months

Assistant Sales Manager

Wenner Media

Managed brand naming projects end-to-end - including developing strategy briefs to focus creative direction, leading copywriting efforts (e.g. Dell Inspiron, DuPont Supriva).
Worked with 50+ clients across many industries.
Moderated ideation sessions and focus groups to develop and test concepts, and analyzed customer research.