Merrill Dubrow: My name is Merrill Dubrow, CEO of M/A/R/C Research and a 35 plus year veteran of the Insights Community and the host of our podcast On the M/A/R/C. Welcome to another Merrill-ISM segment. Today's segment is thanks for the second time. OK, let me just start by saying this involves a story. Recently, I've been cleaning and purging lots of stuff I've had over the years and tossed out a bunch of things. In addition, it was kind of a trip down memory lane with pictures from college. Growing up, I looked at the dogs we had and tons of stuff related to sports like ticket stubs, programs, pictures, autographs and much, much more. What I also came across is today's podcast, a speech I had written and delivered in 2014. Yes, nine years ago, that I will deliver again. The Meritorious Service to Marketing Research award that I was given in June 2014, is an award which is, the purpose of this award is to recognize an individual who has over the span of their career demonstrated tremendous leadership, dedication, and commitment that has led to remarkable contributions to the marketing research industry. And here is my speech that I found a few weeks ago. What an honor. I found out that I had won this award about 48 hours ago and I'm still shocked. I was surprised when Alice Butler informed myself and our senior team during an executive committee meeting. This has been an amazing journey that has spanned over 30 years. I started this industry as an interviewer. And get this, I did door to door interviewing. That's how old I am. Even though I stand before you alone, I really represent a number of people who helped me along the way. Marianne Schafer, the founder of Field Facts, has so much energy and spunk. She taught me no matter what you are faced with, have a can-do attitude. The next person I want to mention is my first mentor, John Boni, who believed in me and pushed me to be the best I could be and taught me one of life's biggest lessons, don't overreact and make decisions when you are emotional. Think things through and make sound business decisions. Then there was, Jim Frederickson, who was a special boss of mine at Harris Interactive. He was direct, hold no punches, and somehow managed to have the respect of every single person in the entire organization. Another special person in my life is Sandy Schwartz, who saw things in me that I never saw. Gave me a chance, showed me the way, and really gave me the tools to be successful and make things happen in this great industry. And then there is my mom and dad. What amazing people. My mom taught me two things, how to dress and eat. My dad taught me a lot about business and how to treat people the right way. And in his eyes, the right way was the only way. He was very hard working, was an overachiever and put himself in a position to retire at the young age of 51. Unfortunately, my dad has a short-term memory loss issue that we're dealing with. So always the glass half full type of guy, I finally found some benefit of that problem. Since I call my dad every day, and now when he says, hey, what's new? I can tell him I won an industry award over and over and over. So thank you. I've heard some people say that I love my family, I love my friends, and I love the industry. For me, those three things are all the same. For over three decades, I've had the privilege of associating with and learning from some of the smartest, most talented, creative, passionate researchers and business leaders that this industry has to offer. That list includes Craig Stevens, Elisa Gallaway, Michael Halberstam, Michael Mermelstein, Colleen Moore Mezler, Janet Savoie, Ken Roberts, Lori Young, Merrill - I love the name - Shugoll, Debi Schlesinger, and crazy Ed Sugar, who I've had the privilege of knowing for over 20 plus years and still doesn't say my name right. And of course, I've left out one person, my older brother I never had, Steve Schlesinger. In addition, a few people who left us way too soon, Jane Cook and Mimi Nichols. To the attendees that are in their 30s, I say, you are the next generation of researchers, the next generation of superstars, the next generation of leaders. Find a mentor, surround yourself with talented people that you trust, that you can listen to and learn from. Because when you do that, I promise you, you will make a difference for your company and in this industry. In closing, I would like to say one last thing. If I had a wish for the market research industry, it is for associations like MRA, QRCA, CASRO to work together. I mean, really work together to move this industry forward a lot quicker than it does now. Thanks again for this amazing honor. My name is Merrill Dubrow, thanks for listening to today's podcast. Thanks for the second time. Stay well, be safe. And please, please stay in touch.