It is with great sadness that we announce that Ron Clark, founder of IHR Research Group and Scientific Telephone Samples, passed away on June 7, 2018. Ron was a respected founder, motivator and creator in our industry. He was also a mentor and friend to those lucky people who spent time in his influence.
Ron founded IHR Research Group in 1976 after success in the advertising world. His second flagship company, Scientific Telephone Samples, was founded in 1988. He was ever-involved in the guidance, leadership and business decisions of his companies, even through his nearly seven-year battle with cancer.
Prior to founding IHR, Ron was Senior Vice President at Cochrane Chase & Livingston in Southern California (now part of Saatchi & Saatchi). Ron also served in numerous marketing research and marketing positions in New York, Chicago, Detroit, and San Francisco. He served as a guest speaker at many industry events and wrote one of the first formal interviewer training programs back in the early 1980s which eventually led to the the development of the call center management software, CATIHelp. Ron graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Advertising and Communications and earned a graduate degree from Wayne State University.
Ron was a great friend and benefactor to the Southwest Chapter of the MRA and Insights Association for many years, sponsoring annual networking gatherings at his Las Vegas penthouse. He would share amazing stories and surprising facts about research, sample, programming, data collection, business ownership, client relationships, and if you were interested, playing the odds at the tables. His influence will continue to provide strength and guidance for marketing and social researchers for years to come.
Steve and Dianne Clark will be holding a memorial service for Ron on Sunday, June 24 at 2:30 p.m. at the Corona Del Mar Community Church in Corona Del Mar, California. The Clarks have asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s memory to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. On behalf of our members, past and present, the Southwest Chapter has made a $500 contribution to their chosen charity. Our condolences to Dianne and Steve. Rest in Peace, Mr. Clark.
News
MR NewsA Tribute by the Southwest Chapter of the Insights Association
Leave a Reply