Bios:
Patricia Alviso, Founder
AIS Market Research was founded by Patricia Alviso in 1965, and is the oldest market, social, and political research firm in central California. As President, Mrs. Alviso is thoroughly familiar with all phases of the research process. Much of her particular expertise lies in the methodology and questionnaire design. Experiences with over 400 clients has given Patricia a solid understanding of the importance of accurately identifying the research objectives, and with being able to capture those concerns in a clear and definitive manner in the questionnaire. Few people have distinguished themselves more prominently in the professional research community. She is highly acclaimed within her own industry, as well as within her community.
Mrs. Alviso now serves the company in a supervisory role, ensuring overall project quality and taking responsibility for the strategic direction and "big picture" goals of the company. She is actively involved in company planning and preparing AIS for the on-going changes that are facing the market research industry. As well, she functions in a consulting role on all AIS projects, bringing her experience and unique insight to bear on behalf of our clients. Mrs. Alviso has a degree in Political Science from California State University, Fresno and serves on the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce Board.
Jennifer Dawson, Vice President of Production
Mrs. Dawson has extensive, proven experience in the daily operations and management of market research field operations. Starting as a phone bank interviewer, she was quickly recognized as a solid leader and promoted to supervisor and trainer for the phone bank. Spending several years in that capacity, she was again promoted to Assistant Director of Field Operations where she was able to learn the necessary skill set to subsequently take on the Director of Operations position, for over 5 years. She is currently Vice President of Production and is responsible for a staff of 45 employees and 5 supervisors, handling all human resources, scheduling, briefing and the significant amount of training required to deliver interviewers who have the communication and skills necessary to be successful. As part of her operations duties, Mrs. Dawson has implemented a program called NIT (New Interviewers Training) that is provided to every interviewer at AIS. This program covers such areas as professionalism, effective communication tools, probing and clarifying for understanding, handling difficult or upset customers/clients, and general office skills.
During her time with AIS Market Research, Mrs. Dawson has been instrumental in the success of various educational, government and training programs including projects for California State University, Fresno, State Center Community College District, Workforce Investment Board, and work for regional governmental agencies such as the County of Fresno.
Kim Rudolf, Field Director
Ms. Rudolf has extensive, proven experience in the daily operations and management of all data collection research. Ms. Rudolf brings to each project, a proven record of high performance standards, including attention to schedules, meeting client deadlines, working within budgets, all while maintaining a high quality of work.
During her time with AIS Market Research, Ms. Rudolf has brought increased efficiency to job scheduling, training, client communications, bidding, budgeting, and quality control for all qualitative and quantitative research projects. Kim Rudolf has also developed and implemented various employee training video programs.
Ms. Rudolf has an extensive educational background, a graduate of Heald 4C's Business College and Fresno City College, in addition to many business management seminars and training.