About Crux Research

 Crux Research - A Different Approach

In 2005, we saw a need for a different research consultancy. One that would offer clients more senior-level attention on their projects and more focused, personalized service.

​The entrepreneurial spirit of Crux translates into genuine enthusiasm for the studies we undertake and the commitment of the people behind them. In a few short years, the company became recognized as experts in survey research and polling. We have conducted studies for Fortune 100 firms, startups, and everything in between. And we have assembled a “dream team” of some of the most highly respected researchers in the industry.

 Our Team - The "Crux" of Crux

 John Geraci

​​President and Founder
Author of POLL-ARIZED: Why Americans Don't Trust the Polls and How to Fix Them Before It's Too Late
A seasoned researcher with a broad base of experience, John has earned a reputation as a go-to researcher for understanding today’s youth and for market research on topics in education. A veteran of one of the world's largest research firms (Harris Interactive), John has overseen nearly two million interviews. His clients have included public school districts, colleges/ universities, consumer packaged goods companies, advertising agencies, media, manufacturers, dot-com businesses, technology firms, foundations, and associations. He has directed more than 2,500 market research projects.

John is frequently quoted on youth marketing issues. He has been interviewed by CNN, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, and other media outlets such as Brand Week and Advertising Age. He has presented at more than 75 industry events and symposia.
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John has been a member of the board of directors of Causewave Community Partners. Crux Research contributes considerable pro bono resources to the organization and other non-profits. He holds a B.A. in Economics (cum laude) from the University of Rochester and an M.B.A. from the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Rochester.

In 2022, John authored POLL-ARIZED, an analysis of how the struggles of pre-election polls are caused by data quality issues that are pervasive in the survey research industry.

Maureen Palmerini

​​Vice President
With 25+ years of strategic research experience, Maureen is involved in all aspects of qualitative and quantitative project management at Crux Research. In addition to report writing, she specializes in quantitative and statistical analysis, including the design and implementation of statistical techniques and models. Additionally, she is involved in the programming of online surveys using our survey software platform.

​Prior to joining Crux Research, Maureen spent 10 years managing the marketing research function at Wegmans Food Markets. There, she coordinated corporate initiatives related to market share, segmentation, customer satisfaction, loyalty/retention, brand equity, advertising and promotion evaluation, product positioning/ pricing, trade area analysis, demographic analysis, new market and site evaluation, market potential analysis, secondary research and benchmarking. Additionally, Maureen was involved in data mining using customer profile data and transaction behavior.

Maureen has also worked at the Gordon S. Black Corporation as a research analyst and programmer and has a great deal of experience in high level statistical analysis. Maureen holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied and Mathematical Statistics from Rochester Institute of Technology.

​Lisa Chen

Vice President
Lisa provides clients exceptional insights through qualitative research. For 20+ years she has honed her skills and developed expertise in in-depth interviewing, focus group moderation, and online social community building. She has held a variety of senior management, academic, and consulting positions. Lisa is known as an exceptional communicator. She is quick to build rapport with research participants from a wide range of backgrounds and her written and presentation skills are always well-received and highly rated.
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Prior to working with Crux Research, Lisa was Senior Director of Youth and Education Research at Harris Interactive. She has extensive knowledge in generational research, children’s and parenting issues stemming from her tenure at a Toronto-based think tank (Moxie Insight), Sesame Workshop, and as a consultant for Noggin and Scholastic. She earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from New York University and holds a B.S. from Cornell University.

​Susan Geraci

Vice President
​Sue leads project management, programming, and supplier management at Crux. In addition to assuring that projects get done on time and on budget, she is responsible for programming and analysis of survey data, database management, field coordination of qualitative projects, and office management.
Sue previously worked at the Gordon S. Black Corporation and Harris Interactive as a programming supervisor, and as an independent market research consultant. She holds a B.S. in Business from SUNY Geneseo.
POLL-ARIZED: Why Americans Don't Trust the Polls and How to Fix Them Before It's Too Late​