Member of the Month: Jon Strobel

1.) Where do you work, what do you specialize in marketing?

I am currently an unemployed researcher, although I hope the “unemployed” part will be inoperative in the near future. Most recently I spent twelve years at Thrivent Financial, where I ran a mix of qualitative and quantitative projects, from ethnographies to focus groups to surveys to analyzing secondary and subscription data. I also launched and managed Thrivent’s online research community, developing it into Thrivent’s first stop for the voice-of-the-customer.

2.) How long have you been a member of the AMA?

I first joined the AMA in graduate school, but allowed my membership to lapse. A couple of years ago I started feeling like I was getting caught up in the immediate needs of my projects and losing track of the profession, so I renewed my membership.

3.) What has been your favorite event that you have attended?

Until this year, I’ve never been much of an “event” person – my focus as an AMA member was on journals, webinars, and other educational resources rather than networking. Since I left Thrivent I’ve been a little more active. All the events I’ve attended have been good, but my favorite was the breakfast presentation by Kara McGuire of Iconoculture’s Big Ideas 2013. Not only did I learn some interesting stuff, but I made some good contacts that have helped me start rebuilding the network I had neglected during my long period of being out of circulation.

4.) Outside of work, what are your interests, hobbies or passions?

This is a hard question since I’ve been fortunate enough to find a profession that fits who I am. Research is my passion – but for the past few years, my greatest joy has been helping to raise my grandson.  

5.) What is one thing that not many people know about you?

One summer between teaching jobs, I worked as a line cook in an Uptown New Orleans restaurant. My calamari with remoulade was named the “best hot appetizer” by the local weekly arts newspaper.