Our People Archives - L&E Research

Rallying for a Cause: L&E Health at Relay for Life

DWG Admin on June 12, 2025

On May 3rd, members of our L&E Health team gathered in Cary, North Carolina, to take part in the Relay for Life, a powerful community event that brings people together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and take action to help end cancer as we know it. This wasn’t just another team outing: it was a moment that reaffirmed who we are, both as individuals and as a company. At L&E Research, we believe in the strength of connection, whether it’s helping our clients find the right people for research or standing side-by-side in support of a cause that touches countless lives.

The event offered our team the opportunity to:

Strengthen relationships outside of the workplace
Engage meaningfully with our local community
Walk in solidarity for a cause that affects so many of us

Through shared stories, laughter, and heartfelt conversations, we left the event more united and inspired. We were honored to meet passionate community members, survivors, caregivers, and fellow advocates who reminded us of the power of hope and the importance of action. And the impact? Together with fellow participants, our team helped raise over $84,000 with donations still coming in. This incredible outcome reflects the generosity, spirit, and unwavering commitment of everyone involved.

To those who participated, donated, or offered words of encouragement – thank you. Your support means the world, and it fuels our shared drive to make a lasting difference. As we reflect on this experience, we’re reminded that being “the people for you” isn’t just a tagline: it’s a way of showing up in every aspect of life. We’re proud to stand with our community in the fight against cancer, and we look forward to continuing this journey of impact together.

Human-Centered Research: What We Learned at Intellus 2025

DWG Admin on March 27, 2025

One of the most appreciated aspects of Intellus this year was its intimate atmosphere. Unlike massive industry events, the conference fostered deeper conversations and direct collaboration between agencies, consultants, panel providers, and clients. Seeing familiar names and faces always feels like a reunion, but what stood out most was how closely sessions aligned with the realities of our daily work, tackling tangible issues with actionable insights and practical strategies that healthcare research teams can implement immediately.

At L&E Research, our healthcare team came away energized by key themes: deeper partnerships, thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, and an unwavering focus on the people at the heart of every study: patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Here are our key takeaways shaping how we continue to support our clients and the communities we serve.

From Service Provider to Strategic Partner

The days of simply being a behind-the-scenes research provider are over. Organizations are increasingly looking for true thought partners: teams that provide holistic insights, agile solutions, and a comprehensive understanding of their audience.

At L&E Health, we’re committed to being more than a recruitment partner. We proactively offer perspectives that might otherwise go unnoticed, particularly from harder-to-reach populations like patients and HCPs. Cross-functional collaboration allows us to maintain agility and elevate our role as strategic advisors. It’s about shaping smarter, more human-centered insights.

Technology and the Human Experience

AI was unsurprisingly a central focus at Intellus. The message was clear: organizations must experiment with AI now or risk falling behind. However, adopting AI effectively requires intentional support from leadership to ensure teams have time to explore and build essential skills.

Integrating AI in healthcare research presents challenges alongside opportunities. Can AI-driven chatbots genuinely build rapport? How well can they interpret subtle, nonverbal cues essential in healthcare conversations? While AI offers significant potential – like global consistency, multilingual support, cost efficiency, and geographic reach – it still lacks the critical empathy of human moderation.

A particularly urgent issue raised was adverse event (AE) reporting requirements, which demand a response within 24 hours. If AI is moderating, who’s monitoring in real time? Can we risk missing a serious patient-reported outcome because no human is present to interpret or escalate it?

Another critical tech consideration is accessibility. Mobile-first research methods are essential for reaching participants where they are, particularly busy HCPs and lower-income patient populations whose primary internet connection is their smartphone. However, incompatible technology can unintentionally exclude these critical voices. Addressing this isn’t just a technical issue; it’s fundamental to inclusivity and quality of insights.

The future of AI in healthcare research is promising but requires thoughtful, responsible implementation and human oversight to ensure quality and safety.

Transforming Insights & Analytics

McKinsey Consulting presented a powerful roadmap for healthcare insights teams seeking to increase their strategic impact:

Shift from Passive Reporting to Active Guidance: Insights should proactively inform decisions, driving immediate, practical actions rather than simply generating passive reports.

Ensure Insights & Analytics Has a Voice in Strategic Decisions: Position insights and analytics teams as trusted advisors by consistently involving them early in strategic conversations, enabling insights to shape critical business decisions from inception.

Align Insights Closely with Business Goals: Integrate insights teams directly with specific business units to ensure data-driven insights are not only relevant but quickly actionable, bridging the gap between analytics and strategy execution.

Invest in Effective Storytelling and Communication: Transform insights through powerful storytelling and compelling visualization, making complex data clear, memorable, and actionable for stakeholders.

Enable Agile Decision-Making Through Rapid Testing: Promote a flexible approach to decision-making that quickly tests and refines insights, allowing businesses to respond swiftly to market shifts and new opportunities.

Measure Insights’ Impact by Business Outcomes: Demonstrate the value of insights by directly connecting analytics initiatives with measurable outcomes such as revenue growth, customer engagement, and operational efficiencies.

Regularly Connect Leaders to Consumer Perspectives: Foster deeper, firsthand understanding by routinely exposing business leaders directly to consumer and market insights, enhancing empathy and ensuring decisions are grounded in genuine customer needs.

Consistently Deliver Trusted, Actionable Insights: Build and maintain organizational trust by regularly providing accurate, relevant, and strategically valuable insights that become essential to decision-making and long-term planning.

These strategies resonate with our mission at L&E: empowering healthcare organizations to act quickly, connect meaningfully, and lead with insights driven by authentic patient and provider experiences.

Looking Ahead

Healthcare is deeply personal. The insights we gather must reflect that truth – not just through data, but through the stories, needs, and voices of the people behind the numbers.

As we continue to evolve alongside our clients, our focus remains clear: helping brands navigate complexity with confidence, bring diverse voices into the fold, and leverage the best of both technology and human connection to improve outcomes.

We’re proud to be your partner on that journey.

Let’s keep the conversation going. If your healthcare insights team is rethinking its approach, we’d love to talk about how L&E Health can support your vision. Because when it comes to understanding people, we’re the people for you.

L&E Health Takes Strides in the Fight Against Type 1 Diabetes

DWG Admin on November 25, 2024

In the heart of Denver’s City Park, team L&E Health joined forces with the community for the Breakthrough Diabetes Walk, a vital initiative aimed at raising awareness and funding for type 1 diabetes research. This annual event is more than just a walk; it’s a powerful statement about our collective commitment to transforming lives and finding breakthroughs in diabetes care. At L&E Research, our mission extends beyond the boardroom and into the heart of the communities we serve, reflecting our core value of giving back.

As part of this year’s event, our team was thrilled to engage directly with participants—patients and caregivers alike. We understand the importance of listening to those affected by type 1 diabetes and providing them with opportunities to voice their experiences. Through initiatives like the Breakthrough Walk, we not only raise awareness but also expand our panel of dedicated participants. This expansion is crucial; it allows us to deliver richer insights and better quality data to our clients, ensuring that the voices of patients and caregivers are heard loud and clear in the medical research community.

Team L&E’s involvement goes beyond mere participation. Each step taken and each story shared at the walk underscores our commitment to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for those living with type 1 diabetes. The event has been a resounding success, raising over $430,000 thus far, which will directly support diabetes research and initiatives aimed at making significant advancements in treatment and care.

For L&E Research, the benefits of participating in the Breakthrough Diabetes Walk are manifold. Not only do we expand our database with high-quality, verified patient recruits, but we also reinforce our position as a leader in healthcare research dedicated to making a real difference. Our team members, energized by the opportunity to give back and contribute their time to a great cause, return invigorated, and ready to apply new insights and experiences to their work.

The Breakthrough Walk is a testament to what we can achieve together for the diabetes community. It reflects our unwavering support for groundbreaking research and our dedication to the individuals and families affected by type 1 diabetes. At L&E Research, we remain committed to our foundational value of community contribution, striving each day to not only meet but exceed the expectations of the communities we serve and the clients we support.

As we look to future events and the continuous expansion of our research capabilities, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our participants, clients, and team members who make initiatives like the Breakthrough Walk possible. Together, we are not just walking; we are paving the path toward a brighter, healthier future for all.

L&E Research Demonstrates Commitment to Community with Charitable Donation to Veterans Life Center

DWG Admin on November 1, 2024

Raleigh, NC – November 11, 2024 – L&E Research, a leader in market research recruitment, proudly upholds its core value of “Giving Back to the Community” through both workplace initiatives and local community involvement. Many L&E employees actively volunteer at soup kitchens, foster animals, assist in youth programs, and support their neighbors in various ways. Additionally, charitable donations have been made to numerous organizations at both local and national levels, exemplifying the spirit of using resources, skills, and services to empower others.

In line with this commitment, L&E Research donated $10,000 to the Veterans Life Center (VLC), an organization close to the heart of CEO Brett Watkins. “At L&E, we believe in making a meaningful impact on our community, and supporting VLC allows us to honor and assist those who have served our country,” stated Watkins. Instead of holiday client gifts, L&E has chosen to support VLC year after year, reinforcing their dedication to meaningful community impact.

The Veterans Life Center provides essential support to homeless and at-risk veterans, aiding their reintegration into civilian life. The organization addresses challenges such as physical and mental trauma, relationship upheaval, employment difficulties, financial strain, and substance abuse. VLC’s comprehensive programs and services offer veterans the opportunity to rebuild their lives and regain independence and self-sufficiency.

Donations from organizations like L&E Research are crucial in maintaining VLC’s facility and programs. The center, equipped with 50 sleeping rooms, offers a safe and clean living environment for veterans. It is staffed by over 30 employees, including healthcare professionals who provide medical and behavioral health services. Daily counseling, life skills training, vocational education, and mentoring programs foster both personal and professional growth. VLC is also expanding its operations to assist more veterans and aims to serve as a model for similar programs nationwide.

For those interested in supporting VLC, the organization’s website provides instructions on how to donate online, by phone, or by mail. Additionally, local volunteers are welcome to apply and contribute their time and skills to this worthy cause.

L&E Research encourages everyone to give back, whether through donations to VLC or other organizations, or by engaging in local community activities. The essence of giving back lies in empathy, compassion, and a commitment to improving our communities for all.

The efforts of the Veterans Life Center, coupled with contributions from donors like L&E Research, are instrumental in creating better outcomes for veterans. Together, we can make a significant difference.

About Veterans Life Center

The Veterans Life Center is a nonprofit organization focused on providing support, resources, and assistance to homeless and at-risk veterans. Through comprehensive programs and dedicated staff, VLC helps veterans reintegrate into civilian life and achieve self-sufficiency.

For more information, please visit the Veterans Life Center here.

About L&E Research

Founded in 1984, L&E Research specializes in connecting clients with the right participants for market research studies, providing trusted insights that drive better business decisions. Serving a diverse range of industries including healthcare, legal/jury research, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and sensory testing, L&E Research prides itself on its ability to facilitate meaningful conversations between companies and their customers. With state-of-the-art facilities located in Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Denver, New York, Orlando, Raleigh, and Tampa, L&E Research is committed to leading the field in market research innovation and client service.

Contact

L&E Research
Brett Watkins, CEO
www.leresearch.com

It’s all about the people

DWG Admin on September 17, 2024

Today, we’re very happy to share our new visual identity.

There have been some exciting changes here at L&E over the past year and we felt it was time for a new look to reflect our new strategic focus. While we’ve always been focused on connecting companies and brands with the people they serve, we felt we needed to recognize that more, while incorporating new innovations and future-proofing our company for years to come. Plus, we’re putting more emphasis on our different specialist teams – Health, Consumer, Product Insights, and Legal – focusing on our expertise in these areas.

Our fresh identity is the first step in a brand evolution which builds on several strategic developments which will be announced in the coming months.

For our launch video, we asked our people why they are your people. Listen to what they said here:

As our CEO Brett Watkins says: “Our focus has always been on the people — both the participants in our studies and the clients we serve. This new logo embodies the warmth and approachability that we strive to bring to every interaction. It’s a visual reminder that, at L&E Research, we’re not just about data; we’re about the people behind the data.”

Our new logo is live across all L&E Research’s platforms, including our website, social media channels, and email communications.

L&E research unveils new visual identity focused on putting people first

DWG Admin on September 9, 2024

Raleigh, NC – September 9, 2024 – L&E Research, a leading provider dedicated to connecting companies with their customers, today announces the launch of its new visual identity. The fresh look reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and a people-centered approach. It is the first step in a brand evolution to build on several strategic developments which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Brett Watkins, CEO of L&E Research, highlighted the human element behind the rebranding, reflecting on the company’s dedication to fostering genuine connections:

“Our focus has always been on the people—both the participants in our studies and the clients we serve. This new logo embodies the warmth and approachability that we strive to bring to every interaction. It’s a visual reminder that, at L&E Research, we’re not just about data; we’re about the people behind the data.”

The new logo is set to appear across all L&E Research’s platforms, including its website, social media channels, and email communications, beginning September 9th. The soft-launch strategy ensures a seamless transition as the company prepares for its official rebrand unveiling.

About L&E Research

Founded in 1984, L&E Research specializes in connecting clients with the right participants for market research studies, providing trusted insights that drive better business decisions. Serving a diverse range of industries including healthcare, legal/jury research, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and sensory testing, L&E Research prides itself on its ability to facilitate meaningful conversations between companies and their customers. With state-of-the-art facilities located in Charlotte, Cincinnati, Columbus, Denver, New York, Orlando, Raleigh, and Tampa, L&E Research is committed to leading the field in market research innovation and client service.

For further information, please contact:

Kelli Hammock
720.370.3423
L&E Research
www.leresearch.com

L&E is proud to announce their partnership with UGA’s MMR

DWG Admin on July 22, 2024

Raleigh, NC, August 1, 2024

L&E Research is delighted to become the newest advisory board member and valued partner of the University of Georgia’s Master of Marketing Research Program at Terry College of Business. As a leader in qualitative research, L&E Research is excited to contribute to this globally renowned program. The partnership is focused on providing exceptionally high-quality, qualitative recruitment and field management services to support UGA MMR students on an annual basis. This represents L&E Research’s second collaboration with an educational institution: The University of Georgia, which educates the next generation of market researchers, now joins the MRII program, which is responsible for setting the curriculum

Dr. Marcus Cunha Jr., director of the MMR program at UGA, remarked “The partnership between the University of Georgia’s Master of Marketing Research (MMR) and L&E Research will further build upon the world-class education our students receive. With our students gaining access to L&E’s nationwide network of vetted qualitative participants to complete their coursework, the applications for their education will only increase.”

Tracy Isacco, President of L&E Research adds, “We are excited to join forces with UGA’s MMR program, a trailblazer in market research education. By supporting the development of future researchers, we are investing in their professional success and the advancement of our industry. This partnership allows us to deepen our connection with a prestigious institution and reinforces our commitment to fostering academic excellence and social responsibility at both local and national levels.”

The partnership with L&E Research is part of UGA MMR’s ongoing pursuit to provide the best and most innovative resources possible to future consumer insight leaders. As an advisory board member, L&E Research will join The Coca-Cola Company, Eli Lilly, Microsoft, and many more top companies in helping to train future market researchers.

About L&E Research

L&E Research is a leading provider of qualitative market research solutions, specializing in participant recruitment and field management services. L&E Research’s dedication to innovation and excellence is reflected in their strategic partnerships and contributions to advancing the field of market research. By joining forces with esteemed educational institutions such as the University of Georgia’s Master of Marketing Research Program and the MRII program, L&E Research continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of market research education and fostering the next generation of research professionals.

Contact

Kelli Hammock
720.370.3423
L&E Research
www.leresearch.com

A Journey of Innovation and Connection at L&E Research’s Orlando Retreat

DWG Admin on July 1, 2024

At L&E Research, our annual retreat transformed into a vibrant celebration of innovation and camaraderie, set against the enchanting backdrop of Orlando’s premier attractions. As we ventured from Universal City Walk to Disney Springs, and from insightful workshops to thrilling park adventures, each moment was a step forward in our journey of growth and connection.

The retreat kicked off with individual teams gathering and exploring local sites, setting the tone for the retreat. This independent exploration was not just about entertainment; it was a strategic opportunity to foster team bonding outside the confines of conference rooms. The shared experiences and casual interactions helped break down barriers, paving the way for genuine relationships.

The atmosphere shifted to celebration and laughter at our networking dinner, followed by a night of spirited karaoke and socializing. This relaxed setting allowed everyone to showcase their talents and personalities beyond their professional roles, reinforcing our belief that the heart of L&E Research is its people—dynamic, enthusiastic, and full of surprises.

Jaime Diglio led a compelling session about self-awareness and teamwork using the Predictive Index to delve into our individual work styles and how they mesh to enhance team effectiveness. This workshop provided crucial insights, showing us that true innovation begins with understanding ourselves and how we interact with our colleagues.

Our adventure continued as we took on the thrilling rides and attractions at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure parks. This part of the retreat was designed to build new and strengthen existing cross-departmental bonds in a fun and engaging environment, encouraging us to explore fresh team dynamics amidst the excitement of the parks.

The retreat culminated in a series of forward-looking presentations where teams shared upcoming projects and initiatives. From cutting-edge technology solutions to innovative product offerings and a dynamic new marketing plan, these presentations were not just informative but a declaration of our ongoing commitment to innovate and grow as a cohesive unit.

Throughout this retreat, the themes of innovation and people-centricity were a constant reminder of our core strengths. At L&E Research, we recognize that our greatest innovations are not just in the technologies we develop or the services we provide, but in the robust relationships we cultivate. This retreat reaffirmed that our future success is fueled by our dedicated team, working together towards a shared vision.

As we reflect on the unforgettable experiences and the deep connections forged, it’s clear that this retreat has set a new standard for what it means to be part of L&E Research. Here’s to a future where we continue to innovate, connect, and lead with our greatest asset – our people.

About L&E Research

Founded in 1984, L&E Research has consistently led the field in delivering high-quality market research insights. The company prides itself on its innovative approaches and commitment to client success, driven by a team that values strong, collaborative relationships both internally and with their clients.

Contact

Kelli Hammock
720.370.3423
L&E Research
www.leresearch.com

L&E Research Gears Up for a Fun and Innovative Management Retreat in Orlando!

DWG Admin on May 29, 2024

L&E Research, a premier company in the market research industry, is pleased to announce its annual management retreat from June 18 to June 20, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. This year’s retreat is centered around the theme of innovation, emphasizing team building and the cultivation of strong interpersonal relationships within the organization.

Hosted in the vibrant and dynamic city of Orlando, the retreat aims to create an environment conducive to both professional development and personal connections among the team members. This focus is designed to enhance collaboration and drive the company’s innovative efforts forward.

The retreat will feature a variety of activities tailored to team building and professional enrichment. Interactive workshops and collaborative exercises will allow team members to engage deeply with each other, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. These sessions are designed not only to strengthen existing relationships but also to integrate new members into the team seamlessly.

“Our annual retreat is a cornerstone of our strategy to maintain a creative and cooperative company culture,” said Tracy Isacco, President of L&E Research. “This year, more than ever, we are focusing on innovation through teamwork, ensuring that all team members feel connected and valued as we move forward together.”

During this time, team L&E will have limited access to email, and we greatly appreciate your patience while we are spending valuable time strengthening our team! For further details about L&E Research or the upcoming 2024 Management Retreat, please contact us.

About L&E Research

Contact

Kelli Hammock
720.370.3423
L&E Research
www.leresearch.com

Exciting changes and innovations at L&E Research in 2024!

DWG Admin on January 9, 2024

I hope that your holidays were warm and festive, surrounded by loved ones. Here at L&E Research, the team has been resting up in preparation for what should be an exciting 2024. It’s been quite the past few years for all of us in qualitative research: hard to imagine that the pandemic will be 4 years ago in March! So much has transpired…and so much has been changing here at L&E to adapt to that change! I hope you will take just a few minutes to allow me to share all that is changing to better serve you.

First off, we acquired a facility in Orlando, FL! Many of you have commented that this is a desirable market: we have been listening and continue to explore other cities we can add to our offerings that can help you with your qualitative research needs. The panel in Orlando is good, and we will invest to grow and make it better. Exciting changes are also coming to our Columbus and Denver markets…stay tuned! We are in talks with other facilities in the US, and look forward to bringing you more locations to serve you in the coming months.

Our panel is now over 1.5 million US consumers, patients and medical professionals with national coverage, with hundreds of data points and vast background data we have been collecting in our proprietary systems since 2007 to make our panel the best in the industry. Our dedicated team of digital marketers and community engagement professionals have been building ID verified panel in both the US broadly, and in specific cities that are in high demand . Nashville, Chicago, LA, and Dallas are just a few of the cities we have been growing our reach for your research needs.

We also have built an extensive network of partnerships to enable us to find participants worldwide, with a dedicated team member who is focused on helping you with your recruiting and technology needs when we cannot do it ourselves. This means that in almost every major city in the US, we can help you with your recruitment needs. With fruadulent samples running amok in our industry, causing huge data quality issues, L&E continues to invest hundreds of thousands annually towards improving this critical component of successful research: real humans! You may be interested in our research we conducted with participants regarding their likes and dislikes about the research industry : we think you will find it helpful in your research design.

I mentioned patients and physicians: we are being told our biggest “secret” is our medical capabilities. Did you know our medical team is our biggest division of recruitment!?! Unlike other recruitment firms, our medical recruitment is led by people with actual medical experience. Experts in drug interactions and prescriptions efficacy, clinical trial experience…tens of thousands of recruits are being provided to clients every year in on the “secret.” This year we will be launching a new brand, L&E Health, to make more of the industry aware that high quality medical work is an email or phone call away.

Panel and our people are not our only investments: nearly $500,000 will be invested in overhauling our AV systems to provide the most cutting-edge solutions for recording, streaming and project collaboration in both our facilities, and our online Virtual Facility solution. Over $1 million was invested in software solutions like the best automated transcription engine in the market; this will be part of our self-serve solutions we call Condux that will launch later this year. And over $1 million more will be invested in 2024 to further expand our capabilities to connect with participants. A leading software engineer in the research space has been brought to lead our technology innovation team, helping us roll out solutions quickly. We’re investing to enable you to connect with participants here at our facilities, there where they live and work, or anywhere they may go that you wish to “tag along” to learn about their wants and needs. We intend to provide you one stop shopping for all your MRX and UX needs.

We are proud to share that while our company has grown more than 5x these past 5 years, we have maintained a 99% client recommendation score. That’s because our biggest investment is in our people, and their training. A custom training program that every L&E’er must pass was built to emphasize productivity, communication, and empathy/relationship building, in addition to UGA qualitative courses. Trust is not something we ask for… it is something we look to earn by investing in our team, to deliver the best solutions to you. Based upon your feedback, we believe we are on the right track.

In this coming year we will have more announcements as we bring online new innovations in our technologies that will lead to deeper connections with participants, and more tools to research them. Any company that needs to engage US citizens…we intend to show them the best, turn-key solutions lie one email or phone call away to L&E Research. Some have labeled us a “focus group facility company.” We intend to show them we are more than that… a whole lot more. And we intend to show you that innovation is not dead in the industry: we are just getting started, and we cannot wait to share what we are building that will turn innovation and panel quality on its ear.

On behalf of everyone at L&E Research, we wish you a successful 2024, and look forward to helping you achieve that success. I hope this information has been helpful, and gives you comfort that L&E Research is all in on being the best research solutions company, and will continue investing in our relationship.

Warm Regards,

Brett Watkins

CEO