NetJets, private jet service
Discovered unmet needs among C-level executives who travel frequently on company-owned private jets. Gained access to this hard-to-reach group to uncover themes that enabled the design, development, and launch of a successful new, premium-priced, business-centric service.
“The findings were hugely valuable and enabled us to design a unique business-centric service with premium pricing..” Jeff Baker, Head of Market Research and New Product Development, NetJets
General Motors Company
Trained and mentored an in-house team in the discovery of customer needs using jobs-to-be-done for the development of a breakthrough “infotainment” technology for all GMC vehicles.
“Urko exceeded our expectations and we enjoyed working with him immensely.” William Rosen, Technical Director, GM
Herman Miller
Led qualitative and quantitative research to discover the best opportunities for innovation and growth in HM’s acute care market. Led cross-functional design teams in idea generation to address the best opportunities.
“I reflect fondly on the projects Urko and I worked on together. He is a consummate professional.” Jim Long, Director, Herman Miller
GBQ Partners
Helped GBQ find and develop new revenue streams among its target market: CEOs and CFOs in mid-sized privately held companies. Enabled the firm to organically grow two new service lines, acquire a cybersecurity firm, and a temp accounting joint venture.
“It was very eye-opening because it helped us get outside of our own heads and think from the customers’ point of view.” Darci Congrove, Managing Director, GBQ Partners
National Fire Protection Association
Led projects to reveal the best opportunities for growth among their three primary customer groups. Developed and fielded quantitative surveys to identify and rank opportunities. Led teams in generating new concepts that addressed the best opportunities.
“Urko’s patience and guidance…allowed us to move forward with the utmost confidence in his abilities.” Kim Fontes, Division Director, Product Development, NFPA
A-dec, dental equipment manufacturer
Provided ongoing mentoring to internal researchers executing a large dentist study to uncover opportunities for innovation and growth.
“I was very impressed with Urko’s deep and expert knowledge. I couldn’t imagine a better experience and we created a very high-quality output.” Mike Irving, New Product Manager, A-dec
Confidential mentoring for a boutique product development consulting firm
Provided ongoing confidential mentoring to another consultancy conducting a data collection project for a large technology company. Made sure the consultants knew what type of customer inputs to obtain and how to get them to ensure their client could achieve the desired objectives.
J.R. Simplot, potato processor/provider
Provided ongoing mentoring on three projects to find the best opportunities for innovation and growth among the top ten fast-food franchises in North America. This projected brought jobs-to-be-done to strategic account management.
“Urko was a tremendous asset to me…who will do great work and make the ride enjoyable.” Kim Westover, Director, Marketing and Strategy, J.R. Simplot
Battelle Memorial Institute, Applied Energy Systems
Executed two different industry research projects to gain the insights necessary to guide the development of new offerings and drive growth. Led numerous working sessions to develop the business acumen of the scientists and generate ideas for new offerings. Helped extend the group’s value proposition beyond providing engineering services to providing excellent business solutions.
“Urko helped us see ourselves from our customers point of view and understand how they define superior value.” Ron Cudnik, Vice President, Battelle Memorial Institute