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Who We Are

The mind is our most powerful tool.

At MDRG, we believe market research is more than data points and reports—it’s about understanding the whole mind. Our team of analysts, strategists, and researchers works together to uncover the emotional and behavioral insights that drive decision-making. 
We don’t just provide numbers. We deliver meaning. 

Meet Our Leadership Team

Our leadership team helps guide every project from beginning to end. Click on a photo below to learn more.

Sondra Brown

President & Founder

Kristy Roldan

Vice President of Growth

John Holmes

Senior Director of Research

Amy Basile

Assoc. Director, Qualitative

Mary Rose Walker

Brand Strategist

Brad Winfield

Senior Market Research Manager

Barbara Read

Research Consultant

Core Values

Collaboration

We believe the best work comes from working together-both within our team and with our clients. Open communication and shared ideas drive success.

Insights

Our mission goes beyond delivering data- we provide strategic insights that empower our clients to make informed, impactful decisions.

Integrity

Personal accountability is in our DNA. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring trust and reliability in all we do.

Breakout Thinking

Innovation takes boldness. We embrace creativity, challenge the status quo, and push boundaries to discover new possibilities.

Work With Us

In addition to our key employees, MDRG employs a carefully assembled group of consultants and specialists. If you're interested in joining our team, please forward your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Are You Ready?

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Sondra Brown

  • President & Founder

As President and Founder of MDRG, Sondra has built a market research firm that prides itself on designing research that studies The WHOLE MIND – an approach based in Behavioral Economics.

Sondra started MDRG in 1994 after seven years on the client side, including several years in healthcare. While MDRG conducts research across many industries, her experience in healthcare and a personal passion for the industry permeates partner relationships and accounts for MDRG’s long-standing relationships in the sector.

She earned her M.A. in Sociology from The University of New Orleans and her B.A. in Sociology from Gordon College. With over 30 years of experience in market research, Sondra has led MDRG to become a trusted partner for leading brands across industries.

Kristy Roldan

  • Vice President of Growth

Kristy is a storyteller at heart, translating consumer insights into strategies that drive meaningful connections. With over a decade of experience in insights and strategy, she bridges data and human emotion to help brands make smarter decisions.

She holds a B.A. in Business Marketing from California State University and has built her career in consumer insights, brand strategy, and market research. Since joining MDRG in 2019, Kristy has played a key role in growing the business—leading healthcare client initiatives, spearheading new business ventures, coordinating client insights, and overseeing marketing campaigns.

Kristy and her team will manage your project from start to finish to ensure the research findings support business goals and are action oriented. She is a veteran in brand consulting having worked with clients like Honda and McCormick.

When she’s not busy translating consumer insights into business strategies, Kristy loves to hang with other boy moms at various sports fields across New Orleans.

John Holmes

  • Senior Director of Research

John has spent over 15 years turning complex data into clear, actionable insights. He thrives on asking the right questions and uncovering patterns others miss.

He holds a M.S. in Psychology & Neuroscience from Tulane University and a B.S. in Psychology & Sociology from Louisiana State University. His expertise in research methodologies and strategic insights has helped businesses navigate market challenges with confidence. John first joined MDRG in 2010 and returned in 2023, following his tenure at Ipsos.

In his free time, John loves spending time with his family, biking, baseball, softball, board games, video games, and good food.

Amy Basile

  • Associate Director of Qualitative Research

Amy specializes in understanding what makes people tick. With over 15 years of experience in product and consumer research, she dives deep into the motivations that drive decision-making.

She earned her B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science from Wayne State University. Before joining MDRG in 2022, she honed her expertise in sensory analysis and consumer insights at Little Caesars Pizza and The Boston Beer Company.

In her role at The Boston Beer Company, Amy worked with brands like Sam Adams, Dogfish Head, Twisted Tea, and Truly, and contributed to several Jim Beam collaborations with Beam Suntory. She is a certified Sensory Scientist with a specialization in Descriptive Analysis.

Since joining MDRG, Amy has combined her research expertise with her unique CPG industry knowledge to lead innovation and development workshops with Coca-Cola and McDonalds, pioneering product development from concept to completion.

Outside of work, Amy loves to cook, entertain, make crafts, and try her hand at mixology with the help of her friends.

Mary Rose Walker

  • Brand Strategist

Mary Rose blends creative thinking with sharp strategy. With experience spanning multiple industries, she helps brands connect with their audiences in authentic ways.

She earned a B.A. from Cornell University and an MBA from Portland State University. With a background in neuroscience and marketing strategy, she brings a unique perspective to consumer behavior. Her twelve years in the Portland, OR beer industry have made her an expert in CPG and beverages—she even holds an Advanced Cicerone Certification®.

A strategy pro by day and a farmer’s market enthusiast by weekend, Mary Rose is always on the lookout for the best local sourdough loaf (but never baking it herself).

Brad Winfield

  • Senior Market Research Manager

Brad is passionate about understanding consumer behavior. With a strong background in survey methodologies and data analysis, he uncovers the key factors influencing decision-making.

He holds a M.S. in Marketing Research from Michigan State University and a B.S. in Advertising and Marketing Communication from Kent State University. His expertise spans market segmentation, media strategy, and brand tracking. Before joining MDRG in 2022, Brad gained valuable experience through market research roles at Lands’ End and JOANN Stores.

When he’s not decoding consumer behavior, Brad loves spending time with his family and participating in outdoor activities like running, biking, and kayaking.

Barbara Read

  • Research Consultant

Barbara has been a trusted expert in market research for over 25 years. Since joining MDRG in 1998, she has helped businesses translate data into strategies that work, always bringing a clear and insightful perspective.

She earned her B.A. in Economics from Tulane University and has held leadership roles in research and strategic consulting throughout her career, including nearly 23 years as MDRG’s Director of Research.