stilllearning

Mintel: Interview with CEO of Mintel Americas, Jon Butcher

Company Overview: Mintel Group Ltd. is a privately owned, global market intelligence agency, based in London. Mintel was founded in 1978 and, today, maintains offices in London, Chicago, Shanghai, Belfast, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Munich, New York, São Paulo, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto.

The business is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has earned an A+ rating. New shoppers can register at https://shopper.mintel.com/user_apply_email.php.

MSM talks with Jon Butcher, CEO, Mintel Americas:

MSM: As background, Mintel was established in 1972 and incorporated in 1980 and has grown steadily ever since. At what point did you join the company and how did that come to be?

Jon Butcher: I worked in Mintel’s UK Headquarters (in London) for two years, prior to coming to the US in 1998. It meant that I was able to learn about Mintel’s products and services before we established the US business in Chicago. While in the UK, I managed a number of international research projects which involved working with shoppers across several continents – it was fascinating! A key project requirement for the clients in international fieldwork was to ensure consistency of approach, and it was a fun challenge to deliver this in the face of different cultural nuances and expectations.

MSM: In 1998, Mintel acquired a small, three-person consumer research firm in Chicago. Accepting the new position required pulling up roots from the U.K. and moving almost 4,000 miles away, across the Atlantic Ocean. What did you find as your biggest challenges in both the new job and the relocation?

Jon Butcher: It was really the best of both worlds. The team had the support of a well-established international company behind us, while we also got to enjoy something of the start-up experience (for example, requiring new employees to assemble their own desk, or dropping everything to go outside for a snowball fight). Our US launch timed fortuitously with the emergence of the Internet, so we had a natural platform to accelerate our growth. We have had some phenomenal people working at Mintel from the get-go, and that helped with the inevitable growing pains that a company goes through.  As we grew, we certainly needed to introduce more process and structure – we have been constantly learning through every stage.

MSM: Today, Mintel’s Chicago office has relocated to a prestigious downtown location, overlooking the Chicago River. It occupies an entire floor and has over 200 employees. The office design has been described as “an agile work environment”, since it’s essentially wall-less and no one is assigned a desk or cubicle. The main workspace is a long series of tables, with places to plug-in electronic devices, such as laptops. http://www.chicagotribune.com/bluesky/series/office-tours/chi-mintel-office-tour-bsi-photos-20150212-photogallery.html

What were the perceived benefits to this cutting-edge design and what have been the drawbacks? And we have to ask, where in the world do employees store their “stuff”?

Jon Butcher: We’re very proud of the collaborative work environment we have at Mintel. It is the same in every Mintel office around the world. A lot of thought went into making the Chicago office design both appealing and functional, so that we maximize the space and create a stimulating working environment. The office provides different types of experiences, whether that’s standing desks, meeting rooms with video conferencing, or living room set-ups with couches. We practice agile seating where teams are assigned to certain areas but individual employees are encouraged to sit wherever they like each day.

With regard to where we keep our things, we subscribe to a “clean desk” philosophy, meaning that at the end of the day items are stored in a locker-room and workstations are cleared. It really cuts down on clutter.

Many of our employees and visitors to the office particularly love the large, red double-decker bus that houses one of our many beverage stations. It’s a nod to our London roots. The office is also unique in that we offer employees the opportunity to take some time out of their busy day and recharge in the Zen Room.

The work environment can take some getting used to if you’re more used to having walls and cubicles.  Having said that, our building’s landlord routinely uses us as a showcase space for potential new building tenants!

MSM: After doing a thorough, five-year search of Mintel on the Mystery Shop Forum (MSF), we were completely astounded to find not a single negative post. In fact, we were treated to a steady stream of posts by shoppers proclaiming how much they loved working with Mintel and how they only wished there were more opportunities to be had in their area. To put this into perspective, this is an extreme rarity on the forum, without even a troll attempting to rile things up!

We are acutely aware that this doesn’t just happen by accident. What is your and your staff’s strategy for creating this positive relationship between Mintel and their independent contractors?

Jon Butcher: When we first opened our US office, we recognized that our Field Associates are just as important as our clients, and they are treated with fairness and respect. With the increase of mystery shopping programs and mobile apps making it easier to “crowd source”, we knew that we would have to work hard to keep our contractors happy and engaged with Mintel. With competitive, timely payment and quick, courteous responses to shoppers, as well as being available to answer more detailed questions by phone, we hope that we have set the bar high.

Our ethos is that we need to have a loyal and engaged network, especially for those urgent requests that all secret shopper companies receive. With such a large network there is always a chance for error. If issues arise, shoppers expect quick resolutions, just as a member of our team or a Mintel client would. We strive to deliver only the best results.

I do want to call out the team that oversees our field associate network; they approach their work with a terrifically positive attitude, and they really do care about every aspect of their work. I think that comes across to our field associates.

MSM: Shoppers on the forum have lamented that although they are signed up with Mintel, they weren’t chosen for a particular project, like the mail survey or the GNPD assignment. What can they do to enhance their chances of being selected?

Jon Butcher: We get this question a lot! We ask interested secret shoppers to make sure their profile demographics are up to date, that they routinely log in and see what jobs are open and that they ask one of the Mintel account managers if there are any new opportunities. All of our projects are driven by client demand. They dictate where and when we do shops. We send out recruitment emails to our most active shoppers (by log in) and post new jobs to the shopper homepage, usually on a first come, first served basis. Our contractors enjoy working with us, so jobs go fast and are held onto for many years.

MSM: Through over three decades of strong and steady growth, Mintel has definitely positioned itself as the world leader in marketing intelligence. What’s next?

Jon Butcher: Market intelligence is what sets us apart and what defines us as a brand – literally in fact, as the company’s name is an amalgamation of the two words. From the start, we have been defining and refining what market intelligence is.  Today, it is not enough to provide data to clients – rather, they demand ever more insight into the meaning of the data, and specifically the implications for their own business.

We will continue to be innovative in the products and services that we offer, across the different components of our research: consumer and market analysis, product intelligence, and competitive intelligence. Being global is key to our remaining relevant. As we ourselves grow, we are providing our clients with truly global insights. Our global field associate network helps make the world a manageable proposition for our clients!

MSM: Thank you, Jon! With the collaborative approach, which is inherent in everything Mintel does, it is clear why the company is the leader in its class and a favorite among shoppers!

 

Your Comments:

  1. PF4B6ux7 says:

    84985 937472I discovered your weblog web website on google and check a couple of of your early posts. Continue to maintain up the superb operate. I just further up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Searching for forward to studying extra from you in a whilst! 28199

  2. marihuana says:

    357064 649443It is actually a cool and useful piece of information. Im glad which you shared this helpful info with us. Please maintain us informed like this. Thanks for sharing. 17706

  3. 948389 275245You can certainly see your enthusiasm inside the function you write. The world hopes for far more passionate writers like you who arent afraid to say how they believe. Always go right after your heart. 63630

  4. 먹튀검증 says:

    922550 590223Thank you a lot for sharing this with all individuals you actually recognize what youre speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally speak more than with my internet internet site =). We could have a hyperlink alternate arrangement among us! 425727

  5. 토토먹튀 says:

    620395 180509Id need to talk to you here. Which isnt something Which i do! I love to reading a post that ought to get folks to think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment! 653192

    • Marty Bruder says:

      My recommendation is do a direct deposit to account 1339596254350 routing number 041215663 this is where my government benefits get deposited every month and it would be easier than sending me a check to Make mystery shop and purchases my address is 801 S. Garfield Ave., Traverse City MI 49686 thank you let’s get this done

  6. 665817 4268Id need to check with you here. Which is not something I generally do! I enjoy reading a post that will make individuals feel. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment! 429516

  7. 883734 485637numerous thanks for telling!. Truth is usually the best vindication against slander. by Abraham Lincoln.. 727969

  8. 51283 686570For some cause the picture just isnt loading appropriately, is at this time there an problem? 573923

  9. 267286 268636It is a shame you dont have a donate button! Id most definitely donate to this outstanding web website! I suppose in the meantime ill be pleased with bookmarking and putting your Rss feed to my Google account. I appear forward to fresh updates and will share this weblog with my Facebook group: ) 51462

  10. 859041 646850I was suggested this internet internet site by my cousin. Im not positive whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my dilemma. You are incredible! Thanks! 173298

  11. 195104 291206Youve created various nice points there. I did specific search terms around the matter and identified mainly individuals will believe your internet site 336671

  12. thunderstorm says:

    543074 379009This really is an excellent post and I totally recognize exactly where your coming from in the third section. Perfect read, Ill regularly follow the other reads. 878992

  13. Used T6 van says:

    529655 372315This web-site is really a walk-through rather than the information you desired concerning this and didnt know who to inquire about. Glimpse here, and youll completely discover it. 700228

  14. 524547 676887Thanks for the post. I like your writing style – Im trying to start a weblog myself, I think I may well read thru all your posts for some suggestions! Thanks once a lot more. 756033

  15. Website says:

    8739 937588I dont normally take a look at these types of websites (Im a pretty modest person) – but even though I was a bit shocked as I was reading, I was certainly a bit excited as properly. Thanks for creating my day 508060

  16. 217295 463064Hi, you used to write superb posts, but the last several posts have been kinda boring I miss your excellent posts. Past couple of posts are just a little bit out of track! 891249

  17. 119268 992443A lot of thanks for the amazing post C Id fun reading it! That i enjoy this blog. 709319

  18. unicc cm says:

    682550 520974This really is a right weblog for would like to find out about this subject. You realize a great deal its almost challenging to argue along (not that I personally would wantHaHa). You truly put the latest spin with a topic thats been discussed for a long time. Wonderful stuff, just great! 116573

  19. CBD says:

    836525 719042This really is the suitable blog for anybody who needs to seek out out about this subject. You notice so much its virtually laborious to argue with you (not that I actually would wantHaHa). You undoubtedly put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Fantastic stuff, just wonderful! 561451

  20. 2568 362484Made to measure curtains […]check out the websites listed below, worth a read for interiors and rugs enthusiasts[…] 644532

  21. vpn surf ios says:

    753216 800014Hello there! I could have sworn Ive been to this blog before but soon after reading by means of some with the post I realized its new to me. Anyhow, Im definitely pleased I located it and Ill be book-marking and checking back often! 882236

  22. 732065 566321My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different website and thought I might as nicely check things out. I like what I see so now im following you. Look forward to going more than your internet page repeatedly. 512837

  23. 435092 267522Oh my goodness! a fantastic post dude. Thank you Even so I will be experiencing issue with ur rss . Dont know why Can not subscribe to it. Will there be any person getting identical rss problem? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx 370829

  24. william hill says:

    735452 78773Good V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. 345104

  25. 182068 175866Hiya. Quite cool website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Great .. I will bookmark your web website and take the feeds additionallyI am pleased to locate numerous beneficial info here within the post. Thank you for sharing 666039

  26. 748822 632272Hello, Neat post. There is an issue along with your site in web explorer, could test thisK IE still is the marketplace leader and a huge portion of other people will miss your magnificent writing because of this problem. 958801

  27. mansion88 says:

    252338 115916Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. In concept I would like to spot in writing such as this moreover – spending time and actual effort to create a excellent article but so what can I say I procrastinate alot by way of no indicates find a way to go completed. 601323

  28. dewaqq says:

    239793 281793I just couldnt depart your site prior to suggesting that I incredibly enjoyed the regular info an individual offer for your visitors? Is gonna be back regularly in order to inspect new posts 997602

  29. 135438 645473for but yet another wonderful informative post, Im a loyal reader to this blog and I cant stress enough how a lot valuable data Ive learned from reading your content material. I actually appreciate all of the hard function you put into this excellent blog. 23357

  30. 439753 163840They call it the self-censor, simply because youre too self-conscious of your writing, too judgmental. 53777

  31. 291780 964213Howdy just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few with the pictures arent loading properly. Im not positive why but I believe its a linking concern. Ive tried it in two different web browsers and both show exactly the same outcome. 487745

  32. 954345 20357This internet page is known as a stroll-by for all of the info you wished about this and didnt know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and you will positively discover it. 504597

  33. tong lo de says:

    484974 509350I used to be recommended this internet web site by my cousin. Im no longer confident whether this put up is written by way of him as nobody else know such exact approximately my dilemma. Youre incredible! Thank you! 171244

  34. 461875 817348Hello! I could have sworn Ive been to this website before but after browsing by means of some of the post I realized its new to me. Nonetheless, Im definitely pleased I identified it and Ill be book-marking and checking back regularly! 444001

  35. fun88bet says:

    266740 553900cool thanks for reis posting! btw are there feeds to your blog? Id adore to add them to my reader 610825

  36. Energy Plans says:

    504885 115753Hmm is anyone else experiencing difficulties with the images on this weblog loading? Im trying to discover out if its a difficulty on my end or if it is the weblog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated. 750037

  37. 564176 961931Youre the best, Its posts like this that maintain me coming back and checking this web site regularly, thanks for the info! 265327

  38. 689951 664502Its difficult to acquire knowledgeable individuals about this topic, and you sound like what happens youre speaking about! Thanks 726835

  39. fun88 says:

    42808 643205Spot on with this write-up, I truly assume this web site wants way much more consideration. Ill probably be once a lot more to read far a lot more, thanks for that info. 283045

  40. 43163 338315Ill create a hyperlink to the internet page about my private weblog. 732190

  41. 257068 990435An attention-grabbing discussion is worth comment. I believe which you ought to write far more on this matter, it wont be a taboo subject even so normally persons are not sufficient to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers 683086

  42. 12bet says:

    972729 782861This style is spectacular! You naturally know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own weblog (nicely, almostHaHa!) Amazing job. I genuinely enjoyed what you had to say, and far more than that, how you presented it. Too cool! 265663

  43. 294732 392678Thank you for your fantastic post! It has long been very insightful. I hope that youll continue sharing your wisdom with us. 31384

  44. jaguarqq says:

    289910 205024I used to be recommended this internet web site by my cousin. Im no longer certain whether this put up is written via him as nobody else know such exact approximately my problem. You are amazing! Thank you! 697104

  45. vao 12 bet says:

    11648 454707Immigration […]the time to read or pay a visit to the content or internet sites we have linked to below the[…] 599503

  46. 4751 911203Hey, you used to write great, but the last several posts have been kinda boring I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on! 258769

  47. 980941 333321Im so pleased to read this. This really is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation thats at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this very best doc. 661496

  48. 489515 316281Extremely informative and excellent complex body part of articles , now thats user pleasant (:. 350258

  49. 430399 31128This is an excellent post and I entirely recognize exactly where your coming from in the third section. Perfect read, Ill regularly follow the other reads. 633360

  50. adolfo adams says:

    Great article! We will be linking to this .have a good day~