#KSRCrew Spotlight with Mike Bard
Get to know the people behind the insights in our #KSRCrew Spotlight series. We sit down with employees throughout the firm to learn about their experiences, background, and what makes them tick.
In this edition of #KSRCrew Spotlight, we’re excited to feature Mike Bard, VP & Principal on KS&R’s Telecom, Entertainment & Recreation Team. Mike earned his Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University and, before joining KS&R, served more than eight years in t he Army and NY Army National Guard.
Find out more about Mike and his journey in the Q&A below.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the KS&R team?
It’s very difficult to choose just one thing, as I love being part of the KS&R team, but I’m not sure how I could say anything but the people. Some past and present teammates and clients have become lifelong friends, others great mentors – challenging me, while all the while I’ve always felt people have had my back.
How did you end up at KS&R?
I needed an internship as part of my MPA program and marketing research sounded fun. After spending a spring semester learning and working at KS&R a few days a week, I went back to wrap up my MPA and then to a full-time role in the Army. After some more time in the military and having a baby, my wife and I decided I needed a more predictable job that would keep me closer to home, so we could raise our family. KS&R was hiring and the rest is history.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
A lot of people have inspired me over the years, but both sets of my grandparents by far have had the most influence. I was lucky enough to grow up near them both, spend a lot of days after school and weekends with them, as well as get over 40 years with all of them. They all lived through hard times, so they placed importance on hard work and family. Their example is something I try to live up to.
If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?
Vanilla. In my opinion, vanilla is a good flavor on its own, but it’s also a solid base (A friend if you will) for hundreds of toppings and types of Sundaes. It even mixes well with other flavors. It’s also my personal favorite.
Aside from necessities, what is one thing you could not go a day without?
One thing I could not go a day without is coffee (Caffeine). Preferably if it’s iced/cold with a little skim milk and caramel. If it comes from Dunkin, it’s even better.
Would you rather live on the beach or in the cabin in the woods?
At first, I thought this was a tough question. I love the water but hate the sand and I really enjoy the solitude a cabin in the woods provides. However, my wife’s happy place is the beach, so with just a second to think about this, the answer was obvious… the beach it is.
About KS&R
KS&R is a nationally recognized strategic consultancy and marketing research firm that provides clients with timely, fact-based insights and actionable solutions through industry-centered expertise. Specializing in Technology, Business Services, Entercom & Recreation, Healthcare, Retail & E-Commerce, and Transportation & Logistics verticals, KS&R empowers companies globally to make smarter business decisions. For more information, please visit www.ksrinc.com.
