#KSRCrew Spotlight with Jim Sharples
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 #KSRCrew Spotlight, we’re excited to feature Jim Sharples, Vice President on KS&R’s Healthcare Industry Team. Jim is a graduate of SUNY Binghamton and Syracuse University, where he received his MBA. His background includes military service in the U.S. Army, client-side roles spanning both marketing and customer insights, and teaching as a part-time faculty member at Syracuse University.
Find out who inspires Jim, the advice he’d give his younger self, and more about his journey in the Q&A below.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the KS&R team?
I love the people and the partnerships. Every day, I enjoy engaging with our partners, helping them tackle their business challenges and ultimately supporting people—and their pets—in living healthier lives.
What brings you great joy in your life?
My greatest joy is being a husband and father. I am blessed to have three wonderful kids and an incredible wife of almost 30 years.
What advice would you give to yourself at age 15?
If I could give my 15-year-old self advice, I would say: relax a little. Everything will be okay, so worry less and focus on enjoying the moment you’re in more.
What are you most grateful for in this moment?
In this moment, I’m most grateful for my health.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
I’m fortunate to find inspiration in many people and experiences. From my mom, brothers, and sister to my children and the colleagues I work with every day — each has influenced me in meaningful ways, and I’m deeply grateful for all of them.
Aside from necessities, what is one thing you could not go a day without?
One thing I couldn’t go a day without is experiencing nature in some way—I especially love trees.
What’s your favorite zoo animal and why?
I love the snow leopard more than any other animal (except maybe my two dogs). It’s such a graceful, powerful, and mysterious creature.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
If a movie were made about my life, I’d want Tom Hanks or Steve Martin to play me.
If you could share a meal with any individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
If I could share a meal with anyone, living or dead, I’d choose Steve Martin, Buddha, J.K. Rowling, George Bernard Shaw, and John Candy.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
I’d be Periwinkle—it’s my favorite color, and it always makes me smile.
Would you rather live on the beach or in the cabin in the woods?
Woods, hands down, but ideally with a lake nearby.
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, Telecom, Entertainment & 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.
