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Leadership Team
The Boomer Project draws upon the skills of seasoned marketing and research professionals from both its own staff and its sister company, the Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc. (SIR).
Matt Thornhill, Founder and President
Matt Thornhill, a thought leader in the field of Boomer studies, synthesizes the firm's proprietary research and third-party sources with feedback from his extensive personal network to develop you-heard-it-here-first insights into the Boomer consumer and emerging trends in Boomer behavior.
Matt partnered with SIR to bring the Boomer Project to life in early 2003. Besides overseeing research and consulting work for clients, he speaks frequently and leads workshops around the country.
He is co-author of the acclaimed new book, "Boomer Consumer: Ten New Rules for Marketing to America's Largest, Wealthiest and Most Important Demographic Group," and he contributes columns to the Boomer Project's "Viva the Vital!" column. He is quoted frequently by media around the world, and he appears as a speaker or workshop leader in events around the country more than 40 times a year.
John W. Martin, CEO
As CEO of the Boomer Project and president and CEO of the Southeastern Institute of Research, John provides strategic guidance to both organizations.
For the Boomer Project, John spends much of his time on the road giving presentations and seminars to audiences across the country. Along with Matt, he wrote "Boomer Consumer," and contributes to the Op/Ed column, "Viva the Vital!"
Prior to joining SIR, John led the marketing efforts of PBM Products, a multinational company that developed and distributed store brand and national brand product lines of infant formula.
John also has been the guiding force behind the the Older Dominion Partnership, an umbrella organization for public, private and non-profit players dedicated to studying the impact of the age wave on Virginia and how to prepare for it.
Elizabeth McLaughlin, COO
As chief operating officer of SIR, Elizabeth oversees all facets of the firm's activities, including its research on behalf of the Boomer Project. Her responsibilities include development and implementation of new research techniques and services, quality control, and resource planning. She also oversees work with new and ongoing clients in the design and implementation of their research programs.
Prior to joining SIR, Elizabeth was vice president of sales for PBM Products, a multinational company specializing in store brand and national brand product lines of infant formula. She led PBM's sales force in direct selling to the nation's top 25 retailers.
James A. Bacon, SVP-Publishing
Jim runs the Boomer Project's publications, including the firm's web site, the "Boomer Consumer" blog, and the "Jumpin' Jack Flash" newsletter. He contributes to the biweekly column, "Viva the Vital!" and he publishes the firm's information products, such as the "Generational Advisor" newsletter and knowledge bank.
Before joining the Boomer Project, Jim served as publisher and editor in chief of Virginia Business magazine, and then in an entrepreneurial capacity as publisher of web sites, blogs and electronic newsletters, including the Bacon's Rebellion blog.