Rim Yurkus, President and CEO, earned a B.A. from the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle. He completed graduate studies in statistics for Behavioral Sciences and Communications, and began his career in marketing research. As a partner and Executive Vice President of the International Institute of Foods and Family Living, Inc., he managed the largest independent facility for food marketing research in North America. Over a period of ten years, he developed techniques to calibrate group perceptions, and studied the synthesis of predictive behavior for clients including Nutrasweet, Hershey, Pillsbury, and Kraft. In 1988, Rim Yurkus and Diane Irvin co-founded Strategic Programs, Inc., where he oversees new product development, and provides consulting based on the results of customized products and processes. In addition, Rim is a frequent speaker at national conferences.