1) Name?
Patricia Lloyd
2) How did you get to gap intelligence?
The story begins 22 years ago when I dropped my son off at preschool, and another mom asked me if I’d like a part-time job going into stores and writing down pricing for printers. My only thought was, if I could make enough money to hire a maid, I’d be thrilled. That was the start of my career in market research with a company called ARS, Inc, where I met Gary Peterson, who would go on to found gap intelligence. Over the years, I worked for several different market research firms in consumer electronics as well as packed goods. Eight months ago I was just moving back to the states from the Dominican Republic when I saw a post on Gary’s Facebook page that there was an opening at gap intelligence, and the rest is history
3) What values lead you and why?
Two values that have made the most impact on my life are willingness and resiliency. There is a quote attributed to Richard Branson – “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” I got into market research by being willing to try something new, and I continued to say yes to analyst roles, category specialist, account manager, consumer insights and more. I was also willing to move to two different countries where I didn’t speak the language, and that’s where the resiliency comes in. I was able to adapt and flourish in a wide variety of circumstances. Saying yes and figuring it out as I went.
4) What skills are you bringing to gap intelligence and what skills are you excited to learn?
Since I’ve worked in various roles in market research, from the sell-through side to the manufacturer, I’m able to speak with clients about how gap intelligence data integrates with other resources. Our data is a key piece of a bigger puzzle that clients put together to solve business issues.
I’m excited to learn more about categories that are new to me, like home appliances. Each category in gap intelligence’s portfolio of services presents unique challenges and opportunities. The more I learn the better I will be able to work with all our clients to get the most value from their investment.
5) If you could have any superpower, what would it be, why, and what would you do with it?
I now live in Orlando and I recently made the pilgrimage to Epcot. Spaceship Earth is a ride that travels back in time to key moments of civilization, and immediately I knew that would be my choice for a superpower. I’d use the power not only to drop in on pivotal moments in human development, but to go back to when my grown kids were babies and hold them one more time.
6) What’s the quirkiest thing about you that you’re willing to admit?
Most people would never guess that I have a green belt in judo. I’m the least athletic person ever, as my only real sports activity is yoga, but I really loved judo. As a woman it was empowering to be able to use a larger person’s weight and momentum against them in a throw. I didn’t have to be more athletic than the opponent, just smarter.
7) What’s your favorite thing to do in San Diego and why?
I only come into town for business trips, so really my favorite thing is to go into the office. Working remotely from Florida can be isolating, so I love the opportunity to connect in person with the gappers I work with regularly. It doesn’t hurt that the office is located in a super cool Liberty Station area with plenty to do.
8) What was the last gift you gave someone?
The last gift I gave was a birthday gift to my husband. I got him tickets to see the Orlando City soccer team play. After moving quite a bit over the past few years, I believe that experiences are better gifts than material things.
Do you have what it takes to be a gapper? Head over the careers section at gapintelligence.com to learn more about open positions. Find more info the bottom of our about page.
