Jay Merrill, President & CEO
Mr. Jay Merrill, President, Market Research and Development, Inc. (MR&D) holds a B.A. from the University of California at Davis, with honors and is the founder of MR&D. He has a wealth of experience in the field of market research in California, Guam, CNMI, and Micronesia. His specialties includes the development of information objectives, questionnaire design, statistical analysis, and strategic planning. He designed and implemented the research requested by the Bureau of Statistics and Plans (BSP) to identify public and stakeholder perceptions regarding coastal access. Most recently, in partnership with the University of Guam he designed the research to identify the impact of COVID-19 on residents and businesses. He has a long history of research experience associated with environmental and land use issues. He designed and implemented the US Fish and Wildlife Stakeholder Engagement Survey in 2013 to ascertain the attitudes of local residents toward the coral reef. Mr. Merrill will be available to manage and coordinate the subject project through its duration from mobilization to final presentation.
Mr. Merrill’s career in market research has provided him the opportunity to conduct research across a diverse range of government agencies, local businesses and industries, and academia. He was instrumental in the development of the first visitor exit survey for the Marianas Visitors Authority. He is responsible for the design and administration of the Guam Visitors Bureau exit survey and has participated in numerous research studies as the principal consultant and designer. He was the project lead for the Guam Minimum Wage study developed in collaboration with the University of Guam. He syndicates a bi-annual production of the Guam Media Study, which assesses the use and impact of different media platforms on Guam’s businesses. Mr. Merrill is a member of the board of directors for the Center for Micronesian Empowerment. He is also co-owner of the Valley of the Latte tour in Talofofo, Guam which recently earned accolades from the Guam Visitors Bureau as the number one tour in Guam for the second consecutive year.
Mr. Merrill has played a key role in the development of the business and consumer research industry on Guam for over 30 years. He established the first full-service business and market research agency on Guam in 1984 and established visitor consumer research protocols currently adopted by the Guam Visitors Bureau in collecting visitor industry research. With over 30 years of research experience in Micronesia, Mr. Jay Merrill is a trusted professional with strong ties to both the business and academic communities on Guam and the Pacific rim.
Elizabeth Inos, Project Coordinator
Elizabeth oversees both consumer and business-to-business qualitative and quantitative research at Market Research & Development (MR&D). With extensive experience as a focus group facilitator and recruiter, she plays a key role in preparing comprehensive reports that translate complex data into clear, actionable insights. Elizabeth collaborates with internal teams to develop and refine strategic marketing and business plans based on primary and secondary research. Her expertise includes analyzing customer demographics, preferences, needs, and purchasing habits to identify potential markets and factors influencing product demand. Her creativity and passion for utilizing data to drive impactful strategies enhance her work, contributing to informed decision-making. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Guam, where she was actively involved in the Entrepreneur Society and contributed to marketing events, including Startup Weekend Micronesia.
Michelle Merfalen, Research Assistant
Michelle is a skilled market research professional with extensive expertise in analyzing market data, consumer behavior, and emerging trends. She brings a background in digital marketing and finance to her role, leveraging these skills to enhance work projects and deliver comprehensive insights. As a research assistant, Michelle excels not only in stakeholder and client management but also in grant acquisition writing, financial data analysis, and event coordination. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Guam, and certification in Social and Behavioral Research from the CITI Program. With a passion for utilizing data to drive impactful strategies, Michelle is dedicated to advancing research quality and supporting informed, strategic decisions that promote sustainable growth.