Whew – what a year and a half it’s been! Retention is important to SMARI, and so is growth! Growth brings along new faces (and headshots). We want to take a moment to give a more formal introduction to a few of our new associates at SMARI.

Alicia Hazelwood joined SMARI in January 2024 as a Senior Insights Analyst. As a PhD candidate with a heavy background in psychology, Alicia fell in love with data early on. With a diverse analytical toolbox and a certified whiz in SPSS, R, Displayr, Tableau, NVivo, Power BI, and Canva, Alicia has talent well beyond her years. She spends time with her family and friends when she’s not transforming data into strategy. She also proudly spends hours inside Sweet Green, eating all the different salads.


Imara Peralta arrived at SMARI in May 2024. She hails from Kentucky, and naturally, she’s passionate about data and roller derby. When she’s not on her skates, she’s got her data nerd hat on. By way of Murray State University (BS) & Ball State University (MA), she comes to SMARI with a background across multiple research avenues, including statistical analysis and research storytelling. A true force to be reckoned with, Imara is a natural fit at SMARI with her vast knowledge and zest for learning. In her spare time, she dominates opponents on the track and bakes/decorates sweets.


We all hope to have someone look at us the way Anna Faulkinbury looks at managing projects. Before joining SMARI in September 2024, Anna finished her Master’s degree in Information and Communication Sciences from Ball State University. She is a two-time award recipient in her field and has a knack for streamlining processes and communicating with her team, our vendors, and valued clients. As a Fleetwood Mac fan and former ‘Trainer of the Year’ award winner as a kickboxing trainer, we dare someone to cross Anna in a dark alley!


A lean, mean, remote-working machine, Karl Lacey is our newest full-time hire by way of the UK. Taking a tailored, holistic approach to management, Karl dives headfirst into managing clients. As the VP of Client Services, Karl will leverage his bespoke client acquisition background (Coca Cola, Nestle, Sara Lee, BP, Kellonova, Mercedes Benz, P&G) into new client relationships at SMARI. Armed with a drive and winning mentality, Karl holds Black Belts in Taekwondo and kickboxing but promises only to use this unique set of skills on the orneriest
of RFPs.


They say you’re only as strong as your summer intern, and if that’s true, we’re in great hands! Carson Puls joins us for the summer of 2025 and has quickly immersed himself in his projected future field. Carson is a junior at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in communications. He’s on the Dean’s List, so he knows a thing or two about a thing or two. He also contributes his talents to the University’s symphony orchestra, playing a mean trumpet.

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SMARI is an Indiana-based market research consultancy that was founded in 1983 with the idea of guiding change and inspiring confidence. We are proud to work with SMEs as well as a variety of Fortune 500 brands. We are powered by our core values: integrity, community, perseverance, trust, passion, curiosity, and innovation. SMARI’s expertise includes full project scopes, including instrument design, sampling & fielding services, reporting & analysis in Healthcare, CPG, Retail, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Financial Services industries, and beyond. Much has changed in our 40+ years, but our tagline and overarching mission remain the same—to guide change and inspire confidence. Start a conversation with us at www.SMARI.com.