John Mackay
Mr Sample was set up in 2009 by John Mackay to provide the industry with world-class sampling solutions.
John has 19 years’ experience in the market research industry. He started his career working in the telephone unit of drinks market specialist PAS (now part of TNS), where he latterly held supervisory and management positions. Several years later he and a colleague co-founded the Telephone Interviewing Company. This provided fieldwork, face-to-face and telephone interviewing services to a number of agencies including RAS, Romtec (now Harris Interactive), Interviewing Services, Resource and Dataquest. During this time, he also handled the fieldwork for Research International’s Retail Price Index.
In 1998 John set up a CATI telephone unit for German-owned icon, where he worked until the company was sold to WPP in 2002. In 2003, he joined Sample Answers where he held a Business Development Director role until he started Mr Sample in 2009.
He is currently Chairman of AIMRI (the Alliance of International Market Research Institutes) and also runs a market research industry networking group The Research Club.
In his spare time John enjoys spending time with his daughter Tara (who also works in the business) and playing in his local bands. John has played in bands for many years and has a passion for Rock, Rhythm & Blues and Soul. If you were to ask him who is his inspiration, only one name is on his lips – Prince. John now divides his musical talents between three bands, Ancient Mafia, Road Runners and Blues Factory. Look out for them – they might be playing in a venue near you.
Tara MacKay
Tara has been working in the industry for 18 months and her decision to work in the business came from her ambition to work in a company that was cutting edge and had the scope to grow. Tara also knew she would be involved with the company from its launch and play a central role in its development.
Tara is responsible for running The Research Club events and ensuring every element runs according to schedule. Tara’s number one priority, however, is to make sure clients have a great time and a memorable experience. Managing The Research Club also affords Tara with the opportunity to travel all over the world and further develop the club’s global network of dynamic and interesting people.
Prior to joining Mr Sample, Tara worked as a marketing executive for a worldwide translation company, where she was responsible for event management and client development. Tara has experience of the energy sector from working for a commercial company in their sales division, and five years retail experience in the health and beauty industry. Tara is also an expert in communications and business management.
In Tara’s spare time, she is a keen interior designer and enjoys shopping.
