Chase Wrinn

Chase is a Director of Consumer Insights at PROOF Insights and has 15+ years of experience working across verticals such as publishing & media, apparel, CPG, food & restaurants, television, technology, and non-profits.

Q: What's your role and what do you focus on day-to-day?
As a Director of Consumer Insights I help orchestrate all aspects of the research process to ensure a smooth journey across each project stage. No two days are the same because no two projects are the same. My overarching focus is on doing whatever it takes to deliver the best service possible to my clients and to be the resource that acts as an extension of their own team.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
I really appreciate the team I've worked with here at PROOF for the last 15+ years. They’re the reason I’m able to deliver exceptional experiences to my clients. Together we're able to create a product that is far greater than the sum of our individual contributions. When you have a team you can depend on it brings out the best in yourself and enables you to find the joy in your work.

Q: How did you get started in research and analytics?
It was mostly luck. In the summer of 2010 I graduated undergrad and had time to kill before starting a planned 9-month service in the AmeriCorps program. My dad was the original IT Director at PROOF (then M&RR) and he told me about an internship opportunity on the Research team. That internship turned into a full-time position and I’ve been developing my skills ever since.

Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I discovered my favorite hobby (bouldering) because of my work at PROOF. Back in 2019 I had an upcoming project related to bouldering and knew absolutely nothing about it. After a quick Google search I saw there was a bouldering gym within walking distance of our main office. Whenever possible I want to learn by doing, so I walked over at lunch and tried it out. I never would have guessed it would become one of my favorite ways to spend my time.

Q: What does your ideal vacation look like?
This question is kind of hilarious because I don’t really like taking vacations, as most people at PROOF know. My ideal vacation would be short (3 days max) and shared with family and friends. Maybe something like a lake house with plenty of activities I enjoy (e.g., climbing, fishing, kayaking, hiking, frisbee).

Q: One thing you can’t live without?
Family and friends. That’s all that matters.