You want research suppliers who are creative yet logical. Big picture thinkers with effective analytical skills. People who can solve problems with flexibility and also listen to your needs. A long-term partner you can trust. Look no further. We’re a small but powerful team you will want in your toolkit.

April Bell, Owner, Researcher, Facilitator

Raised on a West Texas cotton farm where the tumbleweeds can blow you down, it’s no surprise she is often described as a ‘force of nature.' April loves challenges – the bigger, the better. She started her career trading grain commodities but soon learned she was more curious about how people think.

“Researching consumer buying habits” in The Netherlands. Guiding John Deere dealers to sell “more green." Building a ropes course to teach youth leaders.Uncovering consumer patterns for TXU Energy. Educating “third culture kids” in Lima, Peru. Founding a boutique research agency working with many of the world’s well-known brands. April has a knack for seeing the need and filling the gap.

She’s lived and breathed research on both sides of the business for more than 20 years. Armed with an Executive MBA from SMU and experience with research giant, Ipsos, she started April Bell Research Group in 2008. 

Her extensive moderating career includes 3,500+ hours of interviewing, which translates to A LOT of problems getting solved! While most of her experience lies in asking tough questions, her equally curious 6-year old daughter is now giving her lots of experience answering them! 

What brings April joy?

1. Laying in a hammock reading a good book
2. Snuggles in the morning with her daughter
3. Being on a boat – on any kind of water.

April's top 5 strengths*:

• Activator 
• WOO (winning others over) 
• Empathy 
• Positivity 
• Self-Assurance

*Based on the Clifton Strength Finder Assessment

Shelley Miller, Account Manager

Shelley is a secret weapon. Her inquisitive mind, desire to learn, and ability to simplify even the most complex ideas makes her indispensable. She has a knack for clearly communicating, and with a smile that will soften even the most jagged personality.

Shelley’s ability to stay unruffled through any situation (thanks in part to a local yoga studio) helps her mitigate any situation to help create an amazing experience. Prior to her role at ABRG, Shelley worked as an account manager in the insurance industry where she learned quickly how to satisfy even the most unruly of clients.

Shelley holds a bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas State University and a Masters of Business Administration from SMU Cox School of Business.

What brings Shelley joy?

1. Traveling and exploring new places – both near and far
2. Biking White Rock Lake on a hot Summer day
3. Her 10-year old Australian Shepherd, Spanky

Shelley's top 5 strengths*: 

• Relator 
• Individualization 
• Empathy 
• Learner 
• Achiever

*Based on the Clifton Strength Finder Assessment

Lisa Martens, Analyst/Project Manager

Lisa Martens is our dedicated and strategic project manager.  She is highly organized and able to manage our client’s complex projects.

Organization and execution are in Lisa’s wheelhouse.  Prior to her role at ABRG, Lisa worked at the corporate headquarters for Best Buy Co., Inc. as an analyst, project manager and leadership training manager.

Lisa holds a bachelor of Business Administration, Management degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.  She is a certified facilitator for several Franklin Covey® courses and Lean Six Sigma certified.

What brings Lisa joy?

1.       Digging her toes in the sand watching the waters of the Caribbean ocean

2.       Reading a great book

3.       Spending quality time with her loving family and friends

Lisa’s top 5 Strengths*:

1.       Responsibility

2.       Discipline

3.       Consistency

4.       Futuristic

*Based on the Clifton Strength Finder Assessment