Focus Groups, Meeting Facilities, Videoconferencing
Robin Kaplan and Merle Holman

Robin Kaplan and Merle Holman

Our Vision

To maintain the professionalism and loyalty of our staff.

Increase the bottom line while continuing to offer our expertise and fair pricing to our clients.

Remain a family owned business for personal and caring service.

Mission Statement

Exceed clients expectations for:

  • Respondent recruiting
  • Professionalism of staff
  • Communicating all aspects of a project to the client and internal staff.
  • Observers comfort and needs
  • Business amenities

Provide videoconferencing and meeting room space for the business community.

Participate as individuals in non-profit volunteer opportunities.

About Us

The Partnership

“Partnership” has many connotations but, for Group Dynamics in Focus, we are the company that clearly defines this as “partnering” with our staff, clients and each other.

Some background on how we came to be

In the 1960’s and '70’s Merle Holman, the founder of Group Dynamics, was earning her education in quantitative research as an employee of full service firms. She had the opportunity to write questionnaires, interview in the field, train door to door, phone and mall interviewers, recruit respondents for focus groups (usually held in hotel rooms) and, for 7 years, owned a field service from her home.

In 1981 Merle and Judy Lame, co-workers at National Analysts, opened the first focus group facility in Bala Cynwyd, just minutes from Center City Philadelphia.

As the facility and staff grew so did its reputation in the industry for professionalism, awareness of the marketplace and new technologies...we were the first facility in the area to offer videoconferencing. As one of the founding members of GroupNet in 1994 we are proud to be part of this National Network of independently owned focus group facilities.

Robin Kaplan joined Group Dynamics in 1982 after graduating from Temple University. She is the President and second generation in this family owned and operated business. Working side by side with her Mom over the years has given her invaluable insight and knowledge about qualitative research.

Robin's strong belief in communication is essential to the completion of every project. She continues long term relationships with clients and maintains a staff that contributes to the success of the organization. Her commitment to customer satisfaction as well as the integrity of the research being conducted has helped Group Dynamics repeatedly earn top ratings among the country's most popular research facilities.

Robin has served as secretary on the Board of GroupNet and has achieved and maintains her Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) through the MRA.

Robin and Merle pride themselves on their personal attention to detail and share their passionate role in being a family owned and operated business.....you are encouraged to continue to be or become part of our “partnership”.

Accomplishments, Awards, and Achievements

Group Dynamics in Focus, Inc.

  • Professional Research Certification (PRC)
    • All of our professional staff are certified through the Marketing Research Association (MRA).
  • Impulse Directory
    • Since the Directory of Focus Group Facilities was established in 1992 Group Dynamics has been amongst the "Top Rated" Facilities in the Philadelphia Region.
  • Greater Philadelphia Chamber Of Commerce
    • Service Company of the Year Award
  • United States Chamber Of Commerce
    • Blue Chip Enterprise Award

Merle Holman, CEO

  • Sam Walton certificate for “Service to the Community”
  • “Volunteer of the Year Award” from Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation
  • “Volunteer of the Year” from The Wellness Community of Philadelphia

Boards of Directors and/or Volunteer Committees

Current:

  • GroupNet (Founding Member)
  • The Wellness Community of Philadelphia
  • Act 2 Playhouse

Past:

  • MRA Philadelphia Chapter President 1988-1990
  • Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation
  • Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Small Business Board
  • NAWBO Membership Chair

Robin Kaplan, President

Boards of Directors and/or Volunteer Committees

Current:

  • MRA Philadelphia Chapter Membership Director

Past:

  • GroupNet Board of Directors, Secretary
  • NAWBO Round Table