About Us

Research Data Services, Inc. (RDS) is an independent Florida corporation. For 35 years we've served clients throughout Florida, the United States, and Europe. Dr. Klages founded RDS, to be a center for diversified scientific market research.  Headquarterd in the Tampa, Florida, RDS provides cutting edge, quality research and analysis to clients who need to make the most informed business decisions.

"We raise research from a science to an artform".


Research Data Services, Inc. Offers:

Quality research that is verifiable and a standard for decision making.

Accelerated research execution focused on “speed-to-market”.

An organization that mines data to uncover the elusive.

A clear focus on the message behind the numbers.

Seasoned professionals with a commitment to respond quickly and innovatively to any question, crisis, or requirement.

Sampling techniques, data collection methods, and reporting procedures that are based on “best practice” standards.

Cutting-edge, forward-looking research programs designed to focus limited resources on strategic value-added tasks, calculated to stretch budgets and maximize industry R.O.I.

 

It’s about our ability to pull together:

The Research Data Team

Most of our professionals hold advanced academic degrees and have extensive experience in the fields of market research, statistics, management, economics, or systems analysis. We provide state-of-the-art modeling and statistical software design.  Advanced computer resources are a major part of our research. We function as an extension of our clients' organizations. We will be part of your team.


Walter J Klages PhD
Walter J. Klages PhD
Founder & CEO
Claire Klages
VP Qualitative
Anne Wittine
Director Data Analysis

AREAS OF Specialization

Tourism/Hospitality Research

Over thirty years of experience have given our professionals unmatched understanding and insight into the challenges and opportunities of the tourism industry. We have worked with more than 18 Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO's).


Qualitative Research

RDS’s moderators have extensive experience in conducting focus groups and in-depth interviews both domestically and internationally.

Litigation Support

With extensive experience in business loss, personal injury, anti-trust, and utility rate cases, Dr. Klages is qualified as an economist and statistician to present expert witness testimony in circuit and federal courts.

Public Uitilities

From recycling and solid waste collection to fluoridation and other water issues, RDS has developed and implemented a wide assortment of studies for public utilities and related organizations.

Economic Impact/R.O.I.

RDS collects, analyzes, and synthesizes data related to the estimated economic impact and return on investment of organizations, marketing efforts, special events, etc. in selected domestic markets.

Brand Positioning Studies

RDS provides structured research to assist clients to build brand recognition, differentiation, and preference among key target audiences.

Why Choose Us?

RDS is uniquely qualified to be your market research vendor because:

We have a passion for research. RDS provides strategic direction, tracks performance, and forecasts growth.  Precision is at the heart of our business. Thirty years of experience have given our professionals unmatched understanding and insight into the challenges and opportunities our clients face.

You have to be the first to know.  We are ready.   In the wake of oil spills, hurricanes, and wildfires, we provide proactive, real-time, on-going gauges of impact to our clients.  In an emergency or crisis, we are there.

We have "future vision". Yesterday's trends do not necessarily predict tomorrow's performance. Consumer behavior and markets can change in the blink of an eye. We successfully use our tracking data to identify, explore, and alert our clients to the impacts of changing technological applications, lifestyles, and modes of thinking. We anticipate what is useful and has benefits for our clients' evolving challenges. As early as 2006, we gave our clients early warning of the developing recession and its global characteristics.

We have a truly international focus. RDS has successfully completed focus groups, in-depth interviews (IDI’s), and round table research in Toronto, Montreal, Buenos Aires, Mexico, Chile, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, London, Dublin, Glasgow, Paris, Stockholm, and Oslo to gauge market directions for our clients.  Several of our information takers are multilingual to accommodate international consumers (Spanish, French, German).

We are detail people. RDS's record for precise and timely tracking data, on-target projections, as well as verifiable consumer telemetry is unrivaled.

We're focused, accessible, and responsive. At the cutting edge of technology and innovation, RDS delivers on-target market intelligence for the promotional efforts of our clients. Contact our office and you will get an answer to your question.

We are dynamic and creative. Our singular focus is to isolate profitable targets for our clients. We uncover new markets, develop strategic and tactical support for industry promotions, and keep our clients informed. Tell us what you need and RDS will provide innovative solutions.

Research Data Services in the News

Collier tourism doing well in 2014, council reports Collier County's Tourist Development Council on Thursday got a glowing report on visitor trends for the first four months of this year.

Tide of Pinellas tourism turning inland, too DUNEDIN — Coastal hotels enjoyed their biggest spring break on record in March, bringing in more than $5 million in bed tax revenue for the month, but guests aren't spending all their money at the beach.