Ralph Blessing

Principal

Ralph strives to combine 38 years of CMO/Global Innovation and Market Research experience to create new or better product/service ideas, ways to position a brand for growth that brings a brand to life and connects it powerfully with the brand’s customers based on forward looking insights.

He splits living in his lake home on Morse Reservoir in Cicero, IN and a condo in Indianapolis near Butler University.

Ralph grew up on a lake in Warsaw, IN and still loves waterskiing, jet skiing, flying ultralights or just enjoying a glass of wine on his pontoon boat.

Ralph is passionate about protecting lakes/our water and other natural resources and has worked with Upland and the Governor of MI to develop the best strategies and arguments to convince voters and businesses to help too.  He also works closely with the National Wildlife Foundation to enhance its efforts.

Area of Expertise

  • Trends and Future Market Mapping
  • Qual & Quantitative Market Research
  • Brand Positioning & Growth Strategies
  • Ideation Facilitation
  • Innovation & NPD Process

Past Experience

  • SC Johnson
  • Helene Curtis
  • Unilever
  • Arbor Strategy Group
  • GfK
  • Ameritest

Education

  • MBA - Kelley School, Indiana University
  • BS - Butler University
Indianapolis, IN
“I love to challenge paradigms, unlock surprising growth for brands, and use Consumer Insights/MRD as a future-oriented aid-to-judgment to give our clients an edge over their competition."
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“I love to challenge paradigms, unlock surprising growth for brands, and use Consumer Insights/MRD as a future-oriented aid-to-judgment to give our clients an edge over their competition."
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The Upland Way

How We Do It

Whether we are building platforms for innovation or pillars for strategic plans, the future world we help define with our foresight-led approach sets a rich foundation for exploration and success.

The Way
Upland Why

Why We Do It

We exist to help our clients achieve transformative growth that can be translated into positive social impact, enabling a better future for people, communities, and the planet.

The Why