Mr. Hanks joined Mindshare as chairman nine years ago, shortly after it was incorporated. During Mr. Hanks’ tenure, Mindshare’s annualized sales have grown from $40 thousand/year to $20 million/year. In 2011, the company grew revenues 39 percent and recorded its 105th consecutive month of recurring revenue growth, while remaining profitable. What began as a two-employee operation has grown to over 100 employees and expanded service throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. Mindshare’s clients have received over 2 billion individual insights from their customers and 100 million completed surveys. The company now collects surveys in over 25 industries, in more than 125 countries, and in 30 languages.
“Rich has been a great partner and friend,” said John Sperry, Mindshare CEO. “Our strengths have complemented each other as we have built this business together. Mindshare will miss his day-to-day leadership as our president, but we consider ourselves fortunate that he will continue on as our senior advisor.”
Both the company and its leadership have been recognized for numerous achievements. In 2008, the company was named to the Inc 500 list of the fastest growing private companies. In 2010, Rich and John were named E&Y Entrepreneurs of the Year. Utah Business placed Mindshare on their annual list of Best Utah Companies to Work For, and the company was also honored as one of the 50 Most Engaged Workplaces™ in the United States. The company has raised over $27 million in outside funding and its original investors have seen their investment grow over 1,000 times.
“I am so grateful to have had the chance to work with such talented and good people,” said Mr. Hanks. “The company’s success can all be traced directly back to their hard work and commitment. With Mindshare’s current cadre of strong leaders, I believe the company is poised for even greater success in the future.”
