Welcome back to our series on Navigating Business Decisions, a study conducted in collaboration with Kent State University students. I’m Grace, founder of LaConte Consulting, and in this post, I’ll walk you through how we conducted our study, what methods we used, and how we ensured meaningful insights from our research.
If you’re a business leader interested in decision-making trends, you’ll want to check out the video summary and download the full report to explore our findings in depth.
This is the final of a 4-part series about Decision-Making Strategies for Business Owners.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Who Made This Study Possible?
This research wouldn’t have been possible without a dedicated group of university students at Kent State. Over 12 weeks in Fall 2024, these students helped develop questions, refine data collection methods, and reach out to business owners. Their efforts enabled us to gather responses from 53 business leaders across Northeast Ohio.
Our Research Approach
Survey Design and Data Collection
We took a two-pronged approach:
- Online Survey – A structured questionnaire using Google Forms, blending multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
- One-on-One Interviews – Conversations with seven business leaders to gain deeper insights beyond survey responses.
The survey was open for six weeks, allowing leaders to share their thoughts on business decision-making, leadership styles, and future planning. The full survey is available in the appendix of our 64-page report, which you can download here.
Who We Surveyed
Our respondents were top business leaders, including:
- 87% are Business Owners or Founders
- 9% are CEOs or Presidents
- 4% are Senior Executives (COOs, CFOs, etc.)
These leaders come from a variety of industries, including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, retail, finance, and professional services. All participants operate primarily in Northeast Ohio, with responses spanning large cities (Cleveland, Akron), mid-sized towns, and rural communities.
Data Analysis: Making Sense of the Responses
To ensure accuracy and clarity, we:
- Used Google Sheets and analytics tools to process quantitative responses.
- Identified trends and patterns from open-ended answers.
- Highlighted key quotes from business leaders to illustrate real-world perspectives.
By combining statistical analysis with qualitative insights, we were able to capture both broad trends and individual experiences, making our findings more actionable for business owners.
Read more: Interpreting the Quantitative Data (Numbers) in Your Business
Read more: Interpreting the Qualitative Data (Experiences and Emotions) in Your Business
Unlock More Insights & Practical Strategies
This post just scratches the surface! To dive deeper into these findings, be sure to check out the full 64-page report here, or check out the two-page summary for an overview. And don’t forget to watch our video series featuring interviews with Northeast Ohio business leaders, sharing their first-hand experiences and insights.
👉 Ohio Business Leaders Survey Results
Watch the Video Series
Explore a 22-part video series breaking down key findings, how the study was conducted, and how these insights can be applied to your business.
Get the Full Report for Free
Want all the details? Download the comprehensive 64-page report or grab the quick 2-page summary for key takeaways. Plus, take advantage of a free Profit Leakage Assessment.
📥 Download the Full Report | 📄 2-Page Summary | 💡 Free Profit Leakage Assessment
Follow Along for More Insights
This is just the start. Stay connected for more strategies and tips:
- 📺 Subscribe to the YouTube Series for deep dives
- 📝 Follow the Blog for fresh articles
- 💬 Leave a comment below to share your thoughts or ask questions
Profit leaks cost more than most leaders realize. We offer a Free Profit Leakage Assessment that pinpoints where money is slipping away, and how to fix it. Schedule your session today and start protecting your bottom line.
Grace LaConte
Grace LaConte is a Resilient Profit Strategist who helps independent owners in manufacturing, B2B, and professional services to uncover hidden profit leaks and build stronger companies without burnout or added complexity. She uses proven frameworks and data-driven insights to improve cash flow, boost margins, and create lasting value. When not consulting, she develops practical tools that help owners protect their bottom line and grow businesses that last.