Conservative Travelers in a Blue State

Finding those who skew toward conservative political views in one of the liberal meccas of America may sound like finding a needle in a haystack, but when a study called for it, our street team rose to the challenge. 

Fisherman's Wharf

84.5% of registered voters in San Francisco identify as Democrats according to official 2016 polling data, but San Francisco's tourist pool is much more diverse. From the bikers and hikers trekking the Golden Gate Bridge, to those here on business in the Financial District, the client asked for out-of-towners, so our team took to the most populated districts of the city to find the exact demographic the client was looking for.

Coit Tower

Between listening for accents, giving directions, and greeting passerby's without the time to stop, we ultimately found American conservatives visiting from outside of California, and got them to come in for the 90 minute slot that the client had a lotted for them. You could say we found a few needles in a haystack.

American Dream Come True

Sometimes San Francisco city dwellers want a change of scenery, so it's only natural to jump into a rental car, cross the Golden Gate bridge, enter the Robin Williams tunnel, and venture into the North Bay: a place where sunshine, greenery, and plenty of cows grazing along the 101 rule. That's exactly what our team of recruiters did to connect with small business owners away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

According to the Small Business Administration, big businesses have cut 4 million jobs since 1990, while small businesses have created 8 million. Statistics aside, it's clear that small businesses are here for the people, and here to stay.

“80% of businesses are defined as small businesses, with many employing fewer than 10 people.”

— Small Business Administration

We met with family-run taquerias, specialty shoe store owners, martial arts studio managers, and more. Each one of them had unique stories to tell about how they started with a dream, and hit the ground running with the support of their community. Entering the doors of the eclectic mix of store fronts was a great opportunity for our team to understand the business needs of these small business owners in Petaluma and San Rafael.

Pike Place Perspective

The Pacific Northwest treated us well during our consumer recruitment in Seattle. The streets were lined with people sporting Navy-blue and bright florescent lime-green colors, representing their local athletic clubs and sources of pride: the Seahawks, the Mariners, and the Sounders. Every block hosts a sports bar, restaurant, or family owned pop-up shop drawing the attention of both locals and travelers alike. Having a plethora of breweries and museums scattered all over the city, Seattle provides a wide array of activities for people of all ages, at all times of day and night.

San Franciscian Style

Being based in San Francisco's busiest shopping district and main tourist attraction has its perks. Not only are we the first to find out about amazing sales, but we also get exposed to an array of fashionable shoppers from around the world. Whether affordable & simple, luxurious & classic, or new & trendy, Union Square is the prime location for fashion trend spotting. With this knowledge in tow, we stalked some unassuming, friendly shoppers and took some snaps. Check them out below.

““Fashion is important. I try to dress nice everyday, especially at work, because it carries into my mood. It’s always good to be presentable.” *Looks down to admire his Gucci shoes*”

— Michael's favorite store: Neiman Marcus

Nicole says she is a very simple clothing shopper who enjoys snagging good deals. Target, Forever 21, and H&M are some of Nicole's favorite places to find stylish yet affordable clothes.

Outfit: H&M checkered shirt, Forever 21 striped skirt, and Adidas Samba shoes 

Vincent is from Spain and loves to travel, making sure to be both stylish and comfortable during his trips. Vincent's favorite clothing stores when he is in the U.S. are Zara and American Apparel.

Outfit: Paul Smith jean button-up shirt, Cotton On khaki shorts, and New Balance 574 shoes (Athletic shoes and above-the-knee shorts are trending as a standout duo in men's fashion.)

Nia struck a quick pose during her lunch break. Nia likes to leave the office everyday to get some fresh air, and we're glad she does so we have a chance to see her other Nordstrom dresses!

Nile flew all the way from New York City to see some Bay Area buddies. Nile is sporting tube socks with matching white Polo sneakers for a monochromatic look that's understated yet put-together.