NASE News

Ivan Stavrev is a NASE member from Woodstock, Georgia and the Founder & CEO of Intellimark Group LLC. He holds a Master’s in Analytics from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has spent his career at the intersection of data, customer experience, and technology. Intellimark is a data-driven consulting firm that helps corporations and government agencies make smarter decisions through research, advanced analytics, and AI solutions. Their work ranges from survey-based insights and predictive modeling to agentic AI tools and interactive dashboards, all designed to connect data directly to business impact.

When and why did you join NASE?

I joined NASE earlier this year to connect with other entrepreneurs, gain access to resources that support small business growth, and tap into practical tools that can help scale Intellimark. As a founder, I value organizations that advocate for small businesses and provide a community of peers facing similar challenges.

What inspired you to enter the field you are in?

Early in my career, I worked for a leading Fortune 500 technology company in Atlanta, where I saw firsthand how customer experience and analytics could make or break a business. Even with massive resources, big organizations often struggled to turn their data into clear actions. That experience showed me both the power of analytics and the gap that still existed — and it inspired me to dedicate my career to helping organizations bridge that gap.

When and why did you start your business?

I started Intellimark in 2024 after realizing there was a real need for a more agile, cost-effective approach to research and analytics. Too many organizations — both companies and government agencies — were stuck with expensive, slow-moving firms that didn’t always deliver actionable insights. I wanted to build a lean team that could cut through the noise and use data to drive real decisions, faster and smarter.

How do you market your business?

Most of our growth comes from building relationships — reaching out directly to decision-makers, sharing insights on LinkedIn, and showcasing case studies that highlight the impact we’ve delivered. We focus less on flashy ads and more on proving our value through data-driven stories and word of mouth. The best marketing for us is when a client sees the results and tells someone else, “You need to work with Intellimark.”

What challenges have you faced in your business? How have you overcome them?

One challenge has been earning trust in a crowded industry where big firms dominate. We’ve overcome that by being the opposite of “one-size-fits-all.” We take the time to understand each client’s unique challenges, respond quickly, and deliver work that speaks for itself. That intimacy — paired with speed and quality — has helped us stand out and build lasting partnerships.

Do you have any employees?

Right now, Intellimark is lean by design — I handle the strategy and client relationships while partnering with a small network of analysts, data scientists, and fieldwork providers on a project basis. I do plan to expand into a full-time core team as we grow, because the vision has always been to build a strong group that delivers consistently high-quality research and analytics.

What’s your schedule like, what’s a typical day for you?

No two days look the same. Some days I’m deep in data and building dashboards; other days I’m on calls with clients, learning about their challenges and shaping solutions. There’s always a mix of problem-solving, strategy, and execution — and plenty of late nights making sure everything is delivered on time.

What’s the best thing about being self-employed?

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received from a client?

A client once told me, “You understood what we needed better than we did.” That, to me, is the ultimate compliment — it means we listened deeply, connected the dots, and delivered something that created real value.

What’s the most important piece of advice you would give to someone starting their own business?

Start small, move fast, and listen harder than you talk. The relationships you build and the speed with which you deliver will matter more than having everything perfect from day one.

Which NASE member benefit is most important to you?

The access to resources, guidance, and a community of other entrepreneurs is invaluable. It’s not just about the benefits themselves but about knowing you’re not alone in the journey.

Any other information you would like to share?