Jim Jacobs

Founder/CEO of Focus Insite- A Qualitative Market Research Recruitment firm

From a broken arm and a $20 side hustle… to a 2x Inc. 5000 company.

That’s how Focus Insite began. No investors. No safety net. Just a laptop, a busted arm, and a belief that if I could make life easier for researchers, the rest would follow.

Fast forward: today I lead one of the most trusted qualitative recruiting firms in the U.S. We connect marketing researchers with the voices that matter — whether that’s patients for a niche medical study, B2B professionals for product testing, or consumers for in-depth interviews.

At Focus Insite, we’re known for:

✅ Fast, reliable recruiting (even for tough specs)

✅ Seamless project management

✅ Transparent, human-first service

We’ve built our business on speed, trust, and results. It’s why clients come back, and it’s why we’ve made the Inc. 5000 list twice — growing from the ground up, without cutting corners.

But I’m not just about market research.

I’m a board member at Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), passionate about helping founders navigate the highs, lows, and learning curves of entrepreneurship. I’ve bootstrapped my way through the chaos, and I believe in building businesses that not only grow — but endure.

Off the clock, I’m a hockey coach, karaoke regular (whether I should be or not), and someone who never turns down a real conversation over a good vodka.

Let’s connect.

If you’re in insights and need a recruiting partner who gets it — reach out.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to swap stories or ideas — I’m here for that too.

Educational Highlights

Program: EO with Harvard – Inspiring Entrepreneurial Strategy

Date: November 2022

Focused on advanced entrepreneurial thinking and strategic leadership as part of an exclusive Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) program.

Wharton Executive Education – University of Pennsylvania

Program: EO@Wharton – Elevating Finance + Operations

Date: April 2023

Enhanced knowledge in finance and operational excellence, designed for scaling companies and high-growth leadership.

Saint Joseph’s University

BS in Marketing (1990–1994)

Completed in four years while working full-time and interning.

Played four years of ice hockey (Captain + 3x All-Star) and contributed to “The Hawk” newspaper.

MBA Program (Finance Track) (1998–1999, not completed)

Left to co-found a startup during the internet boom.

Malvern Preparatory School

Business Administration and Management (1986–1990)