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ROI Research on Investment was established with the goal of creating an industry-leading company, offering best-in-class lead generation and investment prospecting services. Today, ROI assists its clients by delivering targeted leads that have passed through our rigorous lead qualification process.

Our Story

Founded on Quality Research: ROI was established in 2001 as the market research engine of CAI Corporate Affairs International, a Montreal-based site selection consulting firm.
High Growth, Global Reach: In 2003, ROI was spun off of CAI with two employees and two clients. Over the next four years the company grew to employ over 40 and service over 40 clients. Due to ROI’s phenomenal growth, the company was recognized in 2007 as the 26th-fastest growing company in Canada by Profit Magazine. Since 2007, ROI has established a US headquarter in Chicago with additional offices in Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Osaka, Hong Kong and Rio de Janeiro. ROI further expanded its international footprint to over 31 countries, through a strategic partnership with APCO Worldwide, a Washington-based international communications and public relations firm.
The Next Chapter: ROI is now adding key services to further support our clients in their lead generation programs by providing multi-touch campaigns, lead nurturing programs and Sales Diagnostics and Training. This ability to look towards the future while continuing to improve in our core business is why Steven Jast was recognized as a finalist for the International Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the year competition in 2008.

Key Dates

  • 2001 Montreal, QC site selection consulting firm, CAI, established an internal research division.
  • 2003 Mr. Steven Jast spins off the CAI research division, founding ROI Research on Investment. Its headquarters are established in Montreal, QC, with a staff of 2 and 2 clients.
  • 2006 ROI grows to 40 employees, in support of a mixture of 40 North American and International clients.
  • 2007 ROI is recognized as the 26th-Fastest Growing Company in Canada by Profit Magazine. ROI establishes offices in Osaka and Hong Kong, and a US headquarters in Chicago, IL.
  • 2008 ROI reaches 60 clients and establishes European offices in Paris and the UK, as well as a second US office in Washington, DC. In July, Mr. Jast is recognized as an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist.
  • 2009 ROI signs a global strategic partnership with Beyond Business Connections in Canberra, Australia, and establishes offices in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Richmond, VA.
  • 2010 ROI offices are established in Rio De Janeiro and Los Angeles.
  • 2011 ROI enters into a strategic alliance with Washington-based communications and public relations firm, APCO Worldwide www.apcoworldwide.com and launches social media services.