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About ClearEdge

25 Years of Research.
One Focus.

Insights that connect data to decisions — built for founders and growing businesses who need agency-quality research without agency overhead.

Christopher Frye — Founder, ClearEdge Market Intelligence LLC

Built by a Researcher Who's Been on Both Sides of the Table.

I founded ClearEdge Market Intelligence after more than two decades leading research projects for utilities, technology firms, consumer brands, and global organizations. After managing large research budgets and teams at firms like Guidehouse and Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, I launched ClearEdge to bring that same rigor directly to founders and small businesses — without the agency overhead.

My approach is different because I've sat on both sides of the table. I've been the client making strategic decisions under pressure, and I've been the researcher responsible for delivering insights that hold up. That combination means every ClearEdge engagement is grounded in your business context, not just the methodology.

I hold an M.S. in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Austin with a concentration in Economic Development, and a B.A. in Sociology and Latin American Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I'm fluent in both quantitative and qualitative methods, advanced statistical modeling, survey design, and competitive intelligence.

If you have a question your data isn't answering, let's talk.

25+ Years Experience 200+ Projects Completed M.S. Univ. of Texas B.A. Univ. of Wisconsin Global Client Experience Charlotte, NC Based Remote Available Nationwide English & Spanish

The Principles Behind Every Engagement.

01

Research with Integrity

Every finding is reported accurately, every methodology is disclosed transparently, and every recommendation is grounded in evidence — not in what the client wants to hear.

02

Human-Centric Research

The people behind the data matter. ClearEdge treats research subjects with respect, designs studies that minimize bias, and interprets findings with empathy for the humans they represent.

03

Align Outcomes with Business Context

Data without context is just noise. Every ClearEdge engagement is designed to produce insights that are directly actionable within your specific business situation, stage, and objectives.

Small Team. Deep Expertise.

ClearEdge operates as a lean, focused practice. This structure keeps costs efficient for clients while maintaining the quality standards of a larger firm.

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Christopher Frye

Principal Consultant

25+ years of market research experience across energy, technology, consumer goods, and professional services. Leads all client engagements and research strategy.

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Rebecca Kuchar

Qualitative Researcher

Specialist in qualitative research methods including in-depth interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic research. Supports all qualitative components of ClearEdge engagements.

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Chloe Cook

Marketing Support

Supports ClearEdge's content marketing, social media, and client communications — helping translate research insights into compelling outreach and thought leadership.

A Track Record Built Across Sectors.

2025 – Present

ClearEdge Market Intelligence LLC

Founder & Principal Consultant · Charlotte, NC

Independent consulting practice providing market research, competitive intelligence, and customer insights to founders, small businesses, and marketing agencies.

2022 – 2025

Guidehouse

Associate Director · Charlotte, NC

Managed consulting projects for gas and electric utilities. Oversaw 10+ primary research projects and led a seminal California study of emerging technology adoption.

2017 – 2022

Frye Research & Consulting LLC

Owner · West Palm Beach, FL & Remote

Completed 200+ research projects for global clients across technology, consumer goods, non-profit, and professional services sectors spanning North America, Europe, and Latin America.

2012 – 2016

Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

Senior Manager, Market Research & Evaluation · Portland, OR

Managed $4M annual research budget leading a team producing 100+ research reports for a non-profit representing 140 utilities across the Pacific Northwest.

2007 – 2012

Austin Energy

Senior Manager, Market Research & Product Development · Austin, TX

Managed $300K annual research budget and led a team of eight conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis. Helped coordinate the first large US municipal government to place 100% of city facilities on renewable energy.

If You Have a Question Your Data Isn't Answering, Let's Talk.

Book a free 15-minute consultation. No pitch — just a focused conversation about your research needs and what ClearEdge can do for your business.