Charles Hess developed the technique of inference reading while earning his B.A. in Political Science at the University of Rochester. By reading outside his field of study, he found he was able to create connections and piece together a more realistic perspective of world economic, political and social events. Recognizing the implications of inference reading for business, Mr. Hess helped develop its steady growth and development. In 1980, as a leader in the field, he helped found Inferential Focus.

Kenneth Hey, managing partner and writer, holds an M.A. in Renaissance Humanities and a Ph.D. in American Studies (1973, Emory University). Mr. Hey received a Fulbright Lectureship to the University of Rome, Italy for 1976-1977. He also participated in a National Endowment for the Humanities grant (1980, Berkeley, California). In 1985, he received a Silver Award at the Houston International Film Festival for his feature-length documentary, Southern Voices, American Dreams, an overview of the American South in the 1970’s. In 1985, after fourteen years as a professor at Brooklyn College (CUNY) where he served as Chairman of the Film Department, he became a partner at Inferential Focus. Also once a film critic for USA Today magazine, Mr. Hey’s continuing achievements in diverse fields contribute a unique dimension to research and published reports at Inferential Focus. His writing has appeared in the popular, professional, and scholarly press.

Risa Hess, director and member of the intelligence, client service and investment teams, holds a B.S. from the University of Rhode Island in Fashion and Textiles with a minor in Fine Arts including a senior honors colloquium thesis in Photography. Ms. Hess spent 20 years in the fashion industry starting as a buyer for a major national department store. Her stint as product development coordinator for several major national department stores took her on extensive travels throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. After joining Inferential Focus in 1997, Ms. Hess became a general securities representative and has held several positions in the customer service, investment and research arm of the firm.

Eric Zavolinsky, director and member of the intelligence, client service and investment teams, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Washington and Lee University. Prior to joining Inferential Focus in 2002, Mr. Zavolinsky worked in the entertainment and technology industries at CDNOW, an online music retailer, and at Island Def Jam Records. Mr. Zavolinsky began his career as a freelance television producer including a job as the highlight producer at the 1998 U.S. Tennis Open for USA Network Sports.

Michael J. Hines, director, writer and member of the intelligence, client service and investment teams, holds an A.B. from Harvard University in Social Studies with a thesis in Economic Sociology. He continues to study equity analysis at New York University. An avid world traveler, he holds language citations in Spanish and French and studies Italian and Portuguese. Prior to working at Inferential Focus, Mr. Hines worked for WIEGO, an international NGO that organizes women in the informal economy of emerging markets. Mr. Hines is the Webmaster of Inferential Focus and the principle author of eFocus.