Riverstead Research Launches Website with Brand Vitals™ Benchmark

Riverstead Research, a newly launched research and strategy firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has unveiled its website, RiversteadResearch.com, which showcases the company's comprehensive services and growing portfolio of research across various industries. Founded in April 2026 by research and strategy executive Robert Wendt, Riverstead has already established a robust client base and continues to expand its services through established relationships, new partnerships, and client referrals.

The new website, launched on September 8, 2026, highlights Riverstead's senior research experience and strategic advisory work. The site features anonymized client work and a welcome video explaining the firm's approach, emphasizing the quality and accessibility of their research. "We have focused on excellent work, making research easier to understand and act on, and earning our clients' trust," stated Wendt, founder and managing director. "Referrals have fueled much of our growth, and there is no greater compliment than a client putting their reputation behind an introduction."

Riverstead serves organizations of every size, from national enterprises and private equity firms to regional and local businesses, advertising agencies, and family-owned operations. The firm offers a range of services, including market studies, tracking research, executive reporting, and interactive dashboards. Wendt explained, "We design each approach around the client's needs, goals, and objectives, with senior researchers leading every engagement from design through analysis, interpretation, and executive presentation."

The company's approach extends beyond research, as Riverstead also advises on operational strategy and creative messaging, helping organizations act on findings and maximize their investments. Wendt added, "Private equity firms use us for deep assessments spanning multiple brands and markets, helping portfolio companies know what works and do more of it. Research can also support commercial due diligence for acquisitions, growth investments, and exits."

One of Riverstead's key offerings is its ongoing Brand Vitals™ research, which evaluates brand health across a diverse range of categories. The expanding benchmark includes well-known brands such as Home Depot, Chick-fil-A, Hilton, State Farm, and Disney Parks. "A familiar brand is not necessarily a strong one. Awareness alone cannot show whether people trust a brand, believe its promises, prefer it, recommend it, or see it gaining momentum," said Wendt. "Brand Vitals examines relationship depth, affinity, advocacy, and momentum to measure whether recognition is becoming meaningful brand strength."

The website also features selected scores from Brand Vitals™, allowing visitors to compare familiar brands against each other. "Public scores provide a quick comparison, while our dashboard supports deeper analysis by brand, competitor, market, and audience," Wendt explained. "This approach helps organizations understand customers, strengthen brands, assess competitors, improve experiences, test messaging, and identify growth opportunities."

In addition to its research services, Riverstead offers a unique blend of quantitative and qualitative research, senior leadership, strategic advisory services, data visualization, and interactive dashboards. The firm's approach is designed to move organizations from evidence to action, ensuring that clients can make informed decisions based on rigorous and actionable insights.