The Padres sensed they had a problem. So they called John Nienstedt, who helped them figure out they should switch to brown jerseys. John brought in models who wore different jerseys to a series of focus groups. Each participant in the room was armed with a dial that they cranked one way for approval and another way for disapproval. John used the dial tests to block debate and strong personalities from influencing the room, he said. The Padres, of course, used John’s research and data to switch from blue to brown uniforms a few years ago.

John has been surveying voters, consumers, fans, and others for decades as head of the company he co-founded in graduate school at SDSU, Competitive Edge Research & Communication or CERC.

John counts some of the biggest names and brands in San Diego as clients, including Mayor Kevin Faulconer, COX and Sempra. Nationally, John and his research firm have worked for Costco, Airbnb, and other leading organizations. The information he provides his clients helps them make informed decisions about strategy, marketing, messaging, and more.

His surveys almost always start with a simple question: “Do you believe San Diego is headed in the right direction or the wrong direction?”

“There's certainly more angst than there is enthusiasm about the direction of the county and the city, but it's not terrible,” John says.

John’s son, Johnny, is following in his father’s footsteps. A recent graduate of UCSB, he’s working to land a job with a MLB team as a data specialist.

Baseball holds a special place in John’s heart. As a kid, he was average, but he loved the sport. As an adult, he coached his son’s little league team until he realized it was time for him to step aside and let paid coaches train his son. But John’s baseball story did not stop there. He picked up the game as an adult, invested in training and practice, and now is an All Star in the older-45 league he plays in, where the velo from pitchers can get into the mid-70s.

“I'm very proud of the fact that I got a hit off of a former Padre pitcher Juan Eichelberger, who still plays in the league,” John says on the podcast.

His advice to little league parents and coaches – “It will all work out.” Don’t take it too seriously. Enjoy the moment. As Tony put it, “Chase the process not the results.”

You’ll hear all that and more on this episode of Dear San Diego. At the end of the show, John shares a funny story with Juan and Tony about Tony’s last name. Stick around for that and more.

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