Biography
Dr. Jon Callegher is a professor in the School of Marketing and the author of Marketing Research for Marketers (2024, 2021), the standard Marketing Research textbook used in Canadian universities and colleges, published by Pearson Canada.
Jon has served as Project Director for over $1.5 million in federal and provincial research initiatives, including two multi-year grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Waterloo.
As Executive Director of Job Talks, a research and media agency dedicated to promoting careers in the skilled trades, Jon has shared his expertise on recruitment and retention strategies through radio, television, and as a keynote speaker at conferences around the country. He has interviewed more than 200 skilled tradespeople.
Academic Credentials
Doctor of Philosophy, Sociology, University of Waterloo, 2013
Master of Arts, Sociology, University of Windsor, 2006
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Communication Studies, University of Windsor 2004
Areas of Specialization
Marketing Research, Marketing Management
Areas of Expertise
Sociology, Skilled Trades, Construction
Career Highlights
Executive Director, Job Talks Inc., 2018 – Present
Textbook Author, Pearson Canada, 2017 – Present
Associate Vice President, Hotspex Inc. 2009 – 2012
Selected Keynote Addresses on Skilled Trades Recruitment and Retention:
Ontario Cooperative Education Association Conference. Toronto, ON
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Annual Convention. Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Island Construction Conference. Victoria, BC
BC Construction Safety Alliance Health & Safety Conference. Vancouver, BC
United Union Of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers 30th Annual Convention. Las Vegas, NV
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Executive Council Meeting, Miami, FL
Institute for Apprenticeship, Training and Education Programs Annual Convention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Other Activities
Elected Internal Governor, George Brown College Board of Governors, 2024-2027 and 2022-2024
Coach, Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition, 2013 – Present
Awards
Distinguished Researcher Award, George Brown College, 2023
$360,000, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Community and College Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) for "Innovative National Surveys and Video Series of Workers with Disabilities," 2020-2023
$240,000, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Community and College Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) for "Innovative Study and Website for Recruitment in the Skilled Trades," 2015-2018
$50,000, United Association, CWB Welding Foundation, Canada’s Building Trades Union, and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers A New View of Working Canadians, 2017
$24,000, CWB Foundation, The Work-Related Values of Skilled Tradespeople – Knowledge Mobilization Initiatives, 2016.
Publications
Marketing Research for Marketers, 2nd Edition. Textbook, Pearson Canada, Toronto, 2024.
“National Survey of Workers with Disabilities.” SSHRC-CCSIF. Toronto, 2023.
Marketing Research for Marketers, 1st Edition. Textbook, Pearson Canada, North York, 2021.
“Rebuilding the Construction Industry as a Career Destination.” Plans and Trusts. November/December issue (cover story), Brookfield, Wisconsin, 2019
“Report on Retaining Employees in the Skilled Trades.” Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON). Vaughan, Ontario, 2019
