1. STEVEN B. LUDWIG MBA, MLIS
2900 SE Glenstone Drive, Unit 304 Tel: (515) 491-1526
Grimes, IA 50111-5082 Email: ludwigsb@gmail.com
INFORMATION RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL
BUSINESS / INDUSTRY RESEARCH ● SUBJECT REPORT WRITING ● ENVIRONMENTAL SCANNING
Skill Set Expertise in Searching Areas of Knowledge Supporting
Active Listening News, Business Databases Commercial Databases Executive
Clear, Concise Writing Public Records Information Industry Business Development
Creativity Patents Competitive Intelligence Competitive Intelligence
Curiosity Internet Library Science (MLIS) Corporate Communications
Client Orientation Health & Social Science db Business Administration (MBA) Legal
Government Documents Marketing & Research
Human Resources
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL 2009 - Current
Providing secondary research of business information to the business community at large.
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC., Johnston, IA 1998-2009
A leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics to farmers worldwide.
Competitive Intelligence Analyst
The “Go To” resource for identifying, organizing and searching business information resources to support
the competitive intelligence (“CI”) and business development functions of a leading agricultural firm.
Ascertained competitor and industry information sources and delivered knowledge focusing on business
intelligence, due diligence, market and industry analysis. Monitored vendor costs and realized savings
where possible. Collaborated in cross-functional teams to deliver competitive data. Maintained and
published corporate-wide daily news alert service.
Key Accomplishments
• Researched and created profiles on key competitors and industries, which provided insights and a
common understanding among company decision makers about competitors and products. Compiled
data from many origins: internal knowledge, financial, marketing, public records, SEC documents, white
papers. Delivered a high level of synthesis condensing insights into a readable written report.
• Planned, organized and executed the transition of a corporate-wide daily news alert service, from the CI
Group to the corporate library. Employed skills in team collaboration, user training, interpreting survey
data, communicating changes to subscribers, establishing project goals and post-transfer feedback.
Project was completed within the planned time frame. At least a 40% increase in readership resulted
and the daily production process was reduced by 30%.

2. STEVEN B. LUDWIG TEL: 515-491-1526 PAGE 2
Competitive Intelligence Analyst “Key Accomplishments” (cont’d)
• Interviewed research scientists worldwide to uncover and summarize a base of competitor knowledge
among internal company scientists. Met target deadlines through multi-tasking in all areas of project.
The final report succeeded in establishing a baseline of common understanding among Pioneer
managers about the competitive structure of the seed industry, which became part of the managers’
internalized knowledge used in daily decision making.
• Researched a competitor’s newly commercialized herbicide active ingredient and summarized findings
in a high level report that was published to managers and directors. Findings were disseminated and
provided an understanding about the competitor’s strategic direction and research capabilities.
DEERE & COMPANY, Moline, IL 1997-1998
Leading manufacturer and distributor of equipment for use in agriculture, construction, forestry, and lawn
and grounds care.
Corporate Librarian
Provided company and industry information to executives and corporate staff. Conducted literature
searches and evaluated library content.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA, Iowa City, IA 1995-1997
Graduate Student in Library Science
Provided library reference service at the health science library of a leading teaching hospital. Facilitated
a journal retrieval service for teaching physicians at the hospital.
EDUCATION
M.A. in Library and Information Science University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
MBA Drake University, Des Moines, IA
B.S. in Business Administration Drake University, Des Moines, IA