Building on the idea of referencing your research efforts, consider this approach, "Hello Frank, my name is Mike Jones, and I am with AZT. The reason I am calling is this - I have been out at your location recently doing my homework on your company, and your name has come up several times. It's clear to me that given your Operations leadership role, your insights would be very valuable. Would you have 20-30 minutes to spend with me sometime in the next week or so to help me confirm some of the things I've learned?" What would be convenient for you?

In this approach, you recognize their role and respect their insights, which may make them more likely to meet with you.