Virginia O’Reilly

PARTNER, MRIA, CMRP

From her beginnings in market research Virginia has revelled in discovering underlying patterns in a market. Whether the patterns are attitudes that differentiate types of travellers, unexpressed needs that drive the choice of a financial institution or how consumers go about shopping a retail display, Virginia brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every project. With a background covering both mathematics and business, she consults with each client to design research that best meets their needs and translates the numbers into insightful, actionable findings.

Over the span of her career, Virginia has worked in a wide variety of product categories from beverages to financial services, jeans to lotteries, and travel to retail safety products.

Jon’s professional and educational background in cognitive behavioural therapy and psychology has transferred seamlessly into market research. His ability to listen to the core of the issues and understand the motivation behind behaviour has been pivotal when designing research approaches and recommending strategy.

After being with the company for close to a decade, Jon has been exposed to a wide range of research methodologies. Supporting clients who work in credit cards, finance, package goods, beverages, retail, durables, and more, he has provided a wealth of experience and knowledge along the way.

Rick entered the market research industry in 2002 with the most entry-level of roles: transcribing audio tapes of focus groups into Word documents. Over the next 7 years, he quickly excelled in supplier-side roles with two firms, developing his qual and quant skills, servicing clients in finance, health care, tech, and many other industries. In 2009, Rick decided to move client-side, joining Capital One to build a Canadian Insights department from the ground up. Rick led a variety of teams in Canada and the US conducting research covering brand health, customer experience, UX, innovation, product development, customer empathy, copy testing, ad tracking… you name it, he’s done it. Rick’s client-side experience provides valuable perspective on diagnosing problems, defining objectives, and activating insights in a way that inspires action.

A passionate learner, Rick has always invested in exploring innovation within the research industry to find new ways of adding value to his partners. Lately he has taken a keen interest in behavioural economics and believes that understanding human decision-making unlocks a new level of insight for organizations across industries.

Pam has a natural passion for learning and exploration. Her need to discover and understand the world around her spurred Pam to earn a degree in international business while living and studying abroad, and then on to a career in market research.

Nearly a decade later, Pam delivers a unique perspective and comprehension of different markets and consumer behaviours while working with clients to continue this exploration of marketing and ethnography. With this passion and an attention for details and numbers, she is dedicated to working with clients on their own paths of discovery – developing insightful strategies that will make an impact on the world around us.

With ties to Burak Jacobson that span three decades, Diane brings her unique experience and strategic perspective to every research study. A well rounded qualitative and quantitative researcher, she consistently searches for and finds the nuggets of insight that drive decision making. She takes her client’s business problems as her own – dedicating the time, energy and talent needed to offer winning solutions. She takes pride in her professionalism, her creativity, and in ‘playing well with others’ in teamwork situations.

With brand management, research buyer and supplier experience, Diane has provided action-oriented results in many sectors including, not-for-profit, national associations, packaged goods, education and retail – with a strong emphasis on shopper insight research.

Since joining Burak Jacobson in 1990, Mike has worn many hats: telephone interviewer, data entry, accounting, shipping, and data processing. In that time he’s done everything from tending bar at taste tests, repackaging test product, mass mailing paper questionnaires, programming surveys, sampling, working with data files, and producing tables.

In 1994 he began his role data processing, and in 1999 found his fit as head of the department. His approach is best described as hands-on: he has experience in how research really happens. He views projects with a critical eye to ensure that you get the best possible results by thinking about the whole process, not just the final report.