As a third generation Shugoll, marketing research is in Cara Shugoll's blood. Her love of marketing began as a young girl when she chatted with her parents over dinner about what they did for a living at Shugoll Research, a marketing research company founded in 1957 by Cara’s grandmother, Joan Shugoll, and eventually diversified and run by Cara’s parents, Mark and Merrill Shugoll.
Cara's passion for understanding the consumer only grew as she entered young adulthood and attended Washington University in St. Louis where she majored in psychology and minored in business. After graduating, Cara began her professional career in research as a Research Manager at Ipsos ASI, one of the largest international research companies in the world. At Ipsos, Cara spent her time interpreting ad tracking and brand equity data to provide key insights and actionable recommendations to clients across multiple industries including CPG, media, retail, and healthcare.
Cara then decided that to be a successful provider of marketing research, it is critical to better understand the industry from the client’s perspective. She returned to school to earn her MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and upon graduating, went to work as an Assistant Brand Manager at the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. At Wrigley, Cara helped execute the in-market rollout of the Orbit brand's new, "best in class" packaging and its related integrated marketing campaign.
In 2010, Cara moved back to Washington, DC, and joined Shugoll Research as the first of the third generation in the family business. After spending 10 wonderful years providing full-service consulting services at Shugoll Research and being mentored and trained by her parents, both pioneers in the industry, Cara and her business partner, Rick Seale, started Limelight Insights, a next-generation Shugoll company. In addition to providing strategic direction for the company, Cara happily manages the Full-Service Consulting division.
Cara would like to thank her parents, Mark and Merrill Shugoll, and her grandmother, Joan Shugoll, for teaching her everything she knows about marketing research and how to be a good mentor and business owner. Cara and Rick look forward to what the future holds for their next-generation company, and they would love the opportunity to be your marketing research partner.
Outside of the office, Cara loves spending time with her beautiful family. In particular, she is an avid sports fan and can often be found cheering on her two favorite teams alongside her boys; the Michigan Wolverines (Go Blue!) and the Washington Capitals.
As President of Limelight Insights, Rick Seale oversees the strategic direction and day-to-day operations with a focus on the Data Collection Division including our online platforms and recruiting services. Rick became interested in market research while pursuing his MBA. He enjoys developing relationships with clients and helping them fulfill their research goals. Rick believes that his success in the industry comes from a combination of delivering the right respondents to his clients along with a strong commitment to customer service. He also had the privilege and advantage of having Joan Shugoll, a pioneer in the industry, as his friend and mentor.
With almost 30 years in qualitative research, Rick has learned how to proactively adapt to change and to innovate. Believing that learning never stops, he is always eager to add a new tool or technique to the Limelight Insights portfolio. Working directly with the company's online tech staff, Rick and his team are always looking to provide the best possible client experience on our platform. Rick is actively engaged in all aspects of data collection and works closely with the project managers to find creative solutions to even the most difficult recruiting projects.
Prior to partnering with Cara Shugoll to open Limelight Insights, Rick was Executive Vice President at Shugoll Research for 29 years. He holds a BS and an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Rick is very active in the marketing research industry. He is a past President of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Insights Association (IA), has served on numerous committees for the national IA, and was a committee member involved in the development of the Code of Marketing Research Standards and the Best Business Practices Guidelines, currently endorsed by the Insights Association.
Although originally from the deep south, Rick is a true Washingtonian at heart and he enjoys all the activities and opportunities that the DC area has to offer. An avid traveler, he anxiously awaits the opportunity to see more of the world.
As Vice President, Linda Hunt is responsible for overseeing the project management staff and the workflow for the Field department. She also manages projects herself, and attends to the hundreds of details that go into running a successful study, while keeping clients comfortable and well informed. She believes close communication is the key to her success.
Earlier in her career, Linda was a video producer specializing in corporate communications. She finds market research fascinating in its study of people’s behavior and attitudes, and enjoys its challenges.
In her spare time, she practices yoga and enjoys both cooking and reading about world cuisines.
As Director of Research at Limelight Insights, Emily Hawkes works with clients to ensure successful full-service market research projects. Emily is a leader in instrument design, field management, data analysis, and report writing and production.
Emily attended American University in Washington, D.C., where she completed undergrad in three years with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Entertainment with a specialization in Entertainment Marketing. She continued at American to earn a Master of Science in Marketing while working in the Kogod School of Business Behavioral Research Lab. She is fascinated by the way research forms the groundwork of marketing decisions and explores the way people think and feel.
Outside of work, Emily is a passionate theatre fan and frequently attends shows in both DC and NYC. She also enjoys discovering new restaurants, exploring the city, and spending time with family and friends.
As a Project Manager, Jackie works closely with our clients and recruiters to ensure the quality recruitment processes for which Limelight Insights is known. Jackie also works with her clients to seamlessly manage all on-and-offsite project logistics.
Jackie worked part time as a qualitative assistant while attending college at Bowie State University. Her degree in social work enhances her skills in market research by giving her the ability to assess study participants and work collaboratively with clients when they need her support.
Jackie enjoys the relationships and challenges that the marketing research field provides. Her natural inquisitiveness, dedication and enthusiasm demonstrate why she is an asset to each and every project she manages.
Jackie enjoys spending her spare time with friends and family, attending book club meetings and coordinating and attending projects for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
As Database Manager at Limelight Insights, Ron oversees the daily operations and strategic growth of our proprietary panel of market research participants. He is responsible for programming and testing all recruitment screeners and quantitative surveys deployed through our database, ensuring they are accurate, effective, and optimized for success.
With a background in recruiting and project management, Ron brings a comprehensive understanding of a recruiting project from start to finish. His strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and collaborative approach play a critical role in identifying and engaging the right participants for each study—an essential element of any successful market research project.
In his free time, Ron loves immersing himself in woodworking. Whether he’s building furniture, crafting handmade gifts, or just enjoying the quiet focus of working with his hands, it’s a hobby that brings both peace and purpose.
Ron is also a family man. Whether he’s enjoying a laid-back evening at home or heading out for a fun weekend adventure, Ron thrives on spending time with loved ones.
He is also a proud pet parent to a lively little crew—two dogs (a playful French Bulldog and a spirited Chorkie), and five adorable cats who definitely keep life interesting!
When he’s not woodworking or enjoying time with family and pets, Ron loves exploring new hobbies, relaxing outdoors, and finding joy in the simple things.
As Online Platform Technical Support Manager at Limelight Insights, Traci leads our technical support team and ensures that the right technician is assigned to each project. She is also responsible for programming all client-provided stimuli for our online qualitative research platform—including poll questions, creative projective exercises, and other interactive components.
In addition to overseeing platform setup, Traci manages and schedules participant tech checks to ensure a smooth onboarding process and readiness for their scheduled research sessions.
With over 11 years of experience in market research, Traci brings deep expertise in the nuances of online qualitative studies. Her strong understanding of what drives a successful project, paired with her commitment to exceptional customer service, allows her to collaborate closely with clients to tailor each study to their unique objectives. Traci’s ultimate goal is to ensure a seamless and engaging experience on the platform—for moderators, clients, and participants alike.
Traci is a native Washingtonian. In her free time, she loves hanging out with her dog, enjoying art and performances, and trying out different creative activities.