Intelligence, Personality, & Talent.
You’ll be glad you’re working with a Linker.
Get to Know Us
Linkers are some of the brightest people you’ll ever meet.
They’re a group of smart, collaborative people who love a challenge and have the independence to meet client needs in ways big and small. After all, empowering people is the only means to smarter research and better service.
Andrew Borum
Hometown
Greensboro, NC
Education
Wake Forest University (BSBA)
Thinks
You must be yourself. It’s the only job no one else can do.
What you do
Uncover what people mean by what they say
Guilty pleasure
Disney World… as an adult
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“Andrew’s Bucket List” (*underlined*)
Andrew Borum
Senior Vice President
Andrew Hunt
Hometown
Greensboro, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Economics & Psychology)
Thinks
Do what you love and success will follow
What you do
Make data approachable and insightful
What makes you a good researcher
My positive attitude and drive to keep learning from all of the incredibly smart Linkers I work with on a daily basis
Favorite quote
“What to do with a mistake: Recognize it, Admit it, Learn from it, Forget it.” – Dean Smith
Andrew Hunt
Senior Research Director
Anthony Mathis
Hometown
Louisville, KY
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Communications)
Has been known to
Eat chicken tenders no matter how nice the restaurant
Favorite quote
“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken!”- Oscar Wilde
Passionate about
Nature, sports, movies, self-love
Favorite thing about TLG
The people and our culture – Linkers have a knack for learning, problem solving, and socializing.
Anthony Mathis
Associate Project Manager
Becky Hutchinson
Hometown
Born in Jersey, grew up in Wisconsin, but call Raleigh, NC home!
Education
School of Communication Arts / Living Arts College
Passionate about
Making the most of my time with family and friends
Favorite quote
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” – Albert Einstein
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Go to the Kentucky Derby and wear an amazing hat!
Favorite thing about TLG
The culture here is fun, flexible, supportive, and I am surrounded by brilliant people
Becky Hutchinson
Senior Proposal Specialist
Beth Hurtt
Hometown
Columbia, MD
Education
Wake Forest University (BS)
University of Georgia (MMR)
Thinks
If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking
What makes you a good researcher
A curiosity about why people do/think/feel what they do
Has been known to
Play almost every recreational sport possible from kickball to dodgeball to pickleball
Favorite quote
“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” —Marie Curie
Beth Hurtt
Vice President
Bethany Black
Hometown
Buffalo, NY
Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA)
Johns Hopkins University (MA)
Thinks
Staying awake past 10 is overrated
Passionate about
The Buffalo Bills
Top of your bucket list
Staying in a castle in Scotland
Guilty pleasure
Anything HGTV is showing, I’m watching
Bethany Black
Vice President
Brandon Richard
Hometown
Elon, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA, BA in Econonmics)
What you do
Dig beneath the surface
Passionate about
Credit card points & loyalty programs
Has been known to
Eat fast food for an entire weekend in Japan
Most unique research topic
Heavy duty motor oil purchase drivers amongst large scale farmers…research conducted in an actual cornfield
Brandon Richard
Vice President
Breezy Jenkins
Hometown
Atlanta, GA
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Sociology, Spanish Minor)
Wake Forest University School of Business (MS in Business Management with concentration in marketing)
Guilty pleasure
Movie theater popcorn! You truly can’t find better popcorn anywhere else.
Favorite quote
“I have already settled it for myself, so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I am quite free.” – Georgia O’Keeffe
Favorite movie
Shrek 2
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
See bioluminescent plankton
Breezy Jenkins
Associate Project Manager
Dylan McCue
Hometown
Saxapahaw, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Journalism/Advertising)
Passionate about
Making art, watching movies, eating food, going snowboarding, living for the moment
What makes you a good researcher
A knack for viewing situations through multiple lenses.
Favorite quote
“Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously.” – Hunter S. Thompson
Most interesting research topic
Onsite research with fitness trend leaders – watch out for that barbell!
Dylan McCue
Senior Research Director
Elijah Gerolemon
Hometown
Raleigh, NC
Education
NC State University (BSBA in Marketing)
Has been known to
Eat an excessive amount of frozen mango
Guilty pleasure
Peach cobbler milkshakes
Favorite thing about TLG
The people – there is an overwhelmingly supportive and encouraging environment at TLG.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Backpacking in New Zealand
Elijah Gerolemon
Associate Project Manager
Elizabeth Breece
Hometown
High Point, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Wake Forest University (MS in Business Analytics)
What makes you a good researcher
I’m passionate about data and details
Has been known to
Waterski without using my hands
Favorite quote
“When you stop getting better, you stop being good.”
Favorite movie
The Parent Trap
Elizabeth Breece
Senior Research Manager
Elizabeth Sigarto
Hometown
Cary, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Economics, Minor in Asian Studies)
Passionate about
Different types of tea, cooking, and art
Has been known to
Have a pet hamster as an adult
Favorite quote
“Is the juice worth the squeeze?”
Most unique research topic
Creative concepts for a sleep disorder called idiopathic hypersomnia
Elizabeth Sigarto
Senior Research Manager
Emily Hull
Hometown
Amelia Island, FL
Education
Wake Forest University (BS in Business and Enterprise Management, Concentration in Marketing + Art History Double Major)
What you do
Identify patterns that matter
Passionate about
Finding joy in the little things
Has been known to
Set my office temperature to 82 degrees
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Scuba dive in the south pacific
Emily Hull
Research Director
Ethan Good
Hometown
Waxhaw, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA, BA in Economics)
Thinks
Out loud
What you do
Tell stories with data
What makes you a good researcher
I care about discovering and communicating what is true
Passionate about
Specialty coffee and climbing rocks
Ethan Good
Senior Research Manager
Grant Morgan
Hometown
Concord, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA, Minor in Spanish)
What makes you a good researcher
I don’t stop until I feel I have found the best answer to the question or the best solution to the problem
Has been known to
Work out during my lunch hour
Guilty pleasure
Cheerwine
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Attend >50% of the F1 races in any given season
Grant Morgan
Research Manager
Jeff Whiteside
Hometown
Raleigh, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA, Minor in Spanish)
What you do
Listen with all five senses
Guilty pleasure
Reading cookbooks like novels
Favorite quote
“Whatever you do, take care of your shoes.” – Phish
Favorite thing about TLG
The ability to solve challenging business problems while wearing flip flops and a trucker hat
Jeff Whiteside
Senior Vice President
Jessica Caffrey
Hometown
I’ve moved a lot, but I now claim Raleigh, NC!
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Thinks
Life is about balance
Has been known to
Accidentally snort when I laugh too hard
Favorite quote
“I’d rather live with a good question than a bad answer.” —Aryeh Frimer
Most interesting research topic
Anything onsite in people’s homes – it’s always fascinating what they’ll reveal
Jessica Caffrey
Senior Vice President
Jessica Stout
Hometown
Waxhaw, NC
Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA Journalism)
What makes you a good researcher?
My attention to detail and “can-do” attitude
Guilty pleasure
Below Deck & a Cookout milkshake
Favorite movie
Mamma Mia!
Passionate about
Cold brew coffee, connecting with people, and exploring new places
Jessica Stout
Associate Project Manager
Jim Pullen
Hometown
Warrensburg, MO
Education
Washington University (BSEE)
Vanderbilt University (MBA)
Thinks
Understand first, then seek to be understood
Passionate about
My family, the outdoors, and lifetime learning
What makes you a good researcher
I channel the voice of the customer, even when they may be speaking an uncomfortable truth.
Guilty pleasure
Baking
Jim Pullen
Partner
Johnna O’Neal
Hometown
Burlington, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Greensboro (BA in Psychology & Communications)
Liberty University (MA in Human Services)
Thinks
You should never stop asking why
What makes you a good at your job
Being organized, a team player, and willing to help fill in gaps
Has been known to
Make a to-do list for my to-do list
Guilty pleasure
Watching Golden Girls
Johnna O’Neal
Senior Project Coordinator
Julie Heideman
Hometown
Asheville, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
What you do
Listen deeply
Passionate about
Family, my golden retriever Maple, and finding the best restaurants wherever I travel
What makes you a good researcher
I’m naturally curious and love figuring out the why and what that means for my clients.
Favorite book
Love a good thriller/’whodunnit’ book that I inevitably finish in one sitting
Julie Heideman
Senior Research Director
Kade Sutton
Hometown
Clinton, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Public Policy)
Guilty pleasure
Watching Footloose or Pitch Perfect
Favorite quote
“Wealth can also be that attitude of gratitude with which we remind ourselves every day to count our blessings.” – Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happiness
What makes you a good researcher?
I love asking questions that seem impossible to answer.
Thinks
Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is the only way to grow.
Kade Sutton
Associate Project Manager
Laura Bayzle
Hometown
O’Fallon, IL
Education
Wake Forest University (BA)
Duke University (MBA)
What you do
Gather, distill, inspire
Passionate about
Learning about the world around me
Has been known to
Sing karaoke to Madonna and Eminem
Most unique research topic
Observing hotel housekeeping cleaning behaviors
Laura Bayzle
Partner
Lauren Yankes
Hometown
Durham, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Passionate about
Skincare and tacos
What makes you a good researcher
I stay focused on the big picture, tailoring every question, framework, and team discussion to advance the overarching strategy
Favorite quote
First consider how something can work before considering how it can’t
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Scuba dive between the tectonic plates near Iceland
Lauren Yankes
Vice President
Liz Kemp
Hometown
Knoxville, TN
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Media & Journalism)
Thinks
Life is short. Buy the shoes!
What makes you a good researcher
I’m positive, patient, and always persistent
Has been known to
Finish an entire novel in one sitting
Favorite thing about TLG
Our inimitable “secret sauce” is the coalition of Linkers, culture, team-based learning, and synergistic working environment that enables us to consistently be one of the best places to work
Liz Kemp
Research Director
Madison Johnson
Hometown
Mooresville, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BS in Business Administration and BA in Economics)
Favorite thing about TLG
Its emphasis on flexibility and the culture!
Passionate about
Traveling & the Tar Heels
What makes you a good researcher?
Being detail-oriented and loving collaboration
Has been known to
Lose my car in every parking lot
Madison Johnson
Associate Project Manager
Makenna Roth
Hometown
Highlands Ranch, CO
Education
Wake Forest University (BS in Business & Enterprise Management)
Thinks
Mini M&M’s are far better than the regular sized ones
What you do
Amplify the customer’s voice
Has been known to
Menu stalk every restaurant I plan on eating at
Guilty pleasure
Justin Bieber’s Christmas album
Favorite quote
“Plan in decades, think in years, work in months, live in days.”
Makenna Roth
Senior Research Manager
Matthew Humphries
Hometown
Winston-Salem, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA)
What you do
Craft meaningful conversations
What makes you a good researcher
I have a knack for asking very tough questions in an easily-accessible manner
Guilty pleasure
House Hunters
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Visit all 7 continents (coming after you, Antarctica!)
Matthew Humphries
Vice President
Megan Waters
Hometown
Jacksonville, FL
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA, BA in Media & Journalism)
Thinks
Growth and discomfort go hand in hand
Has been known to
Write something on a to-do list I’ve already done just to be able to cross it out
Guilty pleasure
Cold pizza for breakfast
Favorite quote
“What we know matters, but who we are matters more.” -Brené Brown
Megan Waters
Research Manager
Melia Whiteside
Hometown
Charlotte (The Queen City), NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Has been known to
Surprise people with my big personality
Most unique research topic
Observing pacemakers being implanted in the operating room
Favorite thing about TLG
I call the people I work with “my friends” before “my co-workers”
Melia Whiteside
Senior Vice President
Melissa Pfeil
Hometown
Washington, NC
Education
UNCW (BS in Marketing)
UGA (MMR)
What you do
Inform strategic decisions
Passionate about
Connecting with others
What makes you a good researcher
The ability to find hidden patterns in data
Guilty pleasure
A balanced mix of 90’s rap and yacht rock
Melissa Pfeil
Senior Vice President
Mike Buck
Hometown
Winston-Salem, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Charlotte (BSBA, Concentation in Marketing)
What makes you good at your job
Years of experience, problem solving skills, and an ability to work well under pressure
Has been known to
Enjoy a beverage or two at home while playing music quite loudly
Guilty pleasure
I’ve had a weird interest in herpetology since I was a kid
Favorite quote
“There are no solutions. There are only trade-offs.” -Thomas Sowell
Mike Buck
Senior Data Manager
Mike Morse
Hometown
Greensboro, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Economics)
Passionate about
Trying to live in the moment
What makes you a good researcher
I listen more than I speak
Has been known to
Hit MLB games after research whenever the home team is in town
Favorite quote
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
Mike Morse
Vice President
Nick Mangine
Hometown
Chittenango, NY
Education
North Carolina State University (BA)
Passionate about
Good ideas
What makes you good at your job
I believe that technology is here to serve people
Guilty pleasure
Really geeky board games
Favorite thing about TLG
The constant drive to be better
Nick Mangine
IT Director
Nicole Johnson
Hometown
Charlotte, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Media & Journalism, Minor in Social Justice, Minor in Entrepreneurship)
Passionate about
Sports, reality TV, fried chicken, inclusion and service
Favorite quote
There is no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone.
What makes you a good researcher
I seek opportunities to create and advocate.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Visiting Bora Bora
Nicole Johnson
Associate Project Manager
Nicole Morgan
Hometown
Raleigh, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Psychology)
Passionate about
My family, cooking, home decor, reading
What makes you good at your job
I’m super type A
Most interesting research topic
Definitely people’s laundry habits and stain problems—most memorable sighting: one man’s “eating shirt”
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Cooking classes in Italy
Nicole Morgan
Director, Project Initiation
Nikki Meyer
Hometown
Wilmington, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA)
Michigan State University (BS)
What makes you a good researcher
Always being adaptable and trying to see things from different points of view
Has been known to
Shop a lot and then return 80% of it
Favorite quote
“The best way out is always through.” – Robert Frost
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef
Nikki Meyer
Research Director
Parks Tompkins
Hometown
Wilmington, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Thinks
The more you get lost, the more places you get to see
What makes you a good researcher
I love learning new things, and I’m good at sharing what I learn
Has been known to
Consume more ketchup than the average American family
Guilty pleasure
Survivor
Parks Tompkins
Research Director
Rachel Cooper
Hometown
Marietta, GA
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Psychology)
Wake Forest University School of Business (MS in Management)
Passionate about
Pasta, planners, and personality tests (ask me all things Enneagram!)
Favorite thing about TLG
The collaborative culture – Linkers are genuinely invested in the growth of one another, and it is a privilege to get to work alongside and learn from such passionate, talented people. (Oh, and the kitchen fully stocked with snacks is pretty nice too!)
Has been known to
Write “make to-do list” at the top of my to-do list, just so I can cross it off for a sense of accomplishment
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia
Rachel Cooper
Associate Project Manager
Raven Laney
Hometown
Denver, NC
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Sociology, Concentration in Business & Society, Minor in Communications)
Thinks
There’s a playlist for everything
Has been known to
Restart a song because I missed the “good part”
Guilty pleasure
True crime podcasts – something about them is very soothing
Favorite quote
“No rain, no flowers!”
Raven Laney
Research Manager
Rebecca Bergen
Hometown
Atlanta, GA
Education
Elon University (BA in Strategic Communications, Minor in Business Administration)
Passionate about
True crime, skincare, music, and self improvement
Guilty pleasure
Celebrity gossip, gummy candy, and the Jonas Brothers
Favorite thing about TLG
The people. The Link Group is my second family!
What’s something you learned recently?
How to solve a Rubik’s cube in under two minutes
Rebecca Bergen
Senior Proposal Specialist
Shep Zoutewelle
Hometown
Charlotte, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BSBA)
Thinks
Pineapple should never go on pizza
Passionate about
Black coffee & the conversation that goes with it
Has been known to
Play with every dog in the office despite my dog allergy
Guilty pleasure
T Swift, particularly 1989 & Red
Shep Zoutewelle
Senior Research Manager
Spencer Amos
Hometown
Morganton, NC
Education
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (BA in Communication Studies)
What makes you a good researcher
Practice being a sounding board. I love to share ideas and work with my team to find the best solution.
Guilty pleasure
People watching!
Favorite movie
Star Wars
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
See the White Cliffs of Dover
Spencer Amos
Research Manager
Sydney Blackert
Hometown
Cary, NC
Education
North Carolina State University (BA Foreign Languages and Literature Minor in Business Administration)
Thinks
Be where you are. Not where you think you should be.
Favorite thing about TLG
The entrepreneurship the company allows for its employees to make their own decisions and the collaboration and team aspect of everything we do!
Passionate about
Fitness, family, and food!
Favorite book
The Great Gatsby
Sydney Blackert
Associate Project Manager
Tara Dorsett
Hometown
Raleigh, NC
Education
North Carolina State University (BS in Business Administration, Concentration in Marketing)
Guilty pleasure
Brownie batter
Favorite movie
The Dark Knight
Favorite book
Verity
Favorite thing about TLG
The inclusion and how excited everyone is to get to know you and work together. TLG is so welcoming, plus I know I will never go hungry here
Tara Dorsett
Associate Project Manager
Tom Pfeil
Hometown
Haines City, FL
Education
University of Florida (BS in Marketing)
University of Texas (MBA)
Has been known to
Start juggling random stuff when the conversation drags
Most unique research topic
T.U.R.F. analysis on flavors of Slurpees at 7-11
Favorite thing about TLG
Linkers
Interesting milestone
As of 7/31/2021, I have worked at TLG for half of my life
Tom Pfeil
Founder & Partner
Tommy Galloway
Hometown
Durham, NC
Education
Appalachian State University (Majors in Mathematics and Statistics)
University of Georgia (MMR)
What you do
Solve problems for clients
Has been known to
Find a trail in just about every city I go to
Guilty pleasure
Reality TV
Favorite quote
“It’s not your aptitude, but your attitude, that determines your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar
Tommy Galloway
Partner
YiMing Zheng
Hometown
Charlotte, NC
Education
University of Birmingham, UK (MS)
University of North Carolina – Charlotte (PhD)
Thinks
A good beginning is halfway to success!
Has been known to
Make delicious food for family & find a tea store in every city I visit
Favorite movie
Titanic
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Visit every national park in the US
YiMing Zheng
Senior Project Manager
Zach Robinson
Hometown
Winston-Salem, NC
Education
Wake Forest University (BA in Economics, Minor in Entrepreneurship)
Wake Forest University School of Business (MS in Management)
Thinks
There is always a silver lining
Favorite quote
“You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan
Favorite movie
Wedding Crashers
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Base jumping
Zach Robinson
Associate Project Manager
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