ABOUT US
Why Signal Hill Insights?
Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic radio signal at Signal Hill Newfoundland in 1901. Inspired by that example of innovation, we call ourselves Signal Hill Insights.
We believe research has an important role to play in the growth of audio, clearing a path to monetization for podcasts and audio streaming, and reaffirming the wide reach that broadcast radio brings to advertisers.
We play on your team.
Signal Hill Insights builds trust by making “your” decisions “our” decisions. No cookie-cutter research. No data dumps. We’ll start by helping you clarify your objectives, then tailor the approach that will give you the answers you need. Reporting always goes beyond the numbers, distilling the data and applying our audio expertise to help you see the path ahead.
Paul Riismandel
President/CEOPaul has been researching and sharing why and how podcast advertising works since the dawn of the industry. He joined Midroll Media, one of the first podcast ad companies, in its first year of operation, educating the ad community about the unique value of podcasts. As Senior Director of Insights at Stitcher, Paul built a podcast ad effectiveness strategy, reporting on hundreds of campaigns, sharing those insights with the industry. Today, Paul leads the development of insights at Signal Hill to drive the podcasting industry forward. Paul can’t get away from audio even in his spare time – he’s a volunteer community radio DJ and an avid vinyl enthusiast.
Matt Hird
Senior Research DirectorIn his sixteen years of crunching numbers, Matt has very nearly filled his BINGO card for types of media companies he has worked for, but podcasts remain his passion, both professionally and as his go-to source of entertainment. Believing that good insights can only come from good data, ensuring the quality of survey responses is something of his personal crusade. Fun Fact: Matt could have had a career in the NHL if not for his size, inability to skate, and complete lack of interest in sports.
Jeff Vidler
Strategic Advisor/FounderJeff’s career has kept him at the forefront of the changing audio landscape for 40+ years. Building on his success as a radio station manager and program director, Jeff also spent 25+ years in research, sharing his passion for audio with major broadcast companies, podcast publishers, agencies and advertisers. Launching Signal Hill Insights as President in 2020, Jeff now serves as Strategic Advisor for Signal Hill and its partners.Three other things that Jeff loves: mutually beneficial partnerships; collaborating on innovative research; and fantasy baseball.
Joanne Van der Burgt
Client ServicesHaving worked with major research companies in the US and Canada, Joanne has a passion for the media, research and the advertising industry. With 25+ years of experience adapting to the ever-evolving media landscape – finding insight and innovation has become second nature to her. Her side passion is putting a smile on peoples faces with the help of her puppies, Kahlua and Jack Daniels (seriously, no drinking problem) both St John Ambulance Therapy Dogs.
Nick Drew
InsightsWinner of multiple industry awards for his work, Nick’s 20+ year career in research in Europe and the Americas has included roles at the Financial Times and Microsoft among others. More recently he spent several years as the Head of Research for Yahoo in Canada and Latin America, before joining the multinational PR firm FleishmanHillard as head of research and insights offering in Canada. Since rejoining the agency side of the research industry, Nick has worked with clients across the tech, media and non-profit spaces. Nick is a keen cyclist and traveller, and has a small asthmatic pug called Abby.
Mihaela Lupas
Senior Research ConsultantMihaela is a results-driven research professional with 20+ years experience on both sides of the fence – client and agency. Her expertise in a wide array of industries, such as financial services, insurance, technology, telecommunications, retail, and pharma as well as media, and her relentless focus on driving insights has earned her the nickname “the insights guru” among clients and colleagues alike. Mihaela enjoys biking, hiking, listening to loud music, and sharing stories about her Transylvanian roots.
Corina Death
Research Operations and InsightsWith more than 25 years experience, Corina is a senior researcher with a deep expertise in data collection methodologies. Having started back when pen and paper interviewing was the norm, she has enthusiastically adopted digital innovations in market research. Not just a research geek, Cori has a thriving vegetable “balcony farm” in downtown Toronto and is unreasonably proud of learning to play Black Sabbath’s Iron Man on the ukulele.
Khizer Asad
Research InnovationsA recent graduate with an education in data science and economics, Khizer has a passion for innovative research methodologies – with the goal of uncovering meaningful and deep insights. Both a long-time podcast listener and former host, Khizer began his foray into media with Esports.
Our Partners
We have built a partner network of trusted research experts, global research firms and media professionals. This allows us to pull together a team to address whatever research approach your business needs demand.