To effectively influence key debates, litigation environments or position an organization, a full understanding of public perceptions and opinions is essential.  Sound research is crucial to measuring levels of support, understanding the strength of one’s opponents, identifying key tipping points, and developing effective messages and strategies.  THG Strategic Research, in conjunction with its sister organization, The Herald Group, develops integrated communications strategies based on the opinions of target audiences to position resources for maximum impact.

THG Strategic Research brings a deep and diverse set of experiences to the challenges and issues facing our clients.  We combine rigorous methodologies with insightful analysis to ensure maximum effectiveness and success.

Opinion Research
Our approach to opinion research is highly customized, targeted and rigorous in methodology.  We are equally adept at both qualitative and quantitative opinion research, providing an array of national, multi-state, state-specific and local services to clients across the globe.  We make recommendations on the specific methodology that fits the needs of the client only after thorough consultation and evaluation of our client’s issues and goals. We ensure research yields actionable, understandable data by designing effective research instruments and ensuring the research matches the demographic profile of the client’s target audience.  What distinguishes our firm from others is our thorough analysis, reporting and consultation with the client after the research is complete, incorporating both dashboard applications and in depth reporting metrics.  Services include: 

Litigation & Jury Research
Attorneys must wear many hats during the litigation process.  Chief among their duties is their role as a communicator both inside and outside legal proceedings.  When used properly, jury research is very effective in shaping and defining successful litigation strategies.  Through well planned and executed jury research, attorneys can better understand critical issues including strengths and weaknesses of cases, pre-existing biases and societal influences; confusing elements requiring greater explanation or clarification; effectiveness of witness and expert testimony; usefulness of graphic or visual elements; and effectiveness of opening and closing presentations. THG Strategic Research partners with law firms and their clients in preparation for high profile, sensitive and complicated legal issues, utilizing unmatched experience and expertise in the field of jury research.  Our team of highly experienced experts offers the following litigation research and communications services, which will be tailored to specifically meet clients’ litigation needs:

Secondary Research and Analysis
Decisions in the public policy and business arenas are all too often based on anecdotal evidence and unfounded assumptions.  THG Strategic Research combines a rigorous analytical process with sound secondary research that informs strategic policy or corporate decisions.  The firm includes a diverse team of research professionals with political, legal, government and business experience in a range of fields.  In addition, we have a network of subject-matter experts and specialized researchers who can be called upon to assist in any client engagement.  We provide state-of-the-art research services that explore subjects in depth and across all mediums, including:

Mark Blankenship is an experienced and highly regarded research and communications strategist.  Mark’s expertise is sought by Fortune 500 companies, national trade organizations and industry associations, law firms, universities and elected officials.  During his career he has created, executed and managed numerous quantitative and qualitative research projects for clients facing difficult challenges including complex litigation, political campaigns, crisis situations and reputation threats. 

Mark previously worked for a leading opinion research company in the mid-Atlantic region, where he was a senior vice president and chief strategist.  Before that, he was a top-aide to Cecil H. Underwood, former governor of West Virginia, in the governor’s administration and gubernatorial campaigns.  He has experience in numerous other campaigns including presidential, congressional and other statewide elections. 

With nearly 15 years of experience, Mark has worked on some of the highest profile litigation cases in the country and has been involved in and consulted on numerous corporate and crisis communications efforts.  His commentary and research is frequently cited by national and regional media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The Drudge Report and NBC among others.  

Mark volunteers for numerous national and state non-profit organizations and is active in his community.  Mark received both his graduate and undergraduate degrees from West Virginia University.  

Rod Hoylman is one of the most respected and experienced opinion and market researchers in the industry.  For more than 20 years, he has conducted and analyzed thousands of quantitative research projects, moderated and analyzed hundreds of qualitative research efforts which helped shape numerous effective advertising, public relations, litigation and marketing strategies for clients in the public and private sectors.

In addition to assisting health care, utility, energy, litigation, higher education and other clients in forming successful communications strategies, Rod’s work and expertise have been used by public service commissions, professional journals and other government organizations.  Rod’s in-depth analytical approach to public opinion research affords clients unique insights and attention to detail which often make the difference for highly successful and effective research programs.

Rod has served as a professor at the University of Charleston and West Virginia University and is a regular guest lecturer at other academic institutions.  He received both his M.B.A. and undergraduate degrees from West Virginia University.  He is a member of the American Marketing Association, American Society of Trial Consultants, American Association for Public Opinion Research and Market Research Association.