Nick Iarossi / LOBBYIST No word can be more descriptive of the nature of the Nick Iarossi approach to business and life. In the rough and tumble and often emotional nature of public policy, “poise” is in NIck’s spiritual equilibrium and grants him the qualities of dedication, focus, and grace under pressure in his effort to achieve a winning outcome. Like a quarterback, Nick takes on each project with a game plan. Nick commands a presence in any room with an affable confidence and approachable demeanor. I admire Nick for his work ethic, intensity and his
desire for excellence in every detail of his professional and personal life. Any greatly respected leader, friend or colleague is one who others often seek for input and advice. Often, Nick will give you uncomfortable but necessary advice. But it is that very candor and wisdom that cements your trust in him. Nick has accomplished so much in a short period of time. Although I have been a small part of his journey I am anxious to see what the future holds for him, his company and his wife and brilliant daughters. — Andy Abboud, Vice President for Government Relations, Las Vegas Sands
Erin Isaac / PLAYER Erin Isaac sat at my kitchen table the morning of our first debate with just a laptop, fueled by an endless stream of Diet Coke. As a Green Beret, I’d like to think I‘m pretty skilled in the art of disciplined preparation, but admit I can be a bit of a policy wonk. This quickly became an issue when cramming solutions into 60 second answers. As we rolled through complex policies and political landmines, she sensed my frustration with the narrow debate parameters and her annoying habit of responding to my in-depth policy questions with tactical answers. “You’re a messenger, there to deliver your message. That’s the mission,” she would say. Months later, Erin spent election morning fending off an attack on my family by the opposition. When she called to report the journalist wouldn’t be writing anything and had apologized for wasting our time, she quickly dismissed the day’s events as part of the mission because, as Erin is fond of reminding us all, you can’t govern if you don’t win. In politics, there are mercenaries and there are warriors. Erin Isaac is a warrior. The interview works both ways when meeting her because she only works with people and for causes she believes in. She is committed to the conservative values she was raised on and with each campaign, each political mission, Erin is making an investment into the world she wants her 5-year-old son to inherit. — Mike Waltz, U.S. Representative, Florida’s 6th Congressional District
Fall 2020
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