MATT BRYAN LOBBYIST
Matt Bryan is warm, engaging, and fun to be around, but so are a lot of people. Being lobbied by Matt when I worked in state government, and now working alongside him for his beloved University of Florida, has been a master class. Here’s the syllabus about how Matt built one of Florida’s most successful and respected firms over the last nearly 40 years.
I have always known Matt to be generous with his advice and counsel, so I don’t think he and his partners at Smith, Bryan & Myers will mind my giving away his secrets. In fact, we’d probably all be better off if Matt’s master class were a required part of the curriculum. — Mark Kaplan, Vice President, Government & Community Relations, University of Florida
PHOTO: Mary Beth Tyson
Work the long hours — there is no shortcut. Invest time in building relationships. Relationships can open the door, but you better be prepared once you get inside. Ask questions and then actually listen — you might learn what’s really going on. You might also learn that you need to be flexible and take a different approach to your issue than you originally planned. Tell the truth, even though that will be uncomfortable sometimes. And expect that the people around you live by those same principles.
DEAN CANNON TITAN
Since the day I met Dean, when he was a first-time candidate for the Florida House, through the present, I have admired his intellect, drive, focus and tenacity. He is someone who at all times sees the entire chess board and all the pieces. As Speaker, he demonstrated disciplined and effective leadership, which increased the prowess of the House to new levels. Dean has brought this same leadership and vision to the Gray Robinson law firm and remains very effective in influencing Florida politics. The relationships Dean has built through the years are strong and long-lasting. This includes ours. — Bill Galvano, former Senate President
Fall 2022
INFLUENCE
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