FOURTH FLOOR>FILES WILLING TO CHANGE, BUT HIS CORE VALUES STAY THE SAME Significant other? Children? Grand kids? Wife - Yael, Kids: Jordana, Howie, Sarena, Makayla, and a baby girl coming in August. In 25 words or less, explain what you do. I am managing director of The Converge Companies. I help amazing clients in New York, Miami and Tallahassee get their message out to the public and elected officials. Without using the words Democrat, Independent or Republican, conservative or liberal, describe your political persuasion. I believe in America, freedom and that government is here to help people while also staying out of people’s way and allow them to prosper. If you have one, what is your motto? It’s from Charles Darwin: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” I have taken that approach my entire career as a political consultant. I’ve continuously reinvented myself not just to keep pace with the political marketplace, but to always try to be a step ahead. My personality hasn’t changed, or my core beliefs, but I’ve consistently brought forward new ideas and new technologies to stay relevant.
PHOTO: Abby Hart
During your career, have you had a favorite pro bono client? I’ve been thankful to be able to work on behalf of many pro bono clients. The ones that have been most dear to me have been Jewish organizations that I’ve been able to help receive security grants. My three favorite charities are United Hatzalah, Jewish Federation and Chabad of St. Maarten.
Professional accomplishment of which you are most proud? This past year I pushed my dad to retire from 22 years of working for the City of New York and to come work with me. In a matter of months we built Converge NY to represent some of the largest hospitals and universities in New York state. Lobbyists are often accused of wearing Gucci loafers; do you own a pair of Gucci loafers? If not, why not? I don’t. I design and custom make my own shoes. Who is your favorite Florida Capitol Press Corps reporter and why? Peter Schorsch. How can you not love Peter! Other than Florida Politics.com, your reading list includes … Being that my work spans New York, New Jersey and Miami, I read the New York Post, New York Times, Miami Herald and Bergen Record cover to cover daily. What swear word do you use most often? I don’t swear much. What is your most treasured possession? My family The best hotel in Florida is … Any Ritz Carlton, but I love the one in Naples. You’ve just learned you will be hosting a morning talk show about Florida politics. Who are the first four guests you’d invite to appear? David Johnson, Eric Johnson, Anthony Pedicini, Cesar Fernandez Favorite movie? “National Treasure”
Any last-day-of-Session traditions? A cigar at the Governors Club.
When you pig out, what do you eat? Sushi
What are you most looking forward to during the 2021 Legislative Session? Hopefully being able to go back to the normal routine of Tallahassee. Getting on a plane every week!
If you could have dinner with a historical figure no longer living, who would it be? Alexander Hamilton
Elnatan Rudolph
If you could have another lobbyist’s client list, it would be … José Félix Díaz just so I can be him for a day.
SUMMER 2020 INFLUENCE | 63