“She can take a thought, and put it together in a way that’s understandable and convincing. You know when those juices are alive; that’s the benefit of having a Sarah Bascom, to keep those juices alive. Not everyone has those gifts. There’s only one way to get a reputation, and that’s to earn it. I think Sarah can always be proud of her reputation, because she’s earned it.” — SEN. GARRETT RICHTER
PHOTO: Ellis Agency
From left, Sarah Proctor, Rebekah Stamps, Sarah Bascom, Lyndsey Brzozowski, Kelsey Swithers, and Kristen Bridges, almost certainly not talking about work stuff.
children. Many of them are in the process, but shop talk if kept to a minimum, so friends can decompress and escape. Brian Ballard, the president of Ballard Partners, said his team has worked with Bascom’s firm on legislative issues over the years. Ballard first met Bascom when she was working with King, and said he was “struck by her work ethic.” Years later, that hasn’t changed. “I think she’s tenacious and a hard worker,” said Ballard. Tallahassee insiders can expect to see Bascom’s team play a key part on the Everglades Foundation’s communications team, something that could be pivotal as state lawmakers begin discussions over whether to set aside money to build a
reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. The proposal is a top priority for Senate President Joe Negron. “I have enjoyed working with Sarah over the years,” said Negron. “She is an honest and loyal professional who I could always trust to provide frank and solid advice.” Richter got a taste of that advice when he proposed a bill to regulate fracking in Florida. The bill faced fierce opposition, and Richter said Bascom was always there to help and bounce ideas off of, and always had something to add that he hadn’t thought about. The proposal passed the House, but died in the Senate. “She can take a thought, and put it together in a way that’s understandable and convincing. You know when those juices
are alive; that’s the benefit of having a Sarah Bascom, to keep those juices alive. Not everyone has those gifts,” said Richter. “There’s only one way to get a reputation, and that’s to earn it. I think Sarah can always be proud of her reputation, because she’s earned it.” Bascom continues to focus on growing her firm, but not to the detriment of those close to her. She would never take a client that her parents oppose, and you won’t find her taking on a new client if they are “massively adverse to a friend.” And she says she won’t go out “destroy someone.” “I intend to be in this business for the long run, and I intend to create a business my family can be proud of,” she said. ][
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