Family Business/Business Family Episode 34: Stewardship From the Ground Up | A 'Field-First' Mindset | Why Advocacy Matters
Jan 6, 2026
Pat Soldano, an advocate for family businesses, highlights the importance of political engagement among owners, offering practical tips for connecting with lawmakers. Jeannie Cullen Schultz and George Cullen delve into the 'field-first' mindset that keeps their construction firm’s culture thriving while scaling. René Ancinas discusses the planned leadership transition at Port Blakely, detailing the significance of family governance evolution. Together, these insights underscore the unique challenges and strategies within family enterprises.
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Be A Persistent Advocate
- Advocate continuously because laws and legislators change frequently and permanence is an illusion.
- Meet legislators in person, email, or at town halls and follow up persistently to influence policy outcomes.
Start By Finding Your Legislator
- Find your federal legislators at congress.gov and reach out by email, phone, or district meetings.
- Attend town halls or fundraisers to get face time and introduce your specific issue politely.
Plan For Short, Interrupted Meetings
- Expect short meetings; plan for 10–20 minutes and be flexible when votes interrupt schedules.
- Be understanding of limited space and interruptions when meeting House members or staff.