Ron Pierce
Peter Schorsch hunkers down with lobbyist Ron Pierce, president and CEO of Tampa-based RSA Consulting Group. He began his legislative career in 1998 working in the Florida Legislature as a District Legislative Assistant in the House, later working with Sen. Tom Lee in the spring of 2000, becoming Lee’s Policy Adviser during his tenure as Senate President from 2004-2006. Pierce discusses work in the time of coronavirus, relegated to online correspondence. Peter speculates about the possibility of businesses maintaining work-from-home models even when the virus passes. Working from home, Peter argues, reduces company overhead and gives workers the option to purchase houses in more affordable suburbs rather than buying into the high-rent, high-priced housing market in urban work centers. Pierce said that is something under consideration in his company, though new clients will still need that crucial one on one interaction to build relationships and trust. He discusses how a smaller firm like his can compete in Tallahassee, which comes down to competency and relationships. He also offers some insight into his work with transportation giant Uber. Pierce has worked with the company for the past seven years, developing a relationship with the company amid Hillsborough County’s battle between ride-share and traditional taxis under the now-shuttered Public Transportation Commission. Pierce helped usher in local policies allowing the company to operate under a legal framework in the county before statewide regulations were put in place. Now, his work centers on ensuring clients understand the ever-changing rules in the coronavirus economy — when can they open, how can they open? The two also talk about Jeff Vinik and his efforts in the Tampa Bay community to provide education and resources for residents and businesses as coronavirus restrictions continue to wreak havoc on daily life. Special Guest: Ron Pierce.