Feb. 1, 2016 marks the first anniversary for Hayes Strategic Solutions, a full-time governmental relations and lobbying company. Owner Kevin Hayes previously practiced governmental relations law as a partner in two different large law firms before launching his own company, where he could make the decisions impacting his clients.
His first year in business on his own was remarkable, he says. Hayes relied on technology to keep him on track for efficient time management, and he was able to keep his overhead low while he built his client list.
“I was lucky to have a good support group of other small companies like mine who were willing to assist me with questions or concerns that naturally would arise from time to time,” he says.
As he looks to his second year in business, he says he’s excited about the business opportunities in the state and believes Louisiana is a great place to live and work.
“Without a doubt, the biggest challenge facing our state is the budget and shaping a tax policy that does not balance the budget crisis on the backs of small businesses,” he says. “Legislators will need to understand the economic impact of small business and how a poor tax policy will impact citizens in their respective districts.”
Hayes says he joined NFIB at the urging of State Director Dawn Starns, and he urges other small businesses to follow suit.
“NFIB is a strong advocate for small business and has excellent leadership through Dawn,” he says. “…I have seen her efforts and the efforts of other small businesses in standing up against a difficult budget climate and some legislation that would have been terrible tax policy.”
