Congratulations to our very own, Herbie Thiele, for being recognized as one of the “30 under 30” rising stars of Florida politics. The following article was originally published on Saint Petersblog, May 24, 2013.

Herbie Thiele, 28, grew up living and breathing local politics through his father, Leon County Attorney, and became hooked on politics himself after attending his first legislative committee meeting while interning with Sachs Media Group.

Herbie credits Ron Sachs for hiring him, and Alia Faraj-Johnson for not firing him, in his first role at the acclaimed public relations firm, and considers both to be sage mentors.

Looking at new projects and campaigns from a public affairs standpoint, Herbie believes that it is important to first map out the supporters, opponents and third parties.  ”Most important to the process is working closely with members of the media who have covered the issue,” he writes. “Before you win in the halls of power, you have to succeed in the court of public opinion.”

Herbie admires House Speaker Will Weatherford and Jeb Bush and hopes to run for office himself one day; but were he not working in politics, Herbie would be following in the footsteps of his other hero, Indiana Jones.

Here is Herbie in his own words:

I am 28 years-young.

I live in Tallahassee … Am from Tallahassee…. I went to Florida State University. I hope to visit Greece soon enough.

I entered politics because…

I lived and breathed local politics growing up through my father – Leon County Attorney.  I then interned at Sachs Media Group and gravitated toward the public affairs accounts.  After attending my first legislative committee meeting I was hooked.

One principle I always put above politics is… Notre Dame Football…. seriously – Family.

Person or people who gave me my first shot:  Ron Sachs for first hiring me and Alia Faraj-Johnson for not firing me.

I’ve already worked for/on: Several public policy measures for clients that have ranged from Health Care, Insurance, Claims Bills to Crisis Communication Accounts.

When I begin a project or first work on a campaign, I look for… From a public affairs/public relations standpoint, it is important to look for the supporters, opponents and especially the third party groups.  Most important to the process is working closely with members of the media who have covered the issue.

I’ve been blessed to have these people as my mentors:  My father Herb Thiele, Ron Sachs and Alia Faraj-Johnson.

The people I most admire in politics are:  House Speaker Will Weatherford and former Gov. Jeb Bush.

One lesson I’ve already learned is…  Before you win in the halls of power, you have to succeed in the court of public opinion.

If I wasn’t working in politics, I’d be working in (which field)… Archaeology, because I want to be Indiana Jones.

In ten years, you’ll read about me…  and my work as a public servant – I am hoping to run for public office one day.

You can connect with me via Twitter: @HerbieThiele.