The Brian Ballard Journey: The rise of Ballard Partners is a Florida story about American’s promise.

Brian Ballard, founder and CEO of Ballard Partners, joins 13th & Park to kick off Season 4 with an inside look at how one of America’s most influential lobbying firms grew from its Florida roots into a national powerhouse. Ballard reflects on his early years in Tallahassee politics, his role as Chief of Staff to Governor Bob Martinez, and the high-stakes lessons learned during major reform and crisis moments in Florida government. He also shares the story of his decades-long relationship with Donald Trump, from their first correspondence to the political turning points that shaped the 2016 election and beyond — including the introduction he made between Trump and Susie Wiles, who now serves as Trump’s Chief of Staff. He walks through how Ballard Partners built a reputation across administrations, expanded globally, and stayed grounded in principles like humility, honesty, and relationship-driven advocacy — all while representing clients in some of the most consequential industries in America today. Filmed in our NEW Washington, D.C. studio. Listen to us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2yqqjgPtA7NR2cJewPqbNQ?si=e9df5028fc0e4dd9 Listen to us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/13th-park/id1645880081 Follow Brian: X: https://x.com/BrianBallardBP LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ballard-b7b663369/ Follow Us! X: https://x.com/13thandPark IG: https://www.instagram.com/13th_and_park www.ballardpartners.com About 13th and Park: 13th and Park is a dynamic media platform produced by Ballard Partners. We bring you insightful discussions, expert interviews, and in-depth analysis on key issues shaping industries, policy, and business trends. Our content features thought leaders, industry experts, and policymakers exploring topics ranging from policy influence, business innovation, trade regulations, and more. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest videos, exclusive interviews, and expert insights shaping the future of business, policy, and public affairs. #BrianBallard #BallardPartners #DonaldTrump #FloridaPolitics #Lobbying #WashingtonDC #PoliticalStrategy #13thAndPark #Season4 #AdamGoodman #USPolitics #PowerBrokers #Government #leadership 0:00 – Introduction 1:40 – Welcome Brian Ballard to 13th & Park! 2:18 – From Law School to a Long-Shot Campaign 4:27 – Brian on becoming Chief of Staff to Governor Bob Martinez 8:28 – How Preservation 2000 Took Shape 10:37 – Lessons from the Chief of Staff Role 11:34 – Brian’s celebrity encounter with David Beckham 17:39 – Brian’s First Meeting with President Trump 20:22 – Brian retells his introduction of Susie Wiles to Donald Trump 22:01 – The “Secret Sauce” Behind Ballard Partners 23:38 – The growth of Ballard Partners to a worldwide firm 25:36 – Why Bipartisanship Matters to the Firm 28:02 – The future of Ballard Partners 29:04 – Closing Thoughts