The Team
Current – “Our work began and continues to be rooted where the action is. We specialize in fieldwork – informing, motivating and activating constituencies.”
Capable – “Our track record is one of quietly delivering. We serve companies and organizations that count on our consistent execution.”
Compliant – “Our reputation is impeccable. We maintain the highest standards of sensitivity and trust.”
Joe Weber - Founder / Partner
Joe Weber has unprecedented experience in Government Affairs and Issues Management. As a highly regarded consultant, Joe has been responsible for planning countless successful public affairs and lobbying campaigns. Joe’s experience provides him with an extensive working knowledge of lobbying, interest groups, coalition development, grassroots lobbying and ballot measure campaigns. His eclectic background brings a unique ability to work with Fortune 500 CEOs and Government Affairs professionals on a diverse range of issues.
Mike Franklin - Partner
Mike Franklin is a Minnesota Government Affairs professional and attorney with two decades of experience in building political and Grassroots networks. Mike knows many sides of Government Affairs as he has organized projects for political candidates, nonprofit organizations, multinational corporations and Grassroots-level community interests. Having served his employers and clients as an elected official, fundraiser, lobbyist, communications professional, issue expert, researcher and volunteer recruiter, Mike has an perspective to bring to nearly every challenge.
Chris Tiedeman - Partner
Chris Tiedeman is a licensed Minnesota attorney who brings a national network of political friendships and record of successful Public Affairs campaigns on issues ranging from Healthcare to Forestry to the Music Industry to Retail. Chris has become a highly regarded Public Affairs consultant with particular expertise in Grassroots programs and the use of Social Media to engage key constituencies. He has become known for bringing unique, often disparate coalitions together to help move public policy.
Richard Larkin McLay - Account Director
Richard works in the space between public policy and strategic communications. Tactfully connecting these two spheres, he has advanced initiatives by crafting authentic issue campaigns that galvanize audiences for nonprofits, political candidates, and the U.S. State Department alike.
From organizing efforts in the South Pacific to building and executing several statewide and local political campaigns in Minnesota, Richard has honed his professional experience in issue messaging, coalition building, narrative crafting, and community engagement.
He is a firm believer that ideas are only as strong as one’s ability to communicate them. By employing a myriad of outreach strategies that aren’t afraid to go beyond the nine dots, he’s developed his experience in leveraging media, influencers, and public opinion to help clients turn their ideas into wins.
Richard received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Saint John’s University
Phil Stalboerger - Of Counsel
Phil Stalboerger has over 30 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, and business development. Phil is a senior health care executive lending Weber Johnson his expertise and strategies to help our clients grow and flourish. Phil’s extensive network across the country and expert relationship building have earned him as one of the premier public affairs professionals in the nation. His extensive expertise in health care, transportation, telecommunications, and the overall business climate are key in helping drive public policy and strategic growth.
Phil was awarded the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Forty under 40 recipient in 2009. Heavily involved the business community, he has served as the Chair of Minnesota State Chamber of Commerce Leadership Minnesota program, a program designed to identify and cultivate leaders and leadership opportunities in Minnesota. He has also served as Chair of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as Board Chair of 360 Communities. Phil was recently re-appointed to serve on the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Phil is also involved in the motorcycle community, and serves as Treasurer for the Board of Directors of the National BMW Motorcycle Owners Association headquartered in South Carolina.