The latest installment of the 4th Floor Files features Jon Costello. Costello’s clients include Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association, the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association, HCA Healthcare, Miami-Dade County and MillerCoors LLC. Here’s the file on Jon.
Significant other? Children? Grand kids?
Wonderful wife of 9 years, Nicole, and two great little guys, Jack (2) and Dillon (1).
In 25 words or less, explain what you do.
Make friends and influence people.
Without using the words Democrat, Independent or Republican, conservative or liberal, describe your political persuasion.
Live and let live…just do it with your own money.
If you have one, what is your motto?
You are your problem, you are the solution.
During your career, have you had a favorite pro bono client?
Not to date
Three favorite charities.
American Cancer Society, FSU and Kappa Sigma Foundation
Any last-day-of-Session traditions?
Staying till the end and celebrating with colleague.
What are you most looking forward to during the 2013 Legislative Session.
Watching the chess game played by a guy my age (Speaker Weatherford) a guy from my home town (President Gaetz) and my old boss (Governor Scott).
If you could have another lobbyist’s client list, it would be…
Obligatory “wouldn’t trade my clients for anybody else’s” response, but I am always looking to add to the list (Call me)
Professional accomplishment of which you are most proud?
Being a small part of the team that took Rick Scott from an unknown, successful businessman to the Governor of the greatest state in the country.
Lobbyists are often accused of wearing Gucci loafers; do you own a pair of Gucci loafers? If not, why not?
I do not, but if anyone is looking to get me a birthday present next year, I take a size 14.
Who is your favorite Florida Capitol Press Corp reporter and why?
Jim Turner – Put simply, he has always written nice things about me.
Other than SaintPetersBlog.com, your reading list includes…
New York Times, Politico, SayfieReview
What swear word do you use most often?
That would be the “F” word. It’s the utility player of swear words.
What is your most treasured possession?
I’m not really into material things, but if someone gets me those Gucci loafers I would probably say those.
The best hotel in Florida is…
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
You’ve just learned that you will be hosting a morning talk show about Florida politics. Who are the first four guests you’d invite to appear?
Governor Scott, Senator Rubio, Speaker Weatherford and President Gaetz
Favorite movie.
Thank You for Smoking
Before the ‘gift ban’, what was your favorite restaurant in Tallahassee? What is your favorite today?
Shula’s
When you pig out, what do you eat?
Mexican
If you could have dinner with a historical figure no longer living, who would it be?
George Washington, “Soooooooo, this what you guys had in mind?”
