Strategic Government Relations & Business Development

The Junto Company specializes in strategic government relations and business development, offering tailored solutions to help organizations navigate the complexities of public policy.

What Sets Us Apart

Our philosophy is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and impact. The word Junto – pronounced jun-to – originated in Philadelphia in 1727, when Benjamin Franklin brought together twelve forward-thinking entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, debate solutions, and drive progress. This collaborative effort led to the creation of:

Nearly 300 years later, The Junto Company embodies these same core principles—curiosity, learning, civic engagement, and strategic innovation—helping our clients navigate government systems and achieve measurable success.

What We Do

Legislative and Executive Lobbying
Contract / Procurement Strategy
Licensure, Permitting & Regulatory Compliance
State Government Relations & Public Affairs
Strategic Planning
Issue Advocacy
State Funding
Communications & Testimony Preparation

Our Core Services

We specialize in government relations, business development, and advocacy across a wide range of industries.

Government Relations & Policy Advocacy

State Government Relations & Public Affairs

Advancing client interests through legislative and regulatory initiatives.

Legislative & Executive Lobbying

Advocating for policy change and business success at the highest levels.

Issue Advocacy

Championing key issues to ensure favorable policy outcomes.

Business Strategy & Compliance

Licensure, Permitting & Regulatory Compliance

Ensuring businesses meet all required state and federal standards.

Strategic Planning

Creating tailored strategies that align with government policies and market demands.

Contract & Procurement Strategy

Securing government contracts and procurement opportunities.

Funding, Communications & Representation

State Funding Assistance

Helping organizations access grants and funding opportunities.

Communications & Testimony Preparation

Crafting compelling narratives to influence policy decision-makers.

Team Information

James J Mermis

Educational Background: Saint Louis University, BS, economics, 1988 Relevant Experience: Jim has 35+ years of political, government relations and leadership experience. Washington D.C. 1988-1992; various political campaign & consulting positions, including 1988 George Bush Presidential Campaign; 1992-1998 workforce policy advisor to Governor George Voinovich, Chief of Staff, Office of the Lt. Governor; 1999-2001, appointed by Governor Bob Taft to his Cabinet as Administrator, Ohio Bureau of Employment Services; 2001, COO Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation; 2002, consultant, CGI Management Consultants; 2003-2004, independent lobbyist; 2005, founded, The Junto Company, Ltd.

Paul Kudlak

Educational Background: Saint Bonaventure University; The Ohio State University Relevant Experience: Paul has more than 30 years of government relations experience in both the public and private sectors. He has lobbied the legislative and executive branches of government on a broad array of issues, ranging from primary and higher education, healthcare, workforce development, construction, workers’ and unemployment compensation, local government, parks and energy. Paul has also worked as an “in-house” lobbyist for two statewide trade associations. Prior to becoming a lobbyist in 1995, Paul worked in the Ohio Senate as a legislative aide for a member of the Republican caucus.

Vincent J. Squillace III

pkudlak@juntocompany.com
614-296-5898
VJS Public Sector Consulting

Vincent is a seasoned legal and government affairs professional with over 25 years of experience in Ohio politics and lobbying. He began his career in 1994, serving in the Ohio legislature, U.S. Congress, and the White House. Since 1999, he has represented Fortune 100 companies, trade associations, labor unions, and local governments. Vincent has extensive knowledge of PACs, campaign finance law, and regulatory rulemaking, particularly through his decade-long work with the Ohio Board of Cosmetology. He holds a JD from Capital University Law School and a BA from the University of Notre Dame.

Christopher M. Sinagra

Chris has worked both as an executive agency and legislative strategic consultant for over twenty years. In this capacity, Chris has had the privilege of representing public and private sector clients on a host of issues including public safety, higher education, vocational rehabilitation services, information technology, nuclear power, clean coal, health care, aging, labor issues, literacy initiatives, social service programs, online driving opportunities, local government matters, construction, workplace safety, solar energy, probate and regionalization issues — before all levels of government.