Today, proactive government affairs strategies are essential for businesses to navigate regulatory challenges and seize new growth opportunities. Yet, misconceptions about lobbying, concerns about corporate influence, and negative perceptions of decision-making processes often undermine the critical role of these strategies—especially for their potential to cultivate a favorable business climate.
Despite these industry challenges, Perre Neilan, President and Founder of Neilan Strategy Group, remains one of the few leaders who have made a significant impact on both the business and political sectors over his 30 years in government affairs—earning him recognition as one of The Most Visionary Business Leaders to Watch in 2025.
A Journey Rooted in Political Passion
For Neilan, the appeal of politics took hold early. It was during his college years that he first caught the “political bug,” as he fondly describes it. While he initially wanted to pursue a legal career—being a pre-law student at the time—his involvement in campaign work ignited his passion for politics. “Once I started doing campaign work, I knew that I much preferred the political side over the legal side,” Neilan recalls. His work on a U.S. Congressional campaign cemented his decision to focus on political strategy and government affairs rather than law.
This realization set Neilan on a career path that would see him excel across multiple roles in political strategy. From working as a field representative for a U.S. Senate campaign to eventually serving as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Republican Party, Neilan’s career was marked by significant opportunities and responsibilities. “It’s just a matter of being in the right place at the right time,” he humbly states, crediting his rise to hard work and a bit of fortune.
Founding Neilan Strategy Group
In January 2016, Neilan took a bold step and founded Neilan Strategy Group, which has since become a reputable name in the world of government affairs and lobbying. His initial vision was modest—he aimed to build on his base client, an energy company operating in multiple states and expected to work with just one or two additional clients.
However, the company quickly exceeded his expectations. “At times, we’ve had as many as eleven clients, so we’ve been more successful than we anticipated,” Neilan says.
The Neilan Strategy Group’s rapid growth required him to hire additional employees and contract lobbyists to keep up with the demand. At the time, Neilan’s approach revolved around delivering highly personalized services and forging strong relationships with clients. As he puts it, “The first rule of lobbying is to lobby the client.” Maintaining open communication, good or bad, became a foundation of Neilan’s leadership philosophy. His clients, he believes, just want to know what’s happening, and this transparency is crucial to building trust.
Strategic Entry into the Lobbying Industry
Establishing a foothold in the lobbying industry presented numerous challenges, especially as a heavily referral-based business. “They don’t often advertise for needing a lobbyist or consultant,” Neilan explains. As a business where connections and word-of-mouth matter more than anything, getting the first few clients was a difficult task. “That second client is really, really hard to get. The third client is kind of hard to get. After that, it just kind of rolls from there,” he adds.
Despite the hurdles, Neilan Strategy Group kept diversifying its services to set itself apart from the competition. While most lobbyists in Lincoln, Nebraska, only lobby at the state legislature and executive branch, Neilan expanded his firm’s reach to include local-level lobbying and monitoring legislative activities across 22 different states—making it a key factor in the Neilan Strategy Group’s success.
Embracing Technology and Client-Centric Approach
Despite the perception of lobbying as a traditional field, Neilan has leveraged technology to stay ahead of the curve. One of his most significant innovations is the development of an app for the Nebraska Legislature, designed to bring the world of lobbying into the digital age. “We’re going to drag the Nebraska lobby world into technology kicking and screaming,” Neilan jokes.
However, Neilan believes that technology has fundamentally transformed the way government affairs professionals can serve their clients. One of his key mentors, his brother, once told him that having a big, fancy office was less important than being available to clients at any time of day. This lesson stuck with him, and today, Neilan and his team prioritize constant communication, whether they are taking calls from the state Capitol or stepping out of meetings to attend to client needs.
Leadership Philosophy of Empowerment
Neilan’s leadership style is highly influenced by the late U.S. President Ronald Reagan, whom he cites as a major influence. “Surround yourself with good people and let them do their job,” Neilan advises. However, he also acknowledges that finding the right balance between delegation and being detail-oriented can be challenging. Neilan’s commitment to client satisfaction is evident in his active involvement in every aspect of their campaigns. He’s also fortunate to have a team that shares his dedication and passion for delivering exceptional results.
Patience and persistence are two qualities that Neilan believes have been crucial to his success as a leader. His adherence to ethics is another defining feature of his leadership. “One of the first things I tell potential clients is that I will work very hard for you, but I will not lie for you,” he says. This integrity has earned him the respect of his peers and clients alike, which also reflects on the Neilan Strategy Group’s reputation.
Future-Proofing the Business
By working in multiple states and industries—ranging from telecom and energy to human resources and real estate—Neilan ensures that his firm stays agile to handle whatever challenge comes next. Whether it’s preparing for government funding opportunities or addressing potential regulatory challenges, Neilan and his team strive to be proactive rather than reactive.
Looking ahead, Neilan is particularly excited about the growth of his Nebraska lobbying efforts and the continued development of the Nebraska Legislature app. These initiatives reflect his forward-thinking approach to business and his ability to find new ways to add value for his clients.
A Legacy of Kindness and Innovation
When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Neilan’s answer is simple yet profound: “Be kind, treat your clients well, and they will reward you with long-standing relationships.” His journey, from a college student with a passion for politics to the founder of a successful lobbying firm, is a testament to the power of hard work, integrity, and innovation.
For young leaders looking to make an impact in the industry, Neilan offers this advice: “Take the big step. There’s no such thing as the perfect moment. You have to be willing to take that risk.”
Today, as a visionary leader, Perre Neilan is guiding Neilan Strategy Group to continued growth and expansion, shaping the future of lobbying and government affairs.