Today’s edition of the 4th Floor Files features David Custin. His clients include AT&T, Florida Crystals Corporation, and Florida Medical Association. Here’s the file on David:
Significant other? Children? Grand kids?
My significant others are my two sons, ages 5 and 3.
In 25 words or less, explain what you do.
I am a political campaign consultant and a lobbyist. I develop strategies and apply my knowledge and experience to help clients succeed.
Without using the words Democrat, Independent or Republican, conservative or liberal, describe your political persuasion.
I am a right of center moderate, I think for myself, and apply my support and loyalty to people, causes, and organizations that I believe in.
If you have one, what is your motto?
Victory or death.
During your career, have you had a favorite pro bono client?
No.
Three favorite charities.
Veterans of Foreign Wars. Kristi House. American Cancer Society.
Any last-day-of-Session traditions?
They have evolved since I experienced my first Sine Die in 1991.
What are you most looking forward to during the 2014 Legislative Session.
Proper decorum and non-personal legislative battles by all in the process so that Session ends at the end of day 60.
If you could have another lobbyist’s client list, it would be…
Not applicable as I enjoy my quality over quantity approach to my lobbying practice.
Professional accomplishment of which you are most proud?
The 2011 Special Election Jose Oliva campaign victory in District 110.
Lobbyists are often accused of wearing Gucci loafers; do you own a pair of Gucci loafers?
If not, why not? No. I grew up in Hialeah. If I would wear loafers, I may as well where pink poofies on my gym socks. Not gonna happen.
Who is your favorite Florida Capitol Press Corp reporter and why?
Mary Ellen Klas. She is professional, tough, elegant, and fair. Steve Bousquet is a close second because he has a Pistol Pete precision jump shot.
Other than SaintPetersBlog.com, your reading list includes…
Sayfie Review, The Miami Herald
What swear word do you use most often?
Too many to list, in both English and Spanish. I’m working on improving this bad habit. It’s a process.
What is your most treasured possession?
My 2005 Ford Thunderbird convertible.
The best hotel in Florida is…
Soho Beach House in Miami Beach.
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?
Representative Jeanette Nuñez, Senator Bill Galvano, Representative Jose Oliva, and Jimmy Fallon (so that he can take what he learns and spread the word nationally on The Tonight Show).
Favorite movie.
The Godfather trilogy.
Before the ‘gift ban’, what was your favorite restaurant in Tallahassee? What is your favorite today?
Mom and Dad’s prior to gift ban. El Jalisco today.
When you pig out, what do you eat?
BBQ ribs.
If you could have dinner with a historical figure no longer living, who would it be?
It’s a tie between Alexander the Great and President Abraham Lincoln.
