PBºN Episode - 8
Summary
This podcast episode features an interview with State Representative John Snyder, discussing his entrepreneurial background, personal life, military service, and political career. Snyder emphasizes his company Employment Simplified's mission to provide "simplified employment solutions" through a "people-first mentality." He highlights challenges in the staffing industry like low unemployment and skilled workforce shortages, leading to a legislative focus on workforce development and vocational training.
Snyder shares insights into his personal life, including his marriage, two daughters, and upbringing in Martin County by parents who instilled a strong work ethic and sense of community service. He details his father's career in law enforcement and his own service in the Marine Corps, which shaped his approach to leadership and integrity.
In politics, Snyder outlines his three-step filtration process for legislation: core values, constituent impact, and political process, prioritizing the first two. He champions policies supporting small businesses, such as affordable housing, property insurance reform, and workforce development. He also advocates for enhancing educational opportunities through parental involvement, increased teacher salaries, streamlined certification, and universal school choice. On water quality, he discusses efforts to secure funding for the Loxahatchee River and Everglades restoration. Snyder expresses pride in Florida, particularly the Palm Beach North Martin County region's diversity and economic growth, and hopes his legacy will be one of making a difference and upholding the Snyder family name.
Key topics
Employment Simplified: John Snyder's company, founded in 2015, focuses on providing "simplified employment solutions" through superior work ethic and industry experience. It offers Staffing and Payroll Services, prioritizing a "people-first mentality" and serving both clients and employees.
Industry Challenges & Solutions: Key challenges include low unemployment and a shortage of skilled workers. Snyder's company addresses this by helping businesses find good people. Legislatively, he advocates for workforce development, vocational schools, and promoting alternative pathways to traditional four-year college degrees.
Personal Background & Values:
Family: Married for 15 years with two daughters (Elizabeth, 12; Reagan, 3). His wife, Brittany, is described as the "CEO of the Snyder household."
Upbringing: Born and raised in Martin County, he describes himself as a "shy kid" who learned to interact through his father's encouragement.
Parental Influence: His father, a career law enforcement officer, instilled a strong sense of public service and commitment to community. His mother, a small business owner, influenced his entrepreneurial spirit.
Military Service: Served in the Marine Corps for four years, starting at age 19 after a year and a half of college. Stationed in Pensacola and San Diego. His service was during a "surge mode" under President Bush, driven by a desire to serve after 9/11. He credits it with changing his life and filling a void.
Political Career & Philosophy:
Motivation: Inspired by understanding government's role in education and the blue-green algae outbreaks of 2019. Saw an opportunity to serve after Rep. MaryLynn Magar was term-limited out.
Work-Life Balance: Manages political duties, business, and family life with the support of his wife and strong female leaders in his team. The State Representative role is technically part-time, involving concentrated periods in Tallahassee and constituent services at home.
Deputy Majority Leader: Appointed by the Speaker of the House, his role is to support the Majority Leader and the Speaker's agenda, working with members to ensure legislation passes with sufficient votes.
Decision-Making Process (Filtration):
Core Values: Does it align with personal principles and Christian beliefs?
Constituent Impact: How does it affect the 180,000 constituents he represents?
Political Process: Considers leadership's stance, but only if the first two filters pass.
Honesty: Emphasizes shooting straight and providing honest explanations for decisions.
Key Policy Initiatives:
Small Business Support: Focuses on affordable/workforce housing, property insurance reform, and workforce/talent development.
Property Insurance: Stresses the critical role of local insurance agents in shopping the market and advising consumers. Acknowledges significant legislative steps (tort reform, overhauls) but notes it’s a market-driven issue that will take time.
Education: Believes parents are the best decision-makers for their children's education. Supports raising teacher salaries, streamlining teacher certification, and expanding universal educational savings accounts for school choice.
Water Quality: Dedicated to securing funding for the Loxahatchee River and Indian River Lagoon. Highlights the state's significant investment in Everglades restoration (over $3 billion total), emphasizing its importance for the economy, community, and recreation.
Florida & Region: Praises the diversity and unique aspects of the Palm Beach North Martin County region, from Lake Okeechobee to the coast, and its thriving industries. Advocates for continued state appropriations to manage growth, infrastructure, and unique water quality demands.
Legacy: Hopes to leave a "body of work where people can look back and say hey, the guy made a difference and he did the right thing," emphasizing the importance of a good name and reputation.