Justin Ohlemiller
A self-proclaimed political junkie, Justin brings nearly a decade of government and political communications experience to TrendyMinds. In a career that spans the mayor's office of the nation's 12th largest city to the halls of the U.S. Congress—Justin has helped shape policy and communications strategy for leaders at the highest levels.
After graduating from Butler University in 2000 (Go Dawgs!) with a degree in telecommunications, Justin was hired by then-Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson as a staff writer and press assistant. He continued serving in numerous leadership roles under Peterson, including directing the mayor's successful re-election bid in 2003.
Justin went on to lead Peterson's communications team as press secretary and chief spokesperson before being named Deputy Chief of Staff in 2007. Justin helped shape the messaging and strategy that drove several of Peterson's successful legislative initiatives, including a law that allowed municipalities to more quickly acquire and redevelop abandoned properties.
After leaving the Indianapolis mayor's office, Justin entered the private sector as an account executive at an Indianapolis-based communications firm where he helped guide strategic initiatives for clients ranging from large corporations to small non-profit organizations.
In 2009, the political bug bit Justin once again when he joined the Office of U.S. Congressman Andre Carson (Indiana, District 7) to serve as communications director. Within months, he was promoted by the Congressman to serve as District Director, filling the dual roles of Carson's chief surrogate in the Indianapolis community and managing the Congressman's local office and constituent services operation. With the support of Justin's leadership, Congressman Carson soared in 2010 to the largest victory ever in the history of Indiana's 7th District during a non-presidential election cycle.
As senior vice president, client services, for TrendyMinds, Justin leads in developing and implementing strategies for all clients. As stated on the back of Justin's business card, he came to TM to “get results,” and he's got the experience and know-how to do just that.
When he's not chasing business or reading the latest political rag, Justin can be found playing with his seven-year old daughter and spending a quiet evening out with his wife, Pam. He's become resigned to the fact that when it comes to his daughter, he's only the second favorite Justin around—next to Justin Bieber.
Justin is also a huge fan of the Indianapolis Colts, a true-blue supporter of his Butler Bulldogs, and a big movie buff. Truth be told, he still reads an occasional comic book every now and then. “Everyone wants to be a superhero at some point. Most just grow out of it when they reach adulthood. Not me,” he says. “I've learned to embrace my dorkdom.”
Blog Posts
Q+A
- You're given an unlimited amount of money and freedom from the law for 24 hours. What do you do?
So if I don't say feed hungry children or find a cure for cancer--does that mean I'm a jerk?! Is 24-hours enough time to ensure world peace?
To avoid any criticism about a lack of compassion, I think I'd pay someone to work on tackling all of the above issues so I can go driving really, really fast in the Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500 KR I just bought for myself. To keep the boss happy (my wife, not Trevor) I'd buy her a 2010 Kia Soul. She's always wanted one (she loves the human-sized hamsters in the commercials).
Finally, I'd rent out Hinkle fieldhouse, invite all my family and friends and play some hoops. Maybe toss in a couple music acts for a huge party to close out the night.
- What is your favorite part of your job?
Strategy--or as our former President used to say, "Strategery."
When it comes down to it, strategic communication is the key to success in nearly everything we do. From the largest corporation to the smallest neighborhood organization or government agency, if you don't have a strategy to effectively communicate your message to a target audience, you're going to ultimately fail at some point. In this job, I have the opportunity to work with clients and help them implement a strategy to deliver the best possible results. One size does not fit all--each situation and client is different. It's the process of discovering that unique strategy that I enjoy the most.
- What's the weirdest thing about you?
I research anything and everything before I buy it. And by research, I mean months and months of research--especially when it involves technology. I once spent six months shopping for a big-screen television. I would read every review and go to every electronics store in the area multiple times looking at televisions and asking the sales people dozens of questions. I actually bought two TVs and took them back before I settled on one.
- Your house is on fire and you can only grab 3 things. (Your pets, friends and family are safe.) What do you take?
As long as the wife, kiddo and pets are safe, I would grab a framed campaign sign autographed by Barack Obama, my ticket stub from Super Bowl XLI and my 60-inch plasma TV. Can't exactly tuck a huge plasma screen under my arm, though. The TV may have to burn (all that research up in smoke....)
- What would your super power be?
I would have healing power and blades coming out of my hands like Wolverine. I think I'd add the ability fly too. Sort of a mix between Superman and Wolverine. How cool would that be?!
- Who would play you in a movie?
My ego is screaming at me to pick Ryan Reynolds, but reality just smacked me in the face and said I should settle for Paul Rudd.
- Name one thing that's on your bucket list?
Diving with great white sharks off the coast of South Africa.
- Where do you go to find peace and quiet?
Relaxing in a recliner playing video games on my big screen.
- If you were forced to move to another city, where would you live and why?
London, England. Londoners are at the pub religiously every day at 4 p.m. Who wouldn't want to have six hour work days concluding with socializing at a local establishment.
- What would you win an Olympic medal for?
If having the last word in an argument was an olympic event, I'd be a gold medalist (at least that's what my mom used to tell me).