The first firm launched as an offshoot of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign opened its doors in D.C. on Wednesday.
The unveiling of Avenue Strategies, a shop founded by Trump’s former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and senior advisor Barry Bennett could foreshadow an influx of shingle hanging from members of the successful presidential campaign. Should that transpire, it could have far-reaching repercussions for the consulting industry.
Many consultants have brushed off Trump’s win as a one-off because of his fame, personal fortune and fortuitous timing. But there are other wealthy businessmen and women eyeing runs for office who may now look to replicate Trump’s model – and be able to tap these new firms in order to do that.
In fact, Trump’s final campaign manager of the cycle, Kellyanne Conway, has said that Trump’s circle is overtly targeting the consulting industry, sectors of which actively opposed the New York Republican throughout his run.
"Draining the swamp is not just about lobbying and politicians, it's also about consultants," Conway told "The Laura Ingraham Show" on Tuesday, according to the Washington Examiner.
Now, Avenue Strategies is billed as a “full service government relations and political consulting firm,” which Lewandowski said he launched after turning down “multiple opportunities” in the Trump administration.
“I informed him and his team I think I can best help him outside the formal structure of the government,” Lewandowski said in a statement. “I very much look forward to doing that every day.”
Lewandowski added: “It is necessary to have strong, organized outside groups who can help ensure the President-elect’s agenda is achieved. My goal is to make sure the priorities of the Trump administration become a reality.”
Bennett, who was Ben Carson’s campaign manager before joining Trump’s camp, and Lewandowski met approximately 20 years ago while working in the House, according a release. Bennett said: “I am very excited to take everything I have learned this cycle and with Corey, help the causes and clients I care about raise their voices in Washington.”
Bennett told the Examiner on Wednesday that the firm will do “a little bit of everything" and that he expects to register as a lobbyist. It’s not clear if Lewandowski will.
Lewandowski was fired by Trump in a campaign shakeup in June, but he faced a battery charge in Florida for allegedly grabbing a female reporter by the arm during the primary race. Ultimately, the Palm Beach County Florida State Attorney declined to prosecute Lewandowski and he went on to become a CNN commentator for the duration of the cycle.