Community Building in the Washington, DC area!!

SFP Editor: What is Synergy Alliances? Raul Catangui: Synergy Alliances is a multi-practiced consulting firm that focuses on government affairs or lobbying, public affairs, strategic advice and analysis, and regulatory. In short, the firm seeks to solve problems for companies, trade associations and non-profits at the Federal level.

SFP Editor: How did you become involved in lobbying?

Raul Catangui: I've always wanted to affect change and impact society. I first interned at the Hawaii Attorney General's office and got a job at the Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee as a staffer. I then went to law school and after graduating worked at Corning Inc.'s government affairs office in DC. I then worked for the U.S. House of Representatives, ran the State of Hawaii's Washington, DC office, 2 technology trade associations before finally starting my own firm.

SFP Editor: What are the biggest challenges of being a lobbyist?

Raul Catangui: It would have to be identifying and analyzing the issue or problem, developing creative solutions and implementing them. Communicating and influencing the decision-makers -- i.e., the U.S. Congress and their staff, and Federal agencies -- are key in being effective.

SFP Editor: How did you start your own lobbying business?

Raul Catangui: I was the chief lobbyist for a transportation technology trade association called ITS America. After learning about the problems of the companies I've gotten to know, I realize they need an advocate to advance their issues at the Federal level. My firm is now going on its 6th year.

SFP Editor: What are your areas of specialty for lobbying?

Raul Catangui: I focus on transportation technology, telecommunications, homeland security, international trade, and to a lesser degree defense.

SFP Editor: What brought to you to DC and why did you stay?

Raul Catangui:I always wanted to be a politician or work in the international affairs arena. Going to law school to do their joint degree program (JD/MA) and eventually working in the U.S. Congress was my vision. I stayed because I could not see myself intellectually and professional growing in Hawaii where I am from. I love public policy, international affairs, culture and art (I went to art school for 2 summers), which kept me from leaving.

SFP Editor: What about Washington, DC do you find most intriguing?

Raul Catangui: The ambition, political and international discourse, the free art museum and cultural activities, and young, motivated people who are willing to learn.

SFP Editor: What about Washington, DC would you like to see improved?

Raul Catangui: There needs to be an improvement in doing something other than work. We work hard here but are really neglecting the arts, romance, fashion and nature. Really, there are a lot of boring people that have not learned these traits or never really tried to by diverse.

SFP Editor: How often do you visit Capitol Hill for your job and what is a typical meeting with Capital Hill staff?

Raul Catangui: I go to Capitol Hill about 2 or 3 times a week for hearings, press conferences, social functions and to brief the member of Congress and/or their staff about my client's issue. A typical day really varies based on the issue, importance, and what the current political mood happens to be.