Get to know Bryan in our latest AI Partner Spotlight
Bryan Fried, Partner
What do you do at our company?
I work with our other partners in dealing with business issues related to the firm. Business development is a key component to what I do. I have been a registered lobbyist since 1999. In this capacity I interface with AI clients needing assistance navigating the Oklahoma Executive and Legislative process.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
Part of the success of our business is developing good relationships and building credibility through years of honest hard work. If we don’t do that than our business model does not work. I am motivated to work and leave a client in a better position than when we started.
What has been your favorite project so far?
I have had the privilege to work on a lot of projects through the years that I am proud of. One that comes to mind is working on behalf of Care Providers of Oklahoma (CPO) to pass legislation that aligns Medicaid reimbursement to health outcomes. CPO is the largest trade association for long term care facilities in Oklahoma and the project required government relations, public relations, and advocacy. The result was one of the largest funding increases for CPO in history and measurements for better health outcomes.
What inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
I was fortunate to grow up with a father and stepmother who were both registered lobbyists. My father Jim was a former Legislator turned lobbyist and my stepmother, Otie Ann Fried, was the first female contract lobbyist in Oklahoma. Otie Ann is who taught me how to lobby and without her mentoring I would not be where I am today. She was a tireless worker and I learned from her that there is no substitution for hard work.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I would say that I am most proud of my family. I have a great wife, Tanna and two wonderful teenage kids, Ella and Harrison who motivate me every day to be a better person. I try to be involved in my kid’s lives as much as possible. I am currently one of the son’s baseball coaches and watching him play baseball is one of the great joys of being a parent. Ella competes in dance and has been a state finalist in debate for most of her high school career and watching her perform gives me great pride.
What’s a passion of yours?
If I can find the time, I really love to fly fish. I was introduced to fly fishing about 10 years ago and any chance I get to head to the mountains and fish is one of my great passions. Unfortunately, with work and life obligations I don’t get to do it as much as I would like to.