By DEBRA HAIGHT
BCR Correspondent
ST. JOSEPH – Former State Sen. John Proos figures his nearly quarter century of government service could be helpful to area businesses and organizations as they navigate governmental waters. To that end, he has opened his own consulting firm called JP4 Government Solutions.
It’s been just over three months since Proos ended a 14 year stint in the Michigan legislature, six years as a state representative and then eight years as a state senator. Prior to that, he served as U.S. Rep. Fred Upton’s deputy chief of staff and district director for six years.
“I’m utilizing my nearly 25 years of experience in government service as a staffer and legislator,” he told the Berrien County Record. “What I’ve found is that those who have concerns or issues involving the state and federal governments are often uncertain about how to put together a plan on how to succeed.”
“I look forward to solve problems like I did when I was a legislator and I look forward to listening carefully to potential clients,” he said. “I want to find solid solutions for those working with government … I was honored to served and I look forward to a new adventure in my life.”
Proos started his new firm March 1 and describes it as occupying the space between lobbyists and government. “I had long thought I could be of value to business and industry because of my experience,” he said. “But I really didn’t spend time thinking about opening this venture until after I left the legislature in December.”
He noted that he really hadn’t made a decision about his future until after his last days as a state senator in late December. “I too was wondering where I would go and what I would do,” he said. “I’m excited about this opportunity.”
He describes his new business as a firm seeking to provide people with a roadmap to success in their dealings with governments that may often seem dysfunctional to outsiders. “I’m telling them secrets and strategies,” he said. “It’s not by happenstance that I named my business JP4Government Solutions, I want to find solutions for their problems.”
“I tell them that dysfunction is an opportunity for them to achieve success and an opportunity to tell their story,” he said. “If they can find the best way to tell their story, they have a chance for success. Most people don’t know how to tell their story and build the right case for their business.”
“Most people seem to either throw up their hands in frustration or find dealing with government to be completely terrifying,” he said. “They don’t know what to do. I tell them that it’s best to seek the advice of someone who knows how government works.”
Proos’ home base will stay right here in Southwest Michigan, but he said he’s looking to work with clients from throughout the state of Michigan, the Midwest and even the nation. He has been busy talking with businesses, corporations and even at least one local government in the weeks since he opened his firm.
“It’s been great to be sticking around Southwest Michigan and building a new business,” he said.
Although he hasn’t been back to Lansing in the months since he left office, he’s keeping in touch with old friends and colleagues. For example, he has joined the Small Business Association of Michigan which is now led by former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley.
As for a return to politics, Proos isn’t ruling it out at some point in the future, but said his intention right now is to building a successful business. “Who knows what the future holds,” he said. “Right now, I’m excited to be one of the area’s newest small businesses.”
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