Business

Movers and Shakers: Adam Axvig, Tunheim

June 8, 2015 at 10:59PM

Adam Axvig consultant on the public affairs team at Tunheim, a Bloomington-based strategic communications consulting firm. (Patrick Kennedy/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A look at the people behind the numbers in area business:

ADAM AXVIG TUNHEIM

Title: Consultant

Age: 32

Adam Axvig brings political savvy and communications experience to his new role as a consultant on the public affairs team at Tunheim, a Bloomington strategic communications consulting firm.

Axvig said he would use his strengths in statewide coalition, grass roots organizing and navigating the inner workings of the Capital to help clients achieve their goals.

"With public affairs, that's a constantly changing world, so you're making sure our clients are on top of what's going on as far as changes in public affairs and public policy, keeping them apprised of what's going on and helping to influence those actions so that they stand to benefit," Axvig said.

Axvig's campaign experience includes serving on the communications staff for U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman's 2008 re-election bid and holding leadership positions in the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus campaigns in 2010 and 2012. He also has worked on the leadership staff at the Minnesota Senate.

"I love the people working in the industry, I love the issues that you work on and the impacts that they have on the lives of everyday Minnesotans," Axvig said of his career in public affairs, communications and politics.

Axvig said his "Republican lens," as well as his ties with business leaders and Republican legislators would help inform the strategy work the firm does for clients.

A native of the Red River Valley in northwest Minnesota, Axvig serves on his local neighborhood board in northeast Minneapolis. "The running joke is I'm the highest elected republican in the city of Minneapolis," he said.

Q: Why should a client work with Tunheim?

A: Tunheim brings a researched and strategic perspective to their clients. They are meticulous in their approach. They individually craft teams leveraging the strengths within their own staff to achieve the greatest results for their clients.

Q: What do you recall from the 2011 state government shutdown?

A: I was working on the leadership staff for the Minnesota Senate and will never forget that after the shutdown happened, the lights shut off. We were going to work but the Capital for all intents and purposes was shutdown. Of all things, the threat that beer might not be on shelves was kind of what urged on the action.

Q: What's your favorite movie or TV show that deals with politics?

A: I watch "House of Cards," but unfortunately I think it is an unrealistic portrayal of the reality. It unfortunately also fits what I think a lot of people think goes on within the halls of Congress, so I watch it guardedly.

Todd Nelson