Peter Schorsch
Associated Industries of Florida VP Ryan Tyson, whom Florida Politics has long identified as one of the brightest minds in state politics, has been selected to lead polling and marketing firm Tel Opinion Research.
The center-right firm has been the go-to for many of the polls put out by AIF. It has been in business since 1996 and has a presence in 44 states. On its freshly updated website, the firm praised Tyson for managing “one of the most efficient polling operations anywhere in the country.”
Though Tyson will no longer be a staff officer at AIF, he’ll still have a seat at the table — the business group announced that Tyson will serve as its chief political strategist as a contractor.
“I am excited to lead such an esteemed team of researchers and pollsters at Tel Opinion Research, while continuing to work with my friends at AIF,” Tyson said. “This new chapter at Tel Opinion Research gives me the opportunity to work with veteran pollsters, Bill Lee and Barry Zeplowitz, and use our unique CATI system and our own call center with a core group of interviewers — both delivering a high-quality experience to our customers.
“At Tel Opinion Research, we’re able to provide our clients with a high percentage of cell phone only respondents reflecting the actual number of cell-phone only voters throughout Florida and other states — all at no extra cost to clients.”
AIF president and CEO Tom Feeney lauded Tyson in the announcement, saying he’s “become one of the top political strategists in corporate Florida” in the eight years since he joined the group.
“Through one-of-kind data and analysis operations and exclusive polling, Ryan has been able to service our membership at an extremely high and competent level. We are excited to see him launch his next venture and are thrilled he will be able to continue to serve our members,” Feeney said.
Tyson also got props from U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and House Speaker Jose Oliva, who praised him for his depth of knowledge on elections.
“Anyone who has labored in elections knows how perilous and unpredictable it truly is,” Oliva said. “Few have a reliable understanding of it and fewer still a consistent one. Among the latter group is Ryan Tyson.
“His talent and dedication to his science is truly special. Ryan is everyone’s secret weapon. Success is never a coincidence and Ryan’s continued success will come as no surprise to anyone who has worked closely with him.”
