As president and owner of Market Street Group, Inc., Michael J. Solari has built his career representing clients across diverse industries and shaping public policy at the Indiana Statehouse. Actively involved in his local community, he is a former recipient of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 and has been recognized with the University of Indianapolis’ Distinguished Young Alumni Award. Learn more about Michael in the Q&A below:
Tell us about your role as president of Market Street Group.
I have been the owner and operator of the Market Street Group since January 1, 2020. My previous business partner and former NASL member, Frank Short, sold the business, then named Short Strategy Group, to me at the end of 2019. We are a full-service government relations and business consulting firm located in downtown Indianapolis. Away from general business management of our team, I spend most of my time working on state policy issues in the transportation, tourism, alcohol, gaming, and general business affairs industries. Our firm also has a local practice that helps clients seeking to do business with municipalities and counties.
What do you enjoy most about working across such a diverse range of policy issues?
I thoroughly enjoy working across a wide range of policy areas because it gives me the opportunity to learn something new every day and to understand how different issues can impact the national, state, and local political and economic landscape.
You're very active in state and local politics, previously serving as chair of the Marion County Election Board and co-chair of the Indy Chamber’s Business Advisory Committee. How do these experiences shape your approach to government affairs?
Serving as chair of the Marion County Election Board and as co-chair of the Indy Chamber’s Business Advisory Committee were two unique experiences that helped shape how I approach representing clients on legislative matters and business development opportunities. My time as chair of the Marion County Election Board taught me the importance of institutional processes that ensure government operates efficiently and ethically. Meanwhile, my time as co-chair of the Indy Chamber’s Business Advisory Committee taught me how a chamber of commerce can support effective policy changes by helping create business-friendly environments that foster growth within a community.
What principles do you believe have been most important to building lasting relationships with clients, policymakers, and other key stakeholders?
By far, the most important principles for building lasting relationships in this industry are honesty and integrity. I pride myself on being someone who is “what you see is what you get.” I believe that being authentically honest and conducting yourself with integrity is the best way to build lasting and meaningful relationships.
What do you see as the greatest value of NASL membership, and why is it important for government affairs professionals to stay engaged with one another?
I believe the greatest value of NASL membership is the connections and relationships you build with other professionals in the government affairs industry. Staying engaged with the best of our industry is invaluable because it helps us understand what other states are pursuing legislatively, as well as the issues specific states and regions are facing. I consider so many members of NASL dear friends now, and we all support and help each other. It’s truly been a remarkable experience being part of this association.
For more information about the Market Street Group, visit marketstreetindy.com.