Steve Kaufman

Steve designed his first brochure for a major U.S. Senate campaign at age 14. He graduated from Northwestern University's school of journalism, and his background includes TV and newspaper reporting, political campaign staff work, and telemarketing for Merrill Lynch. He served on active-duty five years as a Navy surface warfare and public affairs officer, winning five Navy-wide awards for his public relations accomplishments.

On April 1, 1992, Steve started his public relations practice, and clients now span the spectrum of the manufacturing, non-profit, and service industries. Within a few years, SJK•PR was ranked in Jacksonville's Top 20 PR and marketing firms by the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Steve serves as a regular guest speaker at the University of North Florida's Small Business Development Center and the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business Center, discussing small business startups and public relations strategies.

His community involvement has included co-hosting "Mind Your Own Business," a call-in radio show to help small business on 1320AM; service on the Board of Governors, Government Affairs Committee, Military Issues Committee, South Council Board and as a Trustee of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce; study group member for the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc.; member of the Northwestern University Alumni Admissions Council; board member of the Naval NROTC Scholarship Fund, Inc.; founding board member of The Harvey Bernhardt Foundation; and president of the Navy League's Jacksonville Council.

He was selected the 1999 Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce South Council Small Business Leader of the Year, the 2003 Florida Small Business Development Center Network Regional Volunteer of the Year, and the 2005 Small Business Administration Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year. Steve and his SJK•PR team were recognized again when he was named the 2011 Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce Arlington Council Small Business Leader of the Year.

Steve also serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve, as a commander assigned to the U.S. Naval Forces component of U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

In 2009, he was recalled to active-duty and served as Central Command's lead action officer for the Afghanistan northern supply route, known as the Northern Distribution Network (NDN). In this capacity, he led U.S. interagency negotiating teams with the governments of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan to grow the routes and expand the categories of allowable cargo shipped along the NDN. Steve's efforts were specifically recognized by CENTCOM commander General David Petraeus and in official U.S. embassy cables. He was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service.

Steve is married to Ms. Polly App and they have one daughter, Lindsay... who's kept him wrapped around her pinky since she was born. He can be reached at results@SJKPR.com.