A Virtual Cup of Coffee with Brendan Ringlever '88
Brendan has 34 years of legislative, campaign and lobbying experience, including 12 years of service to the Michigan Legislature. He has held many top legislative posts, including management positions within the highest levels of state government and serves as Vice President, Michigan Legislative Consultants (MLC), one of Michigan's oldest and most highly respected lobby firms. In 2023 and 2025 Brendan was voted Michigan’s #1 multi-client lobbyist in the biennial MIRS/EPIC-MRA Insider Surveys. He is a regular presenter at new Legislator orientation, serves as a guest lecturer discussing politics and state government, manages the Michigan Legislative Dutch Caucus, and serves on several non-profit boards. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, running, golfing and traveling.
You can only have one: Rose’s caramel corn, an ice cream cone from Jersey Junction, or a Yesterdog. Which do you choose?
Yesterdog.
What was your path from East Grand Rapids to where you are now in life?
Growing up in East, I helped on several local campaigns, but shaking the hand of President Ford when I was a kid still sticks out as an unforgettable moment that inspired my interest in politics. After high school, I attended Hillsdale College, graduating in 1992. While there, I met and learned from some of the best political minds of that time. Soon after graduating, I was asked to serve as campaign manager for a state Representative in Port Huron, MI. After the successful campaign, I moved to Lansing for a position with the non-partisan House Clerk. Over a 12-year period I held various leadership roles within the legislature, including being named Legislative Director for then-Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema where I ran the day to day agenda in the Senate and served as the Senate liaison to the Governor and House Speaker’s offices. In 2004, I joined Michigan Legislative Consultants, the state’s oldest multi-client lobbying firm, and became an owner shortly thereafter. My firm helps businesses and associations navigate the state legislature and administration.
What specific thing did you learn in East that has enabled you to be successful?
Treat everyone with respect and be honest to all.
What were you like in school?
I was nerdy, naïve, pretty confident, and social. However, I liked to joke around and instigated a lot of schemes. I also tried to be kind to everyone.
Did you have a favorite teacher or class?
Mr. William Brenner, my English teacher.
If you had to choose one moment in one location to serve as the signature moment of your East school experience, what would it be?
Reading Walden and having Mr Brenner require the whole class to spend time alone in Hodenpyl Woods to write down what we were hearing, smelling, seeing and generally experiencing. The tree and branch I sat on that afternoon are still there. This project created some of the best writing I’ve ever done.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known then?
I wish I would have asked my friends' parents more career advice and questions on how they became successful.
Do you stay in touch with many people from East Grand Rapids?
Heck yes! Our Class of 1988 is very close and holds a reunion every 5 years. I’ve gone to each of them. Also, I keep in regular contact with John Thompson, Brian Riecks, Rich Turke and Matt Jordan.
What advice do you have for young East alums who are just starting out?
Seek out mentors in subject areas that interest you and ask a lot of questions.
Who else would you like us to have a virtual cup of coffee with?
Dave Engbers.
Bonus question: What are you glad we didn’t ask you about?
Driving to and spending a week in Daytona for Senior year spring break without parents. How did they ever let that happen? LOL.
