ROOTED IN TRUST. BUILT FOR IMPACT.
At Leonard Oak, we help organizations navigate the intersection of government, business, and public affairs with clarity and strategy. With deep roots in public policy, market strategy, and government relations, we equip our clients with the insight, access, and execution needed to thrive in complex and regulated environments.
Success in these spaces isn’t just about knowing the system—it’s about knowing the right people. Leonard Oak operates within a trusted network of partners, industry leaders, and coalitions, allowing us to build connections that drive meaningful outcomes. Whether it’s shaping policy, forging strategic alliances, or unlocking new opportunities, we help our clients engage the right stakeholders at the right time.
Our approach is built on experience—leveraging years of expertise across federal, state, and local landscapes, as well as the private sector. We understand that strategy must be both precise and adaptable—grounded in research but responsive to real-world shifts.
Leonard Oak was founded on the belief that lasting impact is built through strong relationships, informed strategy, and decisive action. We work as a trusted partner to companies, coalitions, and organizations looking to expand their influence, manage risk, and achieve sustainable growth.
Let’s build something that lasts.
Trust. Connect. Act. Bring the right people together to create solutions that matter.
What You Get With Leonard Oak
A Trusted Guide – Not just strategy, but execution
Connections That Matter – The right people, in the right rooms, at the right time
Results, Not Bureaucracy – Public-private solutions that actually move the needle
Principled Leadership – Integrity and experience at the highest levels
Our Founder
Jeff Cardwell is the founder of Leonard Oak, a strategic consulting firm specializing in government relations, public affairs, market strategy, and business development for companies navigating the public sector and highly regulated industries.
Jeff brings nearly a decade of experience in government, public affairs, and technology, helping clients navigate policy complexities and enter highly regulated markets. He served as a Presidential Political Appointee under President Donald J. Trump, holding roles at the White House, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Justice. Transitioning to the tech sector, he specialized in go-to-market strategies, guiding companies through government procurement, positioning solutions for public sector needs, and driving market expansion—including at a former unicorn-designate AI startup and a Fortune 500 data cloud platform that achieved the largest tech IPO in North American history.
With expertise in government relations, procurement, regulatory strategy, and communications, Jeff helps clients engage key decision-makers and achieve sustainable growth. In addition to leading Leonard Oak, he serves on the Advisory Board of the global nonprofit People Helping People Network, fostering strategic partnerships for housing, hunger, healthcare, and education initiatives around the world.
Passionate about serving others, Jeff is committed to solving complex challenges through public-private partnerships and meaningful connections, bridging the gap between people and resources to create lasting change.