Michael Best Strategies (Strategies) announced today the acquisition of Capitol Consultants, a premier Wisconsin corporate strategy, economic development, and government relations firm with a stellar reputation for success and unmatched client service. Managing Partner Bill McCoshen will join Strategies as a partner as part of the move, along with Senior Vice President Tony Langenohl. The acquisition solidifies Strategies as the dominant Wisconsin firm for clients with state and federal government relations and communications needs.

“Bill McCoshen has a long track record of delivering client wins on some of the most important public policy issues facing the business community,” said Robert Marchant, president of Michael Best Strategies. “We’re excited to have the Capitol Consultants team join the Michael Best family and look forward to adding their clients to a growing list of businesses that rely on Michael Best Strategies for their government relations, business consulting and strategic communications needs.”

Formed in 1992 by Carol McCoshen, Capitol Consultants has continually helped clients successfully navigate state government, regardless of which party controlled the Executive or Legislative branches. The firm grew to become one of Wisconsin’s most successful government and corporate relations firms, serving a broad range of clients across major sectors of the Wisconsin economy and developing a national reputation for effectiveness and unmatched client service.

Before forming Capitol Consultants, Bill McCoshen was appointed Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce by Governor Tommy G. Thompson; he remains the youngest appointed cabinet secretary in state history at age 29. He also served as Thompson’s Chief of Staff at age 27. McCoshen was manager of Thompson’s 1994 campaign, a landslide victory that captured 67% of the vote along with winning 71 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. In addition to providing quality service to clients, Bill has positioned himself as an indispensable strategic advisor to major companies. He is also majority owner of the Janesville Jets junior hockey team and part-owner of the Oregon Tradesmen junior hockey team.  

Before joining Capitol Consultants, Tony Langenohl served as Special Assistant to Governor Thompson and in a variety of public policy and communication roles in the Thompson Administration in the Governor’s Office, the Department of Administration, and the Department of Natural Resources. Tony is the lead lobbyist for several Fortune 100 clients and has developed a reputation for impeccable client service that delivers results.

“Michael Best Strategies has a history of engaging great talent across both major political parties, and this is the latest high-profile move that positions the firm for long-term success,” said Tom Schreibel, Michael Best Strategies Partner and leader of its Wisconsin lobbying practice. “The acquisition maintains the commitment to bipartisan growth and deepens our connections with policymakers at all levels.”

“Capitol Consultants has been part of our family since Carol started the firm in 1992. Joining Strategies will allow us to grow and provide all the collective clients with a one-stop shop for government affairs, business strategy, economic development, legal and public relations,” said Bill McCoshen. ”We built an extremely successful and effective firm over the last 29 years, and we’re excited to partner with Michael Best Strategies in carrying that legacy forward. This move solidifies Strategies as the go-to government relations firm in Wisconsin and positions us well for future growth.”