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Biography
Candidate Biography
Daniel Blair is the son of an Investment Banker (his father, now retired) originally from Connecticut and a Corporate Accountant/Business Professor (his mother, now deceased due to cancer) originally from New York City .
Since Daniel's early years, his father, having been a wartime Marine Corps veteran who later served in the National Guard for a total of more than 20 years of service, always spoke of the importance of serving our community, state, and nation in any manner we can. Likewise, his mother constantly advocated participation in philanthropic causes as she believed that as a member of a community, it is imperative to do whatever we can to help others. These views of service are something Daniel has always taken to heart and is evident in his lengthy service background.
As a result of his parents' extensive business experience, both in the corporate world and also with family-owned small businesses, Daniel was introduced to critical business concepts from a very early age and eventually was tasked with managing all family business operations. By the time of his early adulthood, he had started two businesses of his own, to eventually be followed by a number of other ventures in the decade to come.
This early exposure to business proved to be valuable in teaching him the issues and concerns facing small businesses- including the creation of jobs, need for financial responsibility, ethical decision-making, and the many other factors which impact businesses and communities.
Choosing to enter the corporate world via sales/marketing and operations-tasked roles, Daniel's abilities proved successful and he eventually held a variety of management positions in regional and national companies. Eventually opting to leave in favor of redirecting his focus back to entrepreneurial ventures, he currently finds himself as the President of a local company.
Active as a community leader, Daniel serves as the Executive Director of a local charitable organization and is the former President (term-limited) of a large educational non-profit organization. He also currently serves as a highly-decorated Officer in the U.S. Air Force Aux/CAP and U.S. Coast Guard Aux (Department of Homeland Security) with extensive experience in Emergency Services, to include Search & Rescue and Disaster Relief operations. Additionally, he is involved with a variety of other charitable and community organizations. Serving as the Committeeman for Precinct 577, he is active politically as a member of the Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee, Tampa Bay Young Republicans, and the Tampa Republican Club.
During his collegiate years, Daniel served in many leadership capacities throughout a variety of student organizations including Student Government (President, Commuter Students), Commuter Student Organization (President), International Business Society (President Emeritus), College Republicans (Chairman), the Sociology Club (member), as well as various campus religious organizations. Additionally, he was featured as a speaker at Admissions Department events. He studied at multiple universities, including the University of Tampa , University of South Florida , and Cornell University , eventually receiving Bachelor degrees in Management/Sociology and holding a Certificate in Executive Leadership with additional studies in International Business and International & Cultural Studies.
Daniel graduated from a northeastern preparatory school where he was a member of an extensive number of organizations during his high school years, held many leadership positions, and received various honors. He was a member of the Varsity Track and Cross Country Teams (MVP & Captain), Mock Trial Team (Lead Attorney), Varsity Debate Team (Captain), Community Service Club (President), and was also member of the Spanish Language Club. His high school honors include being a member of the National Honor Society, receiving the National Foreign Language Award, being awarded a Gold Medal in a State Science Competition, as well as being named a National All-American Scholar.
Additionally, during his youth, Daniel held the record for the youngest Eagle Scout, having received the award at the age of 13. Remaining active, he was awarded additional Eagle Palms beyond the Eagle Scout rank, was elected into the “Order of the Arrow” (the Scouting Honor Society), and held a variety of senior-level Troop leadership positions. Having participated in the scouting program since the age of six certainly helped to mold him into the person he would eventually become with a focus on values, ethical behavior, and lifelong service to his community, state, and nation.
During this time, he was also an active member of the Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Program, eventually reaching the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and serving in a wide variety of Command, Staff, and Advisory positions at the local, state, and national levels.
Some of Daniel's hobbies and interests include travel, mountain biking, hiking, boating, recreational aviation, running, cooking, international cultures and travel, philanthropy, history, and community service.
It is his extensive experience in business, leadership, community involvement, emergency/disaster management, and serving his community in a vast array of positions, which gives Daniel the foundation needed to excel and make a difference in the Florida House of Representatives. Together, lets send Daniel Blair to Tallahassee as the State Representative from District 60!
Candidate Biographical Details
Political Involvement:
- 2010 Candidate, FL House of Representatives (District 60)
- Hillsborough Republican Executive Committee, Member
- Committeeman, Precinct 577
- University of Tampa College Republicans, Former Chairman
- Experience with a variety of Republican campaigns
- Republican Party member and active voter since age 18
- Tampa Bay Young Republican Club, Member
- Tampa Republican Club, Member
- RedCounty.com, Conservative Commentator
Business Experience:
- Managed multiple family-owned small businesses
- Entrepreneur, past and present owner of several business ventures
- Extensive corporate experience, to include various management and executive positions
- Currently, President of a local company
Boy Scouts of America :
- Eagle Scout with additional Eagle Palms awarded
- Elected into the Order of the Arrow , the BSA Honor Society
- Various Troop leadership positions, to include leading the entire Troop to a variety of mentoring and instructing roles
- Extensive community service within the local community
- Awarded various conservation, religious, and service awards/medals
- National Eagle Scout Association, Member
U.S. Air Force Aux/Civil Air Patrol:
- Highly-decorated Officer with substantial experience in Emergency Services, to include Search & Rescue and Disaster Relief operations
- Former Deputy Commander, National Emergency Services Academy
- Former Staff Member/Instructor, State Emergency Services Academy , teaching Emergency Services, Disaster Relief, & Communications
- Graduate, Ground Search & Rescue School (Honor Graduate)
- Graduate, Advanced Ground Search & Rescue School
- Qualifications in a variety of Emergency Services specialty ratings
- Commander's Commendation Medal, awarded for outstanding duty performance in Emergency Services operations
- Aerospace Education Excellence Award
- Former elected member of State-level Advisory Council
- Former Lieutenant Colonel in CAP Cadet Program
- Former Member, National Championship Drill Team
- Experience in a wide variety of Command and Staff positions
- Currently serving as a Staff Officer in a local unit
U.S. Coast Guard Aux (Department of Homeland Security):
- Member of local Flotilla
- Currently training to serve on rescue/patrol boat crew
Other Community Service:
- Executive Director, Non-Profit charitable organization
(unpaid volunteer professional)
- Former President (term-limited), Non-Profit educational organization. (unpaid volunteer professional)
- Volunteer First Aid/Emergency Medical Services Ambulance Squad
- Volunteered, teaching English to recent immigrants
- Volunteered, mentoring, teaching, and tutoring at-risk youth
- Volunteered, mentoring/assisting at a homeless shelter
- Volunteered at a nursing home, spending time with elderly residents
- Organized holiday food drives to feed the hungry and homeless
- Organized a volunteer effort to restore and repair a community park.
- Participated in various cancer events
- Volunteer leader, local youth organization
University Accomplishments & Activities:
- Student Government, Commuter President
- Commuter Student Organization, President
- College Republicans, Chairman/Vice Chairman
- International Business Society, President Emeritus
- Sociology Club, Member
- Admissions Department, Featured Guest Speaker
- Multiple student religious organizations, President/Member
High School Accomplishments & Activities:
- National Honor Society, Member/Chapter Officer
- National “All-American Scholar” Award
- National Foreign Language Award
- State-Level Science Competition, Gold Medal
- Community Service Club, President & Treasurer
- Science Team/Club, Member
- Varsity Debate Team, Team Captain
- Varsity Track Team, Team Captain & MVP
- Varsity Cross Country, Team Captain
- Spanish Language Club, Member
- Mock Trial Team, Head Attorney
Memberships:
- U.S. Air Force Aux/CAP - North Tampa-Lutz Squadron, Member
- U.S. Coast Guard Aux - Flotilla 79, Member
- Hillsborough Lodge #25, Member
- Tampa Bay Young Republicans (TBYR), Member
- Tampa Republican Club, Member
- National Rifle Association (NRA), Member
- National Eagle Scout Association (NESA), Member
Miscellaneous:
Language Skill: Fluent in both English & Spanish
Travel: Extensive travel experience, including having visited over 60 countries
Licenses: Automobile, Motorcycle, FCC Amateur Radio, etc.
Boy Scout Law
As an Eagle Scout and longtime participant in the Boy Scout program, I have always taken to heart and applied in my life the important values and lessons learned throughout my years of involvement in Scouting. Cherished by every Boy Scout are the fundamentals known as the “Scout Law.” The following are the laws that make up this guide which every Boy Scout is expected to exemplify in his daily life.
A Scout is Trustworthy .
A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
A Scout is Loyal .
A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.
A Scout is Helpful .
A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.
A Scout is Friendly .
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.
A Scout is Courteous .
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.
A Scout is Kind .
A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.
A Scout is Obedient .
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.
A Scout is Cheerful .
A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
A Scout is Thrifty .
A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
A Scout is Brave .
A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.
A Scout is Clean .
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.
A Scout is Reverent .
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
( Boy Scout Handbook , page 47-54, 11th Ed (2008), Boy Scouts of America, ISBN 0-8395-3105-2)
The 9/12 Project
With so many things in our country spinning out of control, television and radio commentator Glenn Beck put together a list of 9 Principles and 12 Values shared by the American founding fathers. Regardless of whether someone is a fan of Glenn Beck or agrees with him on other issues, these are important concepts as they were at the forefront of our founding fathers' beliefs and are still applicable today.
The 9 Principles:
- America is good.
- I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.
- I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.
- The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.
- If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
- I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
- I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
- It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.
- The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.
The 12 Values:
- Honesty
- Reverence
- Hope
- Thrift
- Humility
- Charity
- Sincerity
- Moderation
- Hard Work
- Courage
- Personal Responsibility
- Gratitude
(Glenn Beck's Common Sense (2009), page 109, ISBN: 978-1-4391-6857-8) |
