ENDORSEMENTS
“I’ve known Greg Folley since we worked together at Caterpillar in the mid 1990's. In our first encounters Greg worked in HR and played a key role in our labor negotiations with the UAW, managing our spiraling health care costs for all payrolls and managing our pension obligations. We had to manage these well to maintain global competitiveness while improving engagement from all employees. These goals were achieved, and Greg was instrumental in our success. Greg transitioned from his senior leadership roles in HR to very effectively running a major components business, and again exceeded high expectations!
I’m mindful that many of the skills Greg exhibited in the private sector will translate well into managing similar issues faced by Florida’s state government. Greg has gained governmental experience by serving as Marco Island’s City Council Chair where he’s demonstrated strong fiscal management skills. It’s my pleasure to endorse Greg for State Representative for Collier County!”
JIM OWENS, FORMER CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF CATERPILLAR, INC
“I heartily endorse Greg Folley for State Representative for House District 81,” said Captain Tom Boyce. “He is a proven senior leader in both business and government with a long history of achievements in his career, even while also serving on the boards for several charitable organizations. Most recently, Greg has demonstrated a highly effective collaborative leadership style as a City Councilman for Marco Island, resulting in being elected to be the Chairman. He was able to work with people having a variety of differing interests and forge a consensus on significant contentious issues, notably capably managing the rapid growth of the island while simultaneously reducing the property tax rate for its homeowners.
I first came to know Greg while we served together at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He thoroughly embraced the mission of that fine institution, principally the value of service to country above self, including core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Although a medical condition precluded his career in the naval service, as a young man Greg already demonstrated the attributes of initiative, accountability, integrity, and toughness that would serve him well in his civilian career.
As a representative of District 81, I know Greg will work hard for the people he represents,” concluded Capt. Boyce. “He will lead the conservative fight to preserve the rights and individual freedoms that are being eroded by the corrosive liberal political organizations in today’s society. I believe Greg Folley is the absolute best choice to represent and serve our district as the State Representative for House District 81."
TOM BOYCE, U.S. NAVY CAPTAIN (ret)
"Folley Will Be a Champion for the Region"
"One of the first texts I received after Hurricane Ian was from Marco Island City Councilor Greg Folley. He simply asked, “Are you and your family ok?” I watched as Greg helped in the aftermath and worked tirelessly with Comcast, LCEC, and Summit to get utilities back up and running. This work was done behind the scenes. It wasn’t about getting credit; it was about getting things done for our coastal communities. But that’s the type of person that Greg is. From his time in the Reagan administration to his tenure as an Executive at Caterpillar Inc. to his work here in Southwest Florida, he has always listened, led, and worked tirelessly for those he represented. Even when confronted by some of the most difficult decisions on divisive issues, Greg approaches them with pragmatism, care, and consideration of all viewpoints.
For these reasons, I am thrilled Greg has thrown his hat in the ring to be our next State Representative. During his time on Marco City Council, he has helped find efficiencies and return the savings to taxpayers. In fact, our property tax millage rates have gone down by almost 18 percent since Greg was elected. In 2022, he was re-elected and then elected City Council Chairman by his colleagues.
Greg will be an outstanding champion for fiscal responsibility, tax relief, and limited government in Tallahassee. From Goodland to Vanderbilt Beach, Greg will be a tireless advocate for our region. I hope you will join me in supporting Greg Folley for State Representative."
May 23, 2023 Coastal Breeze News, Letter to the Editor
HAYDEN DUBLOIS, MARCO ISLAND RESIDENT
"I was elated to hear that my friend and former co-worker at Caterpillar Inc. has decided to run for a state representative position. However, I was not surprised because he has always had an intense interest in governance and and it’s effects upon our lives. We have discussed the realm of politics on many occasions throughout the years and he consistently saw the wisdom of conservative answers to difficult questions. I can see Greg becoming an outstanding representative because his educational and professional life demonstrates success from hard work, innovative problem resolution, and genuinely caring about people. He has consistently exceeded expectations in every challenge that faced him regardless of the difficulties. I believe he will serve the people in the same manner.
I hope the voters in his district have the opportunity to meet Greg in person. He will easily win them over with his engaging personality and grasp of local, state, and national issues. Simply put…he is a “Great American” with the values, honesty, and integrity that the voters deserve. His district is fortunate to have him looking out for their interests."
MARVIN ROSSER, GENERAL MANAGER & DIRECTOR
ASIA-PACIFIC OPERATIONS, CATERPILLAR, INC
"It is an honor to endorse Greg Folley as the ideal candidate for Florida state representative in House District 81. I first met Greg when he and I became board members of the Cape Marco Property Owners Association in April of 2022. Greg and I have collaborated on multiple projects and accomplished a great deal during that short timeframe – all while successfully dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
I have found Greg to be an exceptional individual who knows how to get things done in an efficient and effective manner. He is extremely knowledgeable in many areas of business and law and diligently applied his knowledge to help solve many problems and overcome many challenges while working together. I have had the good fortune of working with exceptional and talented individuals in the two companies I have founded, and I can attest that Greg ranks at the absolute top of the list when it comes to people that I have personally seen accomplish great things.
He is a person of tremendous presence and character, and I am confident he will represent the residents of Florida in an outstanding manner. Please join me in supporting Greg in his campaign to ensure strong leadership in Florida to accomplish the critically important objectives of his platform."
BRAD LAWSON, FOUNDER AND FORMER CEO OF YOUR ENCORE, INC
FOUNDER AND FORMER CEO OF ALLEGIANT TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC
“I have known Greg Folley for more than 20 years and served as a professional peer and then direct report for several of those years. Over the years, my respect for Greg’s principled approach to leadership grew to admiration because I found that while principled, he was always willing to listen and learn from another’s perspective. As we worked together and subsequently became friends, we haven’t always seen eye to eye on issues, yet I believe Greg listens and truly desires to create a world in which everyone feels represented and has an opportunity to live out their dreams. I am confident in his leadership, his ability to sort through complex issues, and his desire to represent all constituents in his care to enable action and to serve the community he is entrusted to serve.”
BONNIE FETCH, VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN AND MANUFACTURING, CUMMINS INC
“I can’t think of a more solid individual to run for State Representative in Florida than my friend, Greg Folley,” said John Disharoon. “Greg has a proven track record in business, civic, and philanthropic endeavors. He is a family man who is wicked smart, fiscally conservative, and aware of – and opposed to – the liberal agenda being forced upon the American public. From his early days in the Reagan Administration, through his awe-inspiring career at American Airlines and Caterpillar, Greg never met a challenge without an innovative and disciplined approach to solving it. Always willing to get involved, Greg serves on — and currently chairs — the Marco Island City Council. If you’re looking for a candidate who respects life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and all the protections our Constitution promises, look no further than Greg Folley.
From protecting our borders to ensuring the State of Florida continues to lead the nation in freedom from the left, Greg’s presence in Tallahassee should make us all sleep better at night. I’ve known Greg for 30 years, and can tell you his convictions don’t waver in the wind. He’s the real deal. He won’t let us down.”
JOHN DISHAROON, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND THE REMANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES COUNCIL
“I heartily endorse Greg Folley for State Representative for House District 81,” said Captain Tom Boyce. “He is a proven senior leader in both business and government with a long history of achievements in his career, even while also serving on the boards for several charitable organizations. Most recently, Greg has demonstrated a highly effective collaborative leadership style as a City Councilman for Marco Island, resulting in being elected to be the Chairman. He was able to work with people having a variety of differing interests and forge a consensus on significant contentious issues, notably capably managing the rapid growth of the island while simultaneously reducing the property tax rate for its homeowners.
I first came to know Greg while we served together at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He thoroughly embraced the mission of that fine institution, principally the value of service to country above self, including core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Although a medical condition precluded his career in the naval service, as a young man Greg already demonstrated the attributes of initiative, accountability, integrity, and toughness that would serve him well in his civilian career.
As a representative of District 81, I know Greg will work hard for the people he represents,” concluded Capt. Boyce. “He will lead the conservative fight to preserve the rights and individual freedoms that are being eroded by the corrosive liberal political organizations in today’s society. I believe Greg Folley is the absolute best choice to represent and serve our district as the State Representative for House District 81."
HARRY LAMBERSON, ATTORNEY, MARCO ISLAND RESIDENT
"I write this letter in strong support of Greg Folley's candidacy for the State House District 81 seat with enthusiasm. Having served alongside Greg on the Marco Island City Council, I can attest to his unwavering commitment and effective leadership. Greg' s actions consistently align with his words, proving reliabilityand providing a sense of trustworthiness. His steadfast dedication to conservative values, profound understanding of crucial issues, and genuine passion for our nation, our community and its citizens set him apart.
In a political landscape often marked by discord, Greg stands out for how he turns his passion into constructive action. His approach has a refreshing absence of acrimony, reflecting a genuine commitment to bettering our community and country. Greg is a champion for individual freedoms, limited government, the rule of law, free markets, and human dignity. Importantly, he maintains a firm grip on fiscal responsibility, ensuring a balanced and responsible approach to governance.
I wholeheartedly endorse Greg Folley's candidacy and encourage others to join me in supporting him. His proven track record and dedication make him the ideal candidate to represent State House District 81."
CLAIRE BABROWSKI, MCDONALD'S SENIOR EXECUTIVE
AND FORTUNE'S POWER 50 TOP FEMALE EXECUTIVE
"My name is Tom Farr. I graduated summa cum laude from Hillsdale College and have law degrees from Emory University and Georgetown University.
I am a former staff attorney for the National Right to Work Foundation and a former counsel to the United States Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, assigned to Senator John P. East, R-NC.
I have been in private practice for over 40 years representing employers in employment disputes as well as members of the North Carolina Republican Party in election litigation dating back to 1984 and continuing through the present.
I have known Greg Folley for over 40 years dating back to the days when we both worked on Capitol Hill. Greg and I were law clerks for the same federal district judge who was an appointee of President Reagan, and I had the good fortune to work with Greg as my colleague and partner during the early days of his law practice.
In short, I am very familiar with Greg's extremely high legal and intellectual abilities but more importantly I know his character.
Greg is a staunch a conservative who can be trusted to put his personal principles ahead of popular opinion or his own self-interest.
He is also a Christian gentleman, a great patriot, and dedicated supporter of our traditional American values.
I have enthusiastically supported Greg with the maximum contribution permitted by Florida law. I strongly encourage those of you who may be reading my letter to do the same.
Greg will be a fantastic state representative for his districts and will make his constituents very proud that he is their representative."
TOM FARR, FORMER STAFF ATTORNEY FOR THE NATIONAL RIGHT TO WORK FOUNDATION AND FORMER COUNSEL TO UNITED STATES SENATE LABOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE, ASSIGNED TO SENATOR JOHN P. EAST, R-NC
1. “Quick study” - ability to listen and grasp facts swiftly
2. Ability to gather meaningful data and understand seemingly unrelated events
3. Balanced decision making - understanding multiple constituencies
4. A clear “compass” - understanding the right course, versus the convenient choice
These four attributes I have witnessed since making Greg’s acquaintance in the early 1990’s will serve District 81 very well and indeed, all of Florida.
My name is Christopher E. Glynn, retired Director of Human Relations and President of the Caterpillar University. Working with Greg whilst he was practicing law; then as a colleague at Caterpillar Inc.; I worked closely with him in various capacities over twenty-five plus years. That extensive experience leads me to confidently endorse Greg Folley.
The possible stories to relate are many, but I will offer two for consideration.
After leaving a prestigious law firm, Greg joined Caterpillar, Inc. and was swiftly drawn into the complex and sometimes contentious process of contract negotiations with several unions. Greg and the team he lead, understood health care plan design - costs for employees and employer were of paramount importance. This issue affected current employees; thousands of retirees pocketbooks; and had implications for the projected corporate liability. In short - a very “big deal.” Successful negotiations were achieved in part by Greg’s ability to gather the data, grasp the impact on multiple constituencies and make the case for a benefits plan design that balanced those needs.
As Vice-President of a large, multi-plant manufacturing Division Greg’s leadership “under fire” was tested when a tornado destroyed one of the manufacturing plants in his portfolio. Issues of employee safety, pay of employees not able to work, salvaging machinery/equipment, assessing loss, supporting other plants that relied on products produced there and understanding the impact on suppliers were amongst the issues to be weighed and acted upon. Swift, yet thoughtful leadership served employees, customers and the corporation exceedingly well - a “bright line” demonstration of leadership.
As mentioned at the outset the attributes that Greg Folley so ably demonstrated during his tenure with Caterpillar, Inc. are readily transferable to political governance and are reasons for my endorsement.
CHRISTOPHER E. GLYNN, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RELATIONS AND PRESIDENT (RET) CATERPILLAR UNIVERSITY