On today's episode, we sit down with Matthew Lenz, Director of State Government Affairs at The Toy Association. Matthew's story is a great example of how important networking is to becoming successful in this industry. Matthew went from managing a restaurant, to Senior Policy Advisor to the Attorney General of Rhode Island, and is now a lobbyist. The Toy Association is the not-for-profit trade association representing businesses that design, produce, license, and deliver toys and youth entertainment products. The Toy Association represents over 1,000 members from large toy companies to small mom and pop shops. Matthew attended the University of Rhode Island part-time while managing a restaurant in Warwick, RI After realizing he wanted to work in politics, Matt quit his restaurant job to pursue politics full-time He became former Attorney General Peter Kilmartin’s Deputy Campaign Manager Following Kilmartin’s win, he was appointed Executive Assistant to the Attorney General, Matthew then ran Kilmartin's reelection campaign, and became Kilmartin's Senior Policy Advisor during his next term in office Matthew then moved to his current position in the private sector at The Toy Association. Help us grow! Leave us a rating and review - it's the best way to bring new listeners to the show.  Have a suggestion, or want to chat with Jim? Email him at Jim@theLobbyingShow.com.  Follow The Lobbying Show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for weekly updates about the show, our guests, and more.