Blades is one of the most talented staffers in Alabama state government. After serving in a senior role in the Riley administration, he became the top aide to House Speaker Mike Hubbard when Republicans took over the legislature in 2010. He’s still only 31-years-old, making him one of the youngest guys to ever do the jobs he’s been tasked with.

Hubbard trusts him to help craft the GOP’s big picture legislative agenda and to orchestrate the process on the 5th floor of the state house on a day-to-day basis. Legislators respect his instincts, making him a trusted voice to not only the Speaker, but also to many of the other members of the House Republican Caucus.

He’s also one of the few state government staffers who has extensive relationships in the business community. Most of the top business leaders in the state only want to deal directly with the top elected officials. But they know when they’re talking to Blades, it’s almost the same thing.