If you run a business or lead an organization, you know that public opinion matters. You also know that government rules and media stories can change your plans fast. This is where a public affairs firm can help. One firm that is making news in Wisconsin is On The Rail Advisors, LLC, also known as OTR Advisors. Their website, otradvisorsllc.com, gives a clear picture of what they do and how they help their clients take action.
What Is On The Rail Advisors?
On The Rail Advisors, LLC is a public affairs and strategic communications firm based in Wisconsin. The company has offices listed at 790 N Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, and the team also works closely with clients in Madison, the state capital. The firm’s main goal is simple: help organizations win what they call the “perception battle.” This means helping companies, non-profits, and other groups manage how the public, the media, and government officials see them.
The firm was launched in November 2024 by three experienced professionals: Andrew Hitt, Ben Voelkel, and Heather Smith. Together, they bring about 65 to 70 years of combined experience in public affairs, political strategy, and communications. Their backgrounds include work at the highest levels of Wisconsin state government and politics.
Why Was On The Rail Advisors Created?
Every business, at some point, needs to explain its plans to the public or to the government. Maybe a company needs approval from a local council to build a new factory. Maybe a non-profit needs to change a state policy. Maybe a business is facing bad press and needs to protect its name. These moments require more than luck. They require a clear plan, strong relationships, and good communication.
The founders of On The Rail Advisors saw a need for this kind of support in Wisconsin. They noticed that many organizations struggle when they face government rules, media pressure, or public backlash. Their answer was to build a firm that combines real-world experience with modern tools, including technology used in political campaigns, and apply it to businesses and non-profit groups.
The Founders Behind OTR Advisors
Understanding the people behind a company helps you understand its values. Here is a short look at each founder.
Andrew Hitt
Andrew Hitt has a strong background in Wisconsin Republican politics and business advising. He has experience guiding organizations through complex political and regulatory situations.
Ben Voelkel
Ben Voelkel brings years of experience in political communications and campaign strategy. His work has focused on helping clients build clear, effective messages that reach the right audience.
Heather Smith
Heather Smith has held major roles in Wisconsin state government. She served as Policy Director for the Speaker of the Assembly and as Chief of Staff for leaders of the state budget committee. She also worked as Deputy Chief of Staff for former Governor Scott Walker, where she managed budget and policy work. Later, she was appointed as Wisconsin’s Medicaid Director. This deep government experience gives her special insight into how public policy really works.
Together, these three founders formed a team that understands both the political world and the business world. This mix is what makes their firm useful for many types of clients.
Services Offered by On The Rail Advisors
The firm groups its work into several main service areas. Let’s go through each one in simple terms.
Public Affairs
Public affairs sits at the meeting point of law, policy, and politics. On The Rail Advisors helps organizations understand this space so they can find opportunities instead of only risks. Their public affairs work includes:
- Research and intelligence gathering, so clients understand the full picture before they act
- Issue management and coalition building, which means bringing together groups with shared goals
- Earned media support, helping clients get fair and accurate news coverage
- Digital strategies to shape public opinion using modern tools
- Grassroots and grasstops strategies, which means organizing everyday supporters as well as influential leaders
Public Relations
A company’s reputation can change in minutes, especially with social media. On The Rail Advisors offers public relations services to help protect and grow a client’s public image. This includes:
- Crisis communications, so a client is ready before a problem happens, not after
- Media relations, building trust with reporters and news outlets
- Social media management, to grow reach and connect with more people
- Reputation management, protecting the client’s name over time
Strategic Communications
Good communication is not only about talking to the public. It is also about talking clearly inside an organization. This service includes:
- Narrative development, creating messages that are clear and honest
- Internal communications, so teams understand company plans and can work well together
- External communications, building strong ties with outside partners and stakeholders
- Fractional communications officer services, where a client can hire expert help part-time instead of paying for a full-time staff member
Political Advising
Some organizations need to understand the political landscape before making big decisions. On The Rail Advisors offers:
- Business advising for groups that must deal with political risk
- Campaign consulting for candidates who want a winning strategy
- Donor and stakeholder advising
- Guidance on independent expenditures, which are political communications run separately from official campaigns
Local and State Government Affairs
Government rules at the city, county, and state level can affect a business in ways owners do not expect. This service covers:
- Advocacy with state agencies and local governments
- Issue monitoring, so problems are caught early
- Stakeholder management at the local and state level
Legal Services
On The Rail Advisors also connects clients with legal support for government and regulatory matters. This includes:
- Regulatory compliance help
- Legislative drafting for policy proposals
- Negotiation and dispute resolution with government bodies
- General business strategy and legal guidance
Industries That Work With On The Rail Advisors
One thing that stands out about this firm is how many different industries they serve. Their client list on the website includes:
- Dairy farms, both small and large
- Agriculture
- Cannabis and hemp businesses
- Food processing companies
- Utility companies
- Renewable energy businesses
- Health providers and health insurers
- Long-term care facilities
- Manufacturing companies
- Banking and financial services
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Political organizations
- Commercial development groups
- Professional services firms
- Trade associations
- Higher education institutions
- Food and beverage companies
This wide range shows that the firm’s skills can be applied almost anywhere a business needs to deal with government rules, public opinion, or media coverage.
What Makes On The Rail Advisors Different?
There are many public affairs firms across the country, so what makes this one stand out? A few things come up again and again when you look at their approach.
Deep relationships with key people. The firm says its network of officials and experts is wide and ready to support client goals. This matters because in public affairs, who you know can be just as important as what you know.
Use of campaign-style technology. The founders bring tools and methods from political campaigns and apply them to business clients. This can include modern digital outreach and data-driven strategy, which not every traditional PR firm offers.
Combined experience. With founders who have worked at the top levels of state government and in political campaigns, clients get advice based on real experience, not just theory.
Client trust and reviews. The firm has received positive words from respected voices in Wisconsin. For example, former Governor Tommy G. Thompson said the OTR team are true professionals who know how to get results. An attorney and a business shareholder have also shared positive comments about working with the firm.
How to Take Action With On The Rail Advisors
If your organization is facing a government issue, a media problem, or you simply want to build a stronger public image, taking the first step is easy. The firm offers a complimentary consultation, which means you can talk with them for free before you decide to hire them. You can reach out through their website at otradvisorsllc.com, or contact them directly by phone at (608) 205-8201 or by email.
During this first talk, you can explain your situation and learn how their team might help. Since they work with so many types of organizations, from small dairy farms to large manufacturing companies, there is a good chance they have handled a situation similar to yours before.
Final Thoughts
On The Rail Advisors, LLC is a Wisconsin-based public affairs and communications firm built by experienced political and business professionals. Their goal is to help organizations manage government challenges, protect their reputation, and communicate clearly both inside and outside their walls. With services covering public affairs, public relations, strategic communications, political advising, government affairs, and legal support, the firm offers a well-rounded approach for many types of clients.
Whether you run a small local business or manage a large company, understanding how to communicate with the public and the government can make a real difference in your success. Firms like On The Rail Advisors exist to help close that gap and guide organizations toward better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does On The Rail Advisors, LLC do?
On The Rail Advisors is a public affairs and communications firm. They help organizations manage government relations, protect their public image, handle media relations, and build clear internal and external communication plans.
Who founded On The Rail Advisors?
The firm was founded by Andrew Hitt, Ben Voelkel, and Heather Smith in November 2024. All three have strong backgrounds in Wisconsin politics, government, and strategic communications.
How can I contact On The Rail Advisors for help?
You can visit their website at otradvisorsllc.com, call them at (608) 205-8201, or email them to set up a complimentary consultation about your organization’s needs.
