Resolve Strategic Communications is a new entry in New Jersey’s crowded communications landscape — but it isn’t a typical startup PR shop or a communications arm bolted onto a lobbying firm.
Instead, founders Eric Shuffler and Dan Bryan are betting there’s room for a strategy‑first communications firm that draws on decades of experience in policy, politics and advocacy — then applies that thinking to public affairs, corporate and nonprofit clients.
The two are well known in Trenton and beyond. Shuffler worked for Govs. McGreevey and Corzine and built River Crossing Strategy Group into one of the state’s most prominent government‑affairs firms. Bryan served as a top adviser to Gov. Murphy before launching his own consulting practice.
Now, they’re teaming up on an independent venture they say is designed to solve problems — not simply generate press releases.
Resolve will be based in Edison, with Bryan serving as managing partner.
Here are 10 things to know about Resolve Strategic Communications:
10. Resolve is independent — not part of a larger government‑affairs firm
From the start, Shuffler and Bryan were clear that Resolve would not sit under River Crossing or operate as an extension of Bryan’s previous consulting work.
“We were intentional about building something that stands on its own,” Bryan said. “We want this to be an independent firm.”
Shuffler said attaching the firm to a larger operation would limit its potential. “We want Resolve to grow on its own terms,” he said.
9. Resolve is designed to fill a gap they see in the market
Shuffler said he has been thinking about this concept for more than a decade.
“Most communications firms are built by people who come from communications backgrounds, not strategy backgrounds,” he said.
After two decades of advocacy and problem‑solving, he believes there’s demand for a firm led by people who understand the full context around an issue — budgets, politics, stakeholders and execution — not just messaging.
8. Politics informs the firm — but doesn’t define it
While both founders are closely associated with New Jersey politics, they stress that Resolve is not intended to be a political boutique.
Bryan said the firm already is doing broader public‑affairs work across multiple sectors. Shuffler said the skills developed in high‑level politics translate directly to business and nonprofit challenges.
“The problems are different, but the fundamentals are the same,” he said.
7. Strategy comes before communications
At the core of Resolve’s model is the belief that communications is only one component of a larger strategy.
After years of advocacy work, Shuffler said, it becomes clear that messaging must be integrated with policy dynamics, stakeholder engagement and execution — not treated as an isolated function.
6. New Jersey is home base — not the limit
The firm is based in Edison. Its initial focus will be New Jersey, where its relationships are deepest. But both founders see Resolve as a platform capable of taking on complex assignments and scaling over time — potentially beyond the state.
5. The firm already has its first key hire
Resolve has hired Toral Patel, who worked in the governor’s communications office, as an early team member.
“She’s smart, motivated and exactly the kind of person you want at the start of a firm,” Bryan said.
Additional hiring is expected over the next six months, though Bryan said growth will be deliberate and culture‑driven. “We want to walk before we run.”
4. Culture is a foundational priority, not an afterthought
Both founders said Resolve is being built deliberately, with culture guiding decisions about growth, hiring and client work.
Bryan said the goal is not to scale quickly, but to build a firm where people understand the mission, trust one another and share a commitment to thoughtful, high‑quality work. Shuffler echoed that sentiment, saying the firm is focused on doing things the right way from the start rather than chasing rapid expansion.
3. Resolve’s growth could include new capabilities or partners
Shuffler said any modern communications firm must keep pace with rapid changes in technology.
That means adding expertise in areas such as AI, data analysis and research — capabilities the partners expect to build over time rather than all at once.
For now, the focus is on executing a disciplined launch. Longer‑term, the partners are open to expanding Resolve’s bench — whether through new hires, partnerships or acquisitions — as long as those moves align with the firm’s values.
2. Their approach is grounded in real‑world problem‑solving
Shuffler said the same logic applies whether the task is political advocacy, corporate communications or promoting a professional baseball team — he is also an owner of the Staten Island FerryHawks.
At its core, he said, the work is about persuasion and motivating people to act.
1. The Resolve name reflects the firm’s purpose
The firm’s name, Resolve, reflects its emphasis on outcomes.
Bryan said Shuffler suggested the name during branding discussions and it immediately resonated. The idea was to signal determination and problem‑solving — a clear message about what clients should expect.
