Draft

client’s best interests first,” said Draft, who thinks of himself as more diplomatic than political. “If that’s ruthless, then I’m ruthless.”

“It’s not about personal loyalty to him. It’s about loyalty to the business,” said Draft Chicago managing director Tony Weisman, who has been with the agency for four years. “Do the right thing for the client or the business and you’ll be fine.”

He can also come across as a bit gruff and is comfortable telling tasteless jokes, though some say that demeanor is more a way to test his audience than a true measure of the man, who has made charitable work a cornerstone of the agency and is quick to grant time off for employees to spend time with their families.

“He’s always been respectful of me and the other women that he’s worked with,” said Yvonne Furth, president of Draft Chicago, who’s worked with Draft for 25 years.