A well-defined communications strategy. Nothing is more imperative to the success of your organization. Sometimes an offensive posture is called for. Other times, threats to your reputation require a skilled, measured defense. At Saber-21, we provide clients the counsel they need to effectively evaluate their options and confidently execute their strategies.
Strategic Communications | Crisis Management | Public Interest Campaigns
For more than three decades, Steve Miller has worked for and with some of America’s largest companies and many small businesses, for politicians and people who lead causes to change their communities, states, and the nation. He’s been in hard, complex fights and produced results that have been honored as some of the best in the country.
In 2018, Steve co-founded Saber-21 to provide expertise in strategic and crisis communications, as well as public interest campaigns. Clients and colleagues will tell you Steve brings mature judgment, the ability to see around corners, and a builder’s mentality for creating something new and important. Those skills were on full display in 2022 when Saber-21 managed the super PAC that supported Craig Greenberg’s winning campaign for Louisville Mayor.
In 2023, Clarke Miller became part of the Saber-21 team. Clarke’s colleagues will tell you that he possesses significant creative talents, including videography. He also brings a different generational perspective to Saber-21.
Steve Miller is recognized as a leader in business, politics, and community service. He has founded local businesses in Kentucky and led a national energy trade association in Washington, DC. He’s played key roles in campaigns from President of the United States to sheriff. He’s an advocate for better schools.
Steve is President of Saber-21, LLC, a communications and business strategy firm, and practices law in his own firm. He’s known around the country for his strategic vision, tactical execution, and artistry in communicating difficult messages to diverse audiences. Steve is also acknowledged for being in some of the toughest national, state, and local business reputational fights and public interest campaigns.
Want to know more, here is Steve’s full bio.
Clarke is a 2022 graduate of High Point University in North Carolina and was initiated into Sigma Nu Tau, which is HPU’s entrepreneurship honorary society. He has a deep appreciation for many cultures, having traveled to more than 30 states and more than 25 other countries. He believes travel is essential to “sharpen your saw.”
Clarke is a skilled videographer with a keen eye for graphic design, colors, and photography. He sees and creates memorable designs that cut through clutter.
“Steve has unique insights about communicating complex messages, managing diverse coalitions, and leading organizations through existential crises. He’s a consummate professional at the national, state, and local levels. I would proudly join him in any effort.”
Mark Allen
Purple Strategies
In 2009, the American Association of Political Consultants recognized the “America’s Power” campaign as the national public issue “Grand Marketer of the Year.” This integrated communications campaign encompassed paid advertising, social media, earned media, and a grassroots citizen army. Steve Miller led strategy development and oversaw this diverse coalition effort, which also included extensive public opinion research as well as outreach to federal and state policymakers.
Here’s our foundational insight about effective communications: people think in metaphors and symbols, and remember in stories. That’s how the human mind works. So, we start by helping craft the research instruments and analyzing the findings. And then, we drill down and down…and down for our clients until we’ve found the most effective symbols, metaphors, and stories that reach people where it matters most—
in the heart.
Almost always, a crisis management team battles internally over opposing interests. The communicators want to get in front of the story – to protect the enterprise’s public reputation. The lawyers usually see it differently; they often advise saying less, to limit financial exposure. Steve’s a seasoned communications pro and a practicing attorney. He’s had a seat at the conference room tables during existential crises, and he’s skilled at helping clients bridge this divide and manage risk effectively.
We’ve led large trade associations, worked to elect political candidates, and helped guide non-profit organizations at the national, state, and local levels. We have been responsible for fashioning compelling messages, making great ads, breaking through in social media, generating positive earned media, and creating grassroots armies. We approach all this work as a campaign…because it’s about keeping score and winning, not just participating in the public square.
Steve’s blog offers his insights on developing stories and telling them well. He also writes about new social trends and research findings that leaders in business, public policymaking, and the non-profit world need to consider as they form strategies and tactics.
Most people who work in the business of communications and public relations highly value the finely crafted word. So do the people who hire them.… Read more
Steve Miller has built a distinguished career in public affairs, politics, law, and community service. He is currently President of Saber-21, LLC, a communications and… Read more