Get to know Grant Johnson, ISPA’s manager of policy and government affairs.
Grant Johnson has had a lifelong passion for politics. During his junior year at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio — where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and government — he interned with the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. After graduating, he worked for management consulting company Gartner and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce before joining the International Sleep Products Association in 2019. In 2021, Johnson returned to school to obtain his law degree from George Mason University.
BedTimes: What drew you to ISPA?
Grant Johnson: I was looking for a job that was linked to politics and government, which is something I’ve always been passionate about. I didn’t know much about the trade association world. But after I saw the International Sleep Products Association on a job application website, I figured, what the heck. After two rounds of interviews, it was evident that this is a great place to learn, work and grow. From the get-go, I felt like this was exactly where I wanted to be in the trade association world, working for manufacturers but from the government affairs side of things.
BT: Describe your role at ISPA.
GJ: We take member concerns about business and try to relate them to ‘How is that being legislated and regulated?’ My job is to first understand what members care about. The second is to monitor legislation. Third, when there’s either an opportunity or a challenge, we step in and advocate on their behalf, trying to make the case for why a bill or regulation should or should not be enacted or changed.
BT: What’s most exciting about your role?
GJ: Making an argument for or against something using the industry’s common sense. It’s why so many people are lawyers in this line of business because it is somewhat similar — organize the facts and present your case. I find that fascinating and fun to engage with. There are times when you’re in a tough spot and you compromise, and you have to do so in a pretty creative way. I find that giant gray area an exciting venue for us to work in.
BT: What are you most proud of accomplishing since joining ISPA?
GJ: Helping to craft and get the Oregon mattress recycling program enacted.
BT: What’s something people might not know about ISPA but should?
GJ: Government Affairs requires every department’s input and attention to make it operate as effectively as possible. Our team needs to hear from members. We’re actively looking for input because it makes us more effective. And we’re always looking to learn more about the technical aspects of mattress manufacturers and the supply chain. We’re here to learn and help our members out.
BT: What’s your best sleep tip?
GJ: Exercise regularly and buy a good mattress.
Get to know more ISPA staff: Insights and Innovation: A Q&A with Mary Thorpe, ISPA’s Research Manager.
