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They say politics makes strange bedfellows, but public relations can result in a truly odd coupling — if Jason Rose has anything to do with it. The big-haired thirtysomething celebrates 10 years in business for himself (and a cadre of clients including billionaire accused arms dealer Pierre Falcone, Phoenix Coyotes co-owner Steve Ellman, and Phoenix International Raceway) this fall. Recently, Rose scored the coup of a career — depending upon your professional aspirations — by teaming two clients, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and the steamy new Scottsdale restaurant Pink Taco, at a press conference pimping the restaurant. The result was a whole lot of coverage, and some pink underwear sales. And Rose doesn't blush a bit when he talks about it — or anything else, for that matter.

Why He Got Into Public Relations
I couldn't make it as a plumber.

Favorite Mexican Restaurant
Manuel's. They've got the best hot sauce in the city, and I still go there to get two pints of hot sauce a week.

Let's get this straight. Manuel's is better than Pink Taco, your client.
Their hot sauce? Yes.

"Look, Mom, I've got a new client . . ."
She was okay with it. I think I had built up some capital with her when I respectfully declined to take on the strip clubs [as clients] earlier in the year. She was fearful of me taking on the strip clubs and was not shy about mentioning that to me.

And it was the sheriff's idea to wear a pink shirt to the press conference
It was a little audacious. A little aggressive. Could have been a flop. You don't know if you don't take risks. We did that press conference on Monday of opening week for Pink Taco. Arpaio called me on Thursday [here Rose stops, choking with laughter] and said, "I really need to send some press releases on arresting people, because all anyone wants to talk about is the Pink Taco."

Examples of other Scottsdale businesses Rose mentioned to Scottsdale city officials, including Mayor Mary Manross, to convince them to back off Pink Taco
In-N-Out Burger. The Valley Ho. The Pink Pony. Ra.

How That Went
Conversations with the mayor were awkward.

Favorite Client
Steve Ellman is the guy, when you're floating down the Salt River — everyone's had a few beers, Ellman's had six — who goes up on a cliff and does a two-and-a-half. He's the guy you want on the river trip.