JT was founded in 1981 by Rick Jasculca and Jim Terman, who got to know each other in the Carter-Mondale White House when Jim was was Associate Counsel to Vice President Walter Mondale and Rick was a private consultant doing advance work for President and Mrs. Carter. JT pioneered the practice of public affairs in the Chicago market, applying the strategic and tactical discipline of political campaigns to the management of public policy and social issues and to the advancement or protection of reputations and brands. The firm has diversified over the years into event management, creative services, issues-based marketing communications and related fields.