What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation, and how did your journey lead you to Sheltair?
Aviation is something that has always been in my blood. Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be involved in the industry. Becoming a pilot was my intended career path, and during my time in the military, we stopped through an FBO while on temporary duty and it was a pivotal moment for me. I fell in love with the dynamic environment and the opportunity to connect with people passionate about aviation. As a family man, I’ve always prioritized working for organizations that embody values I hold dear, like treating their team like family and giving back to the community. When I discovered Sheltair, a philanthropic organization that truly values its people, I knew I had found the perfect place to build my career. It’s not just a job; it’s an extension of the passion I’ve had for aviation my entire life.
What does a day in the life of a Sheltair GM look like, and how do you prioritize tasks to deliver exceptional service?
No day at work is ever the same. Each day brings its own challenges and opportunities, from managing Quick Turns and medical flights to meeting the unique demands of our customers. We prioritize tasks by timelines whenever possible, but flexibility and adaptability are key. The most important aspect for us is always having a clear plan in place while remaining ready to pivot when unexpected situations arise. I also believe in leading by example—whether it’s strategizing or jumping in alongside my team when we’re in the trenches. It’s that collaborative spirit and willingness to go above and beyond that help us deliver exceptional service every time.
What do you believe sets Sheltair apart from competitors, both in terms of services and company culture?
From the top down, leadership at Sheltair truly listens to employees’ concerns and takes actionable steps to make a difference. This commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered. We strive to create a workplace where our employees enjoy coming to work, and that sense of pride and camaraderie is reflected in the exceptional service we provide our customers. At Sheltair, we don’t just operate as a business, we operate as a family, and that connection makes all the difference in the experience we deliver.
How do you see the role of technology shaping the future of FBO services and operations at Sheltair?
Technology advancements are revolutionizing the future of FBO operations, and Sheltair is fully embracing this evolution. Tasks that were once paper based are now migrating to electronic tablets, improving efficiency, reducing redundancies, and freeing up more time for meaningful, face-to-face interactions with our customers. Processes like fuel orders, fuel tickets, Quality Control, and even service requests are moving to digital platforms, offering enhanced visibility and streamlined communication. By leveraging these advancements, we’re not only improving operational workflows but also elevating the customer experience to a new level of efficiency and personalization.
Sheltair places a strong emphasis on being family-owned and community-focused. How do you incorporate these values into your leadership style and the customer experience?
Every employee that is a member of my team is treated like my family. I believe that when you foster a culture of respect, support, and genuine care, it naturally creates a ripple effect that extends to the customer experience. By prioritizing open communication, collaboration, and mentorship within my team, we build an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. This sense of belonging and pride in our work is something our customers can feel when they interact with us. Whether it’s a warm welcome upon arrival or going above and beyond to meet their unique needs, our family-first approach drives us to deliver a customer experience that’s both personal and exceptional.
What motivates you to continually raise the bar for Sheltair’s services, and what do you hope customers take away from their experiences?
Whenever a customer interacts with a member of my team or visits my FBO, I always want them to leave with a positive experience. What motivates me is the opportunity to create moments that go beyond expectations, whether it’s a simple act of kindness or delivering seamless, efficient service during a critical time. Knowing that we can make a lasting impression on our customers and contribute to their journey in aviation drives me to continually improve. At Sheltair, we aim to make every interaction memorable, ensuring our customers leave feeling valued, appreciated, and excited to return.
