Aviator
Commercial Multi-Engine Airplane/Helicopter Pilot, Licensed A&P Mechanic
Proficient in many different aircraft including 18 helicopter models. Extensive experience in building and maintaining both aircraft and helicopters. Have owned & managed several aviation businesses including 135, 133, charter, management, pipeline patrol, helicopter logging, maintenance, aircraft kit manufacturing, and sales.
Certified
Cessna 140 Cessna 150 Cessna 152 Cessna 170 Cessna 172 Cessna 175 Cessna 180 Cessna 185 Cessna 182 Cessna 206, Land/Floats Cessna 210 Cessna 310 Cessna 340 Cessna 425 Conquest I Cessna 441 Conquest II Cessna Mustang Citation Jet CJ3 Citation XLS Citation X Cirrus SR20, SR22 Beech Bonanza 33, 35, F33, A36, B36, B36, B36TC, Beech Baron 58 Beech Duke A, B, Turbine Beech King Air C90, 350 Piper Seminole Piper Matrix Piper Seneca I, II Mooney 201 Piper Archer Piper Arrow Piper Apache Mirage Saratoga TBM A, B, C, 700, 850, 910, 930 North American AT6 Navion BirdDog L-19 Alpha Jet (french military) Citabria Decathlon Scout AG Cat Twin Commander Twin Otter Several Waco’s Lear 31 Extra 300 Pitts S2 Husky Porter PC-6, PA23, PA28, PA30,
Experimental
RV3, RV4, RV6, RV7, RV8, RV10, RV14, Harmon Rocket, F1 Rocket, Nemesis NXT, Long Ez, Lancair Evolution Turbine, Evolution Piston 350 Legacy, Super Turbo, 8, Lancair 360, Thunder Mustang ,Fouga Magister I, II Paris Jet, L39 Albatros, Carbon Cub, Back Country Super Cub, Midget Mustang, Extreme Sbach 300, 342, Glasair III, Super Glasair Turbo, 300SX Rutan-Twin, CJ-6 Nanchang, Stewart 51, Parasail 6-shooter,
Helicopters
C269 C300 Huey H Model M500c M500e Bell 206 Bell 407 Alouette 312 Alouette 319 Lama 315 Gazelle Astar B2, B3 EC130 R22 R44 R66 Scout Rotorway Exec 162F
Business Developer
Best described as a transition manager, entrepreneur, and passionate aviator. Helping businesses through tremendous change and growth is what I am most interested in. Preparing an organization for major transition like sale, merger, or rapid growth.
October 2018 - Present Discount Aircraft Salvage Company
Very excited to have completed purchase of this 36 year old business in Deer Park Wa (KDEW). 10 acres of 300+ aircraft and a huge warehouse of parts accumulated over 36 years by its founder Don Morse. Read more about purchase.
Visit our new site www.DiscountAircraftSalvage.com
February-June 2018 - AVEX, SW TBM Distributor
New AVEX was the first distributor for the TBM line of high performance aircraft. My role was to evaluate many aspects of the business to help them through their current growth cycle in both Denver and Camarillo. At the time they serviced over 160 TBM aircraft between both facilities and are by far the highest volume sales distributor of new and used TBM aircraft in the US. www.newavex.com
2015-2017 - President, Evolution Aircraft Company
Restructured Lancair International to prepare the sale of all out of production assets to Mark and Conrad Huffstedler in Uvalde Texas. Then re-launched the Evolution Aircraft Company focusing on the Evolution model of aircraft kits. After successfully selling Lancair assets and out-of-production portion of the company we ultimately had to close the Evolution line because of market forces and lack of funding. www.evolutionaircraft.com www.lancair.com
2014-2015 ECi, Titan Aircraft Engine Co.
Moved to San Antonio TX to establish new company for the Danbury Group (ECi). We launched the new division “Titan Aircraft Engines” to focus on the experimental market, ultimately all assets where sold to Continental Engine Group www.titanengine.com
2013-2017 Advanced Component Engineering
I assisted this startup in launching modern replacement components for traditional Lycoming engines to increase performance, reduce weight, and improve reliability. Currently the focus has shifted to the development of a two stroke engine design by designer Andrew Higgs. AC Website
2012-2013- Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours, Kauai
Moved to Kauai and took over existing tour business with two aircraft to develop a new business model. We relaunched every aspect of the service and promotion of the business focusing on a new “Private Tour Model”. We grew our fleet from 2 to 5 Robinson R44 aircraft in less than 6 months, which is no easy task in the middle of the Pacific; and totally changed the marketing and service aspects of the business. We increased profitably over 60% over prior year tours and I am enthusiastic about the future of this company. www.helicopter-tours-kauai.com
2005-2015 SLO Air Inc.
Manufactured and sold Nemesis NXT kit race aircraft, Xtreme Air - SBACH aerobatic aircraft US distributor. While both of these businesses had huge potential I learned valuable lessons about control. You cannot ensure your customers satisfaction unless you have ultimate control over production and distribution of products. Closed 2015
2000- 2005 Airtime Aviation Inc.
Airtime Aviation was an incubator for aviation related businesses opportunities. Aerial imaging, aircraft overhaul and maintenance, 135/133 helicopter operations. Sold assets April 2006
2001- 2005 Aviation Consultants Inc.
I purchased controlling interest in this small 135-charter operation at the San Luis Obispo airport which was operating one Piper Seneca aircraft at the time. By the end of 2006 ACI did over 20 million in revenue and had under its management 8 brand new Cessna jets worth over 60 million dollars. My assistance financially and as a board member / backup pilot/mechanic were key to the development of the business. ACI Jet has a bright future and I feel privileged to had a hand in this truly world class company. Sold interest 2005 http://www.acijet.com/
2000-2002 Patroline Aviation
I purchased this 58-year-old company that had recently lost its owner to an accident. The business was in very poor condition both operationally and financially. Patroline Aviation inspected right-o-ways with small aircraft from San Fransisco to Los Angeles. After much work restructuring every aspect of business I sold Patroline in 2002 with zero debt and very profitable.
1997-1998 Vice President, Radiant Systems, Inc.
Managed company transition after sale of RapidFire to Radiant Systems in October, 1997. Assisted in the implementation of our direct sales & marketing model and remote field service approach for other divisions of Radiant Systems. Retired 1st time Oct 1, 1998
1993-1997 President, Equilease Financial Services
I started Equilease to fill an opportunity I saw for leasing equipment to my customers. This company grew rapidly by utilizing new technology tools I developed to increase profitability and decrease losses usually associated with equipment leasing. I sold this company successfully with over a million dollar portfolio and a great reputation for customer service. Sold 1997
1991-1997 President, RapidFire Solutions, Inc.
RapidFire Software, Inc. was an innovative company providing technology solutions to restaurants. Recognized for excellence in customer service, sales & marketing, and human resources policies while maintaining rapid growth. I purchased RapidFire in 1991 with revenues around 400k and sold it in 1997 with revenues close to ten million and 100 employees. This experience has been key to my education in building profitable businesses with very tight budgets and explosive growth efforts. Key to my success both building this company where great people I was able to attract and my own skills in sales, marketing and customer service. Sold 1997
1989-1991 National Sales, China Lake Systems, Inc.
Acted as national sales representative selling the RapidFire POS solutions to restaurants throughout the US. Extensive travel, direct contact and marketing development were primary duties. Learned much from owner who was Ex-IBM Vice President of Sales.
1984-1988 Served in the United States Air Force
One of the last enlisted “flying” crew chiefs in the United States Air Force. Primary responsibilities were maintenance and flight crew duties at Edwards AFB in a "H" model Huey.
Achievements:
Young Presidents Organization (YPO) Portland Chapter
Aero Squadron Deputy - Helicopter Pilot
Commercial, Multi-engine IFR Airplane and Helicopter Pilot
FAA Licensed A&P Mechanic with extensive experience in composite manufacturing, restoration, and maintenance.
19 year veteran Reno Air Racer, aerobatic competitor, formation Lead and Wing certified, and fair airshow demonstration experience.
Notables:
Recognized by the Portland Business Journal as one of Oregon’s top privately held growth companies; 1995 & 1996
Recognized by Oregon Business Magazine as one of the "Top 50 Technology Growth Companies" 1997
Recognized by the Portland Business Journal as one of Portland’s top executives in the "Forty Under Forty" award, 1996
Recognized by Inc. Magazine as a finalist in the "Marketing Master" Award, 1997.
Recognized by Inc. Magazine as a "Positive Performer" for outstanding customer service, 1995 & 1997.
Recognized by Oregon Business Magazine Oregon’s top places to work, 1995 & 1997.
Professional Philosophy
Strategic Management
Every organization needs leadership able to consider input from many sources but ultimately make decisions and see a plan through to implementation. Leaders must be able to change direction when warranted, and inspire others to see the benefits of this change. As a leader, I am not afraid to take action or of making mistakes. I am able to take calculated risks, invest in growth, and build quickly while creating long-term structure in an organization.
Human Resources
Nothing is accomplished without people driving your success. I consider my greatest accomplishments as a leader to be in developing a great management team that could outshine my capabilities in most areas. I strive to create a culture of enthusiastic achievers driven by team orientation and an unfailing focus on the customer. My style of management is to allow lots of room for decision-making but demand customer needs and company performance objectives are met. While not everyone likes this style, I believe it fosters leaders over the long haul that are willing to take responsibility.
Sales
Selling is the heart of who I am. I love the challenge of sales management in an organization. There is nothing that brings you closer to the needs of the market and to the reality of the customer than selling.
Marketing
Unlike many sales professionals, I understand the inherent difference between sales, with its short-term focus, and marketing, with its longer-term focus and strategic role. I strive to maintain a balance between sales and marketing. I believe that marketing exists to set company direction, investigate new opportunities, look toward future products, and to support the sales staff today with product knowledge, marketing tools, and lead generation. I believe in marketing that is results-oriented, measurable, and targeted to an extreme.
Customer Service
Great customer service is an easy proposition to me. This requires two things: First, you must properly set customer expectations early in the customer relationship. This requires careful training and follow-through across the organization. Second, you must execute above those expectations consistently. This requires persistent attention to processes and people. I strive for a culture where everyone cares deeply about the customer. The mission is to assure customers succeed – which helps us define our goals more broadly than just providing a product. Exceeding the customers’ expectation on a consistent basis ensures the organization will have all that is needed long term.
Many references available upon request!