The Corporate Jet Investor Podcast

In this episode, David Dixon reflects on his remarkable 50-year career in aviation, which began with selling small piston aircraft in Africa before transitioning to business jets, including a 33-year tenure at Bombardier. He explores the evolution of the business jet market, highlighting the distinct challenges and opportunities in Asia compared to North America and Europe, where infrastructure limitations and cultural nuances significantly influence sales strategies. Dixon contrasts his experience selling standardised new aircraft at Bombardier with the complexities of the pre-owned market at Jetcraft, where each plane has a unique history and condition. He also shares how business aviation serves as an economic indicator, with demand fluctuating in tandem with broader market confidence. For newcomers, Dixon emphasises the importance of thoroughly understanding aircraft capabilities and customer needs, rather than focusing solely on price and specifications. Even after five decades, his passion for the industry remains strong, and he has no plans to retire as long as he finds the work both challenging and rewarding.

Craig Picken is an executive recruiter, ICF-trained executive coach, writer, and speaker who specialises in the business aviation and aerospace industry. With over 400 executive-level searches completed since 2008, he focuses on placing senior leadership, sales, and operations talent with top OEMs, aircraft operators, financial institutions, and MRO providers. Craig is unique in the industry - he has flown aircraft, sold them, and successfully run profit-and-loss operations in aviation businesses. In his approach to executive search, Picken focuses on building long-term relationships with rising professionals in the industry. This strategy allows him to identify and support future leaders early in their careers. He also stresses the importance of a data-driven, process-oriented approach to sales, rather than relying solely on traditional "rainmakers." According to Picken, successful executives must be proactive in investing in their own professional development. Throughout the discussion, Picken shares insights on the current state of the business aviation sector, touching on topics such as ongoing supply chain issues, the expansion of fractional ownership, and the critical need to cultivate the next generation of leadership. Hear more of Craig Picken on his Aerospace Executive Podcast at: https://www.aldermanco.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamalderman/

In this episode, we speak with Dustin Cordier, founder of Step Zero - a coaching platform that helps business owners lead with intention by getting clear on their vision, executing with discipline, and building a company that endures beyond them. Cordier's background includes time in the Air Force, banking, and aircraft sales before transitioning into business coaching, particularly for family-owned and entrepreneurial companies in the aviation industry. Cordier highlights the challenges many business owners face in the aviation industry, such as the difficulty in finding and retaining good sales talent, as well as the statistics around business owners being unprepared for an eventual exit or transition. Key advice Cordier provides includes the importance of building a strong company culture, delegating responsibilities, and bringing in the right advisors and team members to help grow and eventually transition the business.

The Corporate Jet Investor podcast features Ben Shirazi, founder and owner of Smart Jets, who shares his extensive experience in the business aviation industry. Ben discusses his early start in the family business, selling his first aircraft before turning 18, and the evolution of his ventures - Smart Jets for aircraft brokerage and VIP Completions for cabin retrofitting. He emphasises the importance of trust, value-driven acquisitions, and the increasing demand for advanced connectivity and customised interiors in private jets. Ben also touches on the cyclical nature of the industry, the impact of tax incentives like bonus depreciation, and the challenges of hiring skilled labour in completions. Offering advice to first-time buyers, he emphasises the importance of understanding operational costs and maintenance forecasts. The conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities and rewards of the business aviation world.

In this episode of the Corporate Jet Investor podcast, Alasdair Whyte chats with Garrett Jerde, founder of JetHQ, about his unexpected journey from aspiring airline pilot to launching one of business aviation’s fastest-growing brokerages. Garrett explains how an internship at Raytheon Aircraft ignited his passion for corporate aviation, leading him around the world - delivering aircraft, navigating economic turbulence, and ultimately founding JetHQ in Dubai at the age of 28. He discusses his early entry into international markets, the thrill of complex cross-border deals, and the guidance of industry veteran Ted Farid, who then played a vital role in JetHQ’s early expansion. Now overseeing a global team of 42, Garrett shares the value of knowing your strengths and why he still thrives on the challenge of selling jets. For him, every day brings new opportunities disguised as problems - that's what keeps him going and he wants to encourage the next generation and as many people from across the globe as possible. Thanks Garett for your insights!

This recorded Corporate Jet Investor Town Hall session dives into bonus depreciation for business aircraft, featuring insights from tax and aviation experts Ryan D’Amour (MySky), Angel Hook (Hook & Christensen), and David Shannon (Lewis Brisbois). The panel explains how the 100% first-year tax deduction works, emphasising that it should only factor into purchases when the aircraft is truly needed for business—not as a standalone incentive. Key considerations include strict IRS compliance (like meeting annual 25-50% business-use thresholds), avoiding pitfalls like passive income limitations or improper documentation, and planning for future tax implications upon resale. The discussion also covers timing (delivery and first flight must occur by year-end), structuring deals correctly, and why early consultation with aviation-savvy CPAs and attorneys is critical. With bonus depreciation now permanent, the experts predict a surge in Q4 transactions but caution against rushed decisions without proper tax and operational planning.

Brad Harris, president and CEO, Dallas Jet explains how he puts "make offer" on listings to make potential buyers contact his firm and start communicating. In this interview, he explains how he started selling jets, why he loves building relationships and why AI will aid, but never take over aircraft sales. Harris also explains how Shawn Dinning - now senior partner at Dallas Jet - got his job.

Jason Zilberbrand, president of VREF the aircraft valuation company, believes the pre-owned aircraft market is changing . He sees demand slowing, financing getting harder, high interest rates, and rising operational costs and geo-political uncertainty hitting values. Zilberbrand also delves into his personal path from promoting punk concerts in college to working at JSSI, the company his father launched, launching a brokerage, and eventually acquiring VREF.

This week we were in the UAE for Corporate Jet Investor Dubai. One of the standout sessions was with Can Şaşmaz, CEO of Falcon. Şaşmaz joined Falcon - the aviation business of Alex Investments in 2024. Falcon is aiming to grow all parts of its business - aircraft charter (Falcon Luxe), FBOs (Falcon Elite), maintenance (Falcon Technic) and trip planning (Falcon Flight Support). But it is not looking for small growth. Şaşmaz wants Falcon to be the world's biggest business aviation. By 2030.

Luiz Sandler, the founder of Jet Match, takes us through the complexities of doing deals in Brazil (the world's second largest business jet market). Sandler started his business aviation career at Embraer and also sold new aircraft for Gulfstream. He never thought he would end up as a salesperson and warns that it is a tough business: "Life is more about dealing with frustration than dealing with success." Sandler discusses: the differences between selling new and pre-owned aircraft; how selling to entrepreneurs made him want to launch his own business; and why he did not staying as an airline pilot.

The recent changes in trade tariffs have sparked significant discussion in the aviation industry, particularly regarding cross-border aircraft transactions. In this insightful panel discussion, industry experts break down the implications of these new tariffs and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and operators. Key Discussion Points: Are Canadian aircraft now exempt or facing new challenges?How will tariffs be applied to European-made aircraft, and what are the compliance requirements?Could counter-tariffs impact U.S.-manufactured aircraft in international deals?Additional considerations for leasing, financing, and cross-border transactions under the new tariff regime.Featured Speakers: Shawn DinningDavid HernandezTobias KleitmanEhsan MonfaredWhether you're an operator, lessor, financier, or legal advisor, this session provides critical insights to navigate the evolving tariff landscape. Watch now to stay informed and prepared for the changing dynamics in aircraft transactions!

Description coming soon!

Don Dwyer, co-founder of Guardian Jet and aviation sales veteran, on his decades of experience with manufacturers like Mooney and Hawker Beechcraft. He discuss the evolution of aircraft sales, emphasizing client relationships and trust-building. Guardian Jet's consulting model is explored, focusing on data-driven reports that help clients navigate purchases. The conversation highlights cultural differences between manufacturers like Gulfstream and Dassault, showing how brand identities shape buyer decisions. Current market trends are analysed, including order backlogs, deposit structures, and OEM strategies. Dwyer offers career advice for aspiring professionals, stressing adaptability and relationship-building as keys to success. Don's enduring passion for aviation shines through, demonstrating the dedication required in this competitive field. The episode provides valuable insights into both the business and human sides of aircraft sales, from tactical deal-making to long-term industry dynamics. Dwyer's perspective reveals how deep expertise and client-focused service continue driving success in business aviation.

Jay Mesinger, CEO and founder of Mesinger Jet Sales discusses trends and challenges in the business aviation industry. He discusses President Trump's first 100 days, giving out mobile phones to customers and early days of sales videos.

Brian Proctor, president and CEO, Mente Group discusses how being shot in a random incident led him to focus on growing his business. Proctor shares insights on the business aviation industry's evolution, noting a generational shift as older leaders retire and new ones emerge. He also discusses market trends post-Covid, emphasising the increased value of business aviation for time efficiency and safety. Proctor touches on industry consolidation, rising operating costs and the challenges of capital efficiency. Whilst expressing excitement about future opportunities, including OEM innovations and the need to attract new talent to the industry. Overall, he sees a dynamic period ahead for business aviation, with potential for significant growth.

Janine Iannarelli, president, Par Avion talks about how she turned down a role in advertising to research business jet owners. She explains how she moved into business jet sales – both as a broker and dealer – before launching her own company. Janine tells Alasdair Whyte that owners should not chase transactions and that there is always another aircraft out there. She discusses being a woman in a male dominated field, lessons from showjumping and why failure was never an option.

What do tariffs mean for aircraft transactions. This Emergency Town Hall will look at how the tariffs will affect both new and pre-owned aircraft transactions. Speakers: Jonathan Epstein, Holland & Knight Ehsan Monfared, YYZlaw Tobias Kleitman, TVPX Hear more topics like this at CJI Miami 2025 - November 4-6, 2025 | Fontainebleau Miami Beach Book your spot HERE

In this second this episode of the CJI Podcast, we chat with Johnny Foster, President & CEO of OGARAJETS. OGARAJETS has grown over 44 years but remains a family business with core values. Johnny tells us more about joining the business and how they work to maintain these values established by his father and retain the trust of their clients. Johnny tells Alasdair Whyte why transparency is so important as a broker, why the company needs to grown and why a commitment to excellence was key when planning to take the reins as leader of OGARAJETS. Johnny (and his trademark bowties) joined the company in 1991, was appointed President in 2005 and took on full management and ownership in 2013.

In this first podcast of 2025 we speak with Chad Anderson, CEO of Jetcraft. Chad shares his thoughts on what lies ahead in the world of business aviation for 2025. Is there enough inventory? How to keep the team motivated and what does it mean to 'choose hard'? Chad joined Jetcraft team and took on his role as CEO in 2022, overseeing inventory, global sales and corporate strategy.

This Town Hall, kindly sponsored by Mesinger Jet Sales, will take a look at what lies ahead for the business aviation industry as we begin 2025. We will take a trip around the world and hear from experts from each region, sharing their thoughts on the market. Speakers include: Jay Mesinger, Mesinger Jet Sales Yosef Hafiz, NASJET Darren Broderick, ACAM Robert Baltus, EBAA Pedro Ferreira, Timbro Trading