How Top Aerospace Executives Set the Vision, Grow Their Business & Develop Talent
Episodes
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Covid, Inflation, Supply Chain interruptions and more have caused very volatile markets. A&D has also seen its share of volatility…and it is ever adapting to the environment.
With the squeeze on labor, working capital and raw materials organic growth seems difficult - but not impossible.
It’s a market of contradictions. The deal flow is there, but it’s also a tumultuous time to borrow money. There are a lot of great contracts, but with a backed up supply chain, manufacturers don't have the capacity to fill them. How are M&A advisors helping clients through these challenges? Where are the most surprising opportunities right now?
In this episode, I’m joined by managing partners at Coeptis Consulting Group, Chuck Adams and Corbin Metz. They share why it’s equally an exciting and challenging time to be in this industry, and navigating the exciting world of A&D from an entrepreneurial perspective.
Space is growing faster than people think, and there’s a big renewal in focus on it, especially on the commercial side. -Chuck Adams
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The drive for diversification
How are the companies getting pummeled by current supply chain constraints responding to these challenges?
-Private equity…a gift and a curse
With an industry-wide squeeze on working capital, what are the challenges of taking the route of a strategic buyer?
-Raytheon GTF - a cause for concern
Will this engine’s recent setbacks affect its perceived reliability?
-Step out and bet on yourself
What drove Chuck and Corbin to leave big Corporate America and venture out on their own? What are the biggest differences between entrepreneurship and working for a huge company?
Guest Bio
Chuck Adams is the managing partner of Coeptis Consulting Group. He brings years of experience to the firm with a background in the aviation/aerospace, automotive, and industrial goods industries. His deep, technical engineering expertise, combined with his business background, provides our clientele with a comprehensive, technical-business examination when providing our services. Prior to co-founding Coeptis Consulting Group, he spent over six and a half years at GE Aviation providing engineering & business services, interacting with internal & external production and MRO shops around the globe on various product lines, including the CFM56, LEAP, GE90, and CF34 commercial lines, as well graduating from GE’s Engineering Development Program. Before GE, he also spent time in the automotive, food manufacturing, industrial goods, construction, and video game industries. Additionally, he has founded a few companies, including a profitable residential & commercial construction firm in the local Idaho area, and is well-versed in data analysis, including programming (Python, MATLAB, SQL, and more). Chuck holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Boise State University, a MS in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University, and an MBA from Indiana University.
Corbin Metz is the managing partner of Coeptis Consulting Group. She has spent well over a decade driving value in organizations across the aviation/aerospace, rail transportation, and industrial goods industries. Her deep operations experience compliments her strong expertise in the digital transformation & solutions space, allowing thorough understanding & implementation of solutions, observing best practices, and simplifying operations to drive business value, including the usage of techniques such as Lean Six Sigma, Change Management, and AGILE development. Prior to co-founding Coeptis Consulting Group, Corbin has spent over a combined decade alone at GE Aviation, GE Global Operations, GE Digital, and GE Transportation, delivering savings and simplification in many facets of the businesses. Also, she is a graduate of GE’s well-renowned Operations Management Leadership Program (OMLP), and has deep front-line experience in the production shop environment. Corbin holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering & MMBA from Miami University, and a Master of Supply Chain Management from Penn State University.
To find out more, go to https://www.coeptiscg.com/ or phone 253-720-9058.
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Everyone has the potential to have a million dollar career - whether you’re starting your own business or climbing the corporate ladder, the recipe is really simple.
The things that separate thousands of college athletes from the 200 that are drafted into the league are the same things that separate mediocre players from the cream of the crop in the professional arena.
There will always be barriers to excellence and success, and most of them are internal. How do we identify and eliminate the things that stand between us and the careers we want? What are the attributes of people with million-dollar careers?
In this episode, I’m joined by executive recruiter and president of MR Fairfax, Robert Houghton. We discuss the ingredients of a high-level, high-earning career, and why it’s easier to accomplish than you think!
"Anyone can have a million-dollar career, just get rid of the bad influences that prevent you from doing it." -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-How to “elevate your neighborhood”
Who do we have to hang out with if we want million dollar careers?
-The power of finding what fuels your success
Every successful person has something that won’t allow them to quit. How do you identify what that is for you?
-Why success starts within
What strategies can we use to reorganize our mindsets and how we view ourselves so we can create the careers we want?
Guest Bio
Robert Houghton is the president of MR Fairfax, headquartered in the WDC metro region. MR Fairfax is the #1 recruiter in the Mid-Atlantic region specializing in insurance and financial services. A twenty year veteran of the local business community and former founder and CEO of several successful business enterprises, Robert has a unique understanding of executive recruiting in the commercial insurance sector with specialties in employee benefits, property & casualty insurance and risk management. For more information, visit https://mrfairfax.com/.
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
During the pandemic, aviation was in a world of hurt and it took a long time to recover. Now that we’re out of that, everyone is making money…except Boeing and anyone tied to them.
If you’re a well-run company, executing at a high level, you’re benefiting from the industry bounce back. If you’re programmatically connected to Boeing - well, it’s complicated and will be for a while.
Is there any silver lining for Boeing, or can we expect trouble for the next decade? Are interest rates affecting aviation, or is the labor shortage still the most pressing concern? In this episode, M&A banker, Bill Alderman returns to share the state of the industry and it’s so bifurcated.
If you are programmatically tied to Boeing, this is a difficult time for you, and it’s got nothing to do with the industry. It’s that your customer has actual operating problems and that flows right down onto you. -Bill Alderman
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The real problem
Everyone’s talking about the impact of interest rates, but is the labor shortage the real issue?
-Can Boeing get its act together
Why is Boeing having such a hard time while everyone else in the industry is experiencing incredible profitability?
-Boeing’s fate
The market’s lost confidence in Boeing, are they due for an activist investor or total collapse?
Guest Bio
William ‘Bill’ Alderman is the Founder and President of Alderman & Company who are aerospace and defense M&A bankers. Bill has always had a passion for aviation, and is both a commercial pilot and aircraft owner. Today, he uses his expertise, coupled with his interests to represent Middle Market Sellers in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
To find out more, go to:
https://aldermanco.com/
You can also call or text him on:
914.414.4070
Or email him at:
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
There’s an acute talent shortage in aviation, and it’s not just being felt in flight departments. From pilots to maintenance and leaders, the industry is short-staffed, and solving this issue requires an all-in, concerted effort from all organizations and stakeholders.
At the heart of our talent shortage is a crisis of leadership, and the hard truth that despite all it offers, aviation isn’t being viewed as an attractive career anymore. How do we show that aviation is a good industry to work in? What can we do to raise the leadership standard?
In this episode, I’m joined by third-generation business aviation professional and career coach, Jenny Showalter. She shares what it takes to bring the best and brightest into aviation.
We have an aviation talent shortage. We focus on the flight department roles, but it’s all throughout the industry. -Jenny Showalter
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Leadership or lack thereof
There aren’t a lot of younger, fresh blood leaders coming into this industry. How do we bring more in or develop the professionals we already have?
-Everyone should be concerned and involved
There’s no blanket solution for the workforce shortage we have, but what could go a long way to remedy it?
-Learning from the most effective flight departments
What do the best organizations do differently?
Guest Bio
Jenny Showalter is a third-generation business aviation professional and career coach. As Chief Motivational Officer at SBACC, she brings over 25 years of business aviation experience to her role. This experience stems from working in her family’s former FBO, Showalter Flying Service (KORL), leading regional business aviation associations in Florida, and most recently recruiting business aviation talent for corporate flight departments. Pairing her work experience with her roles as the wife, daughter, and sister of business aviation pilots, Jenny feels she’s uniquely qualified to help you navigate your business aviation career.
For more information, head to https://www.showalter.com/ or email jshowalter@showalter.com.
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
With the supply chain still recovering from covid, turn time, parts availability and cost sensitivity are the paramount concerns for airlines and leasing companies. That means more organizations are willing to look to creative solutions for complex problems. And, this has created lucrative market opportunities.
What is particularly fascinating is the team creating the solutions and capitalizing on opportunities; They’re young, aggressive, and willing to act fast in a very dynamic market.
Listen to how FTAI Aviation runs a business that moves fast without being reckless. In this episode, SVP and head of CFM & Module Factory at FTAI Aviation, Sam Hammoud shares the company’s unique and impressive approach to the engine MRO.
The CFM56 is such a simple engine in the sense that if you just gain an advantage, vertically integrate and do this right, you can make a very healthy business out of it. -Sam Hammoud
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Mitigating supply chain constraints
Why overspend to overbuild when there’s a modular and used parts market to take advantage of?
-Culture of execution
How can a company move fast in their decision making; not in a reckless way but rather a thoughtful way?
-An interesting balancing act
What challenges are old guard OEMs facing?
Guest Bio
Sam Hammoud is an SVP and head of CFM & Module Factory at FTAI Aviation. He is a seasoned professional with broad-based experience in commercial, technical, and operational domains. Sam is adept at leading diverse teams to achieve strategic goals, capture new revenue, and deliver performance improvement. He has proven success in cultivating and growing strategic partnerships. For more information, head to https://www.ftaiaviation.com/.
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
The frothiness of the covid market in business aviation may be in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean the space has slowed down. We’ve certainly come down from the rabid highs, but we’re still hovering above pre-pandemic levels in terms of activity.
From the Wheels Up/Delta deal to competition in big cabin jets and pilots, there’s a lot happening in the market. What does this activity tell us about the health of and outlook for business aviation? Can we expect more competition between manufacturers?
In this episode, aviation industry strategist, Forbes contributor, and the founder of BRiFO, Brian Foley gives us an update on business aviation trends in 2023.
Guest Bio
Brian Foley is an aviation industry strategist, Forbes contributor, and the Founder of Brian Foley Associates (BRiFO). Foley formed the consultancy Brian Foley Associates (BRiFO) in 2006 to help aerospace firms and investors with strategic research and guidance. Previously he was Marketing Director at Dassault Falcon Jet for 20 years. His career began at Boeing as a flight test engineer and marketing manager. He serves the Transportation Research Board as a member of the business aviation and helicopter subcommittees. He earned a Series 7 General Securities Representative license and is an instrument-rated private pilot. As a Forbes.com contributor and AvBuyer Editor-Market Intelligence, thoughts are shared on the aviation segment. A dual BS degree in aerospace and mechanical engineering from Syracuse University and an MBA from Seattle University are held. He completed Wharton’s Executive Education Program in Corporate Governance and is available for non-executive industry director roles.
To find out more, visit https://www.brifo.com/
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
With even award-winning organizations coming up short in terms of employee happiness, is it possible that everything we think we know about leadership is way off base?
What makes the difference between a good working environment and a GREAT one? What can leaders do to create a better atmosphere, and how can employees play a role in effecting positive changes?
In this episode, CEO of Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting, Dr Steve Merrill shares the 4 pillars that need to be implemented in ANY business to ensure maximum results.
"The relationship of being able to speak up, knowing you won’t be whacked by your boss for asking a question, is so important. That’s what helps people stay in an organization longer." -Dr Steve Merrill
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to lead effectively without getting mad at everything
It can get frustrating when our teams make a mistake, but getting angry isn’t likely to solve anything. What should we be doing instead and what’s likely to happen when we make that shift?
- The TRUE meaning of compassion in a business sense
Does compassion mean avoiding hurting people’s feelings at all cost, or could giving our teams a reality check be the kindest action?
- How to stop letting our egos run our organizations
As leaders, we tend to think we need to have all the answers, but could that be doing more harm than good?
- Why we need to re-think trust and micromanagement
If you're doing your employee’s jobs, who’s doing the CEO job?
Guest Bio
Dr Steve Merrill is the CEO and Owner of Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting. The holder of a Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership from Argosy University, Steve has long had a passion for leadership and, more specifically, good leadership. Prior to founding Veritas Leadership Research & Consulting, he served as an Adjunct Professor and Student Success Director at Argosy University. Steve is the Vice President of Exclusive Cleaning, Inc.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensmerrill
You can also email him at
Or call or text him on 3855494148.
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Success is easy to find when it’s broken down into the basics.
What are the 10 key ingredients of a successful career? How do you avoid the common pitfalls?
In this special 200th episode of the podcast, we talk about the secrets to a million dollar career.
If you don’t understand what you need to do to be successful in a company or it’s ambiguous, stay away. -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Mediocrity doesn’t open doors
What are signs that you’re not showing up at peak performance?
- Focus, focus, focus
How do you become a focused, specialized expert?
- Forget being the best of the best
What should we be paying the most attention to?
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
The traditional career is dead. Instead of climbing the resume ladder, many people are waking up to possibilities outside the cubicle or corner office.
We don’t live in an age where people stick with one career for decades. One person can have multiple iterations of their career, but it takes courage to make the leap.
How do you decide what your true calling is? How do you pivot before your job sucks the life out of you?
In this episode of Million Dollar Careers, we discuss an interesting WSJ article, and the new reality of careers.
People allow themselves to get stuck in a cubicle and they get the life sucked out of them and then they don’t know how to pivot. -Craig Picken
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The courage to reject status
What holds people back from leaving the comfy corner office even when it makes them miserable?
- Getting fired might be the best thing to happen to you
What triggers the great awakening that gets people to go after what they really want?
- The trap too many people fall into
A counter offer might just be a one-way ticket to nowhere-ville, how do we avoid taking the bait?
Read the full article here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-rules-of-success-in-a-post-career-world-3e54b343
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Leading an aircraft carrier with a 5,000 person crew is like running an entire city. The flight deck is dangerous, the number of moving parts is countless, the stakes are high. and the magnitude of responsibility is unparalleled.
How do you deal with all this and still manage to be an approachable leader with the respect and loyalty of your crew? Why is delegation THE key to success?
In this episode, I’m joined by retired Navy captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, Brett Crozier. He talks about his incredible career, his philosophy on leadership and what any leader can learn from running an aircraft carrier.
Never overreact. The truth is always in the third report. -Brett Crozier
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The curse of the founder: Delegation is key to leadership efficiency, but why do so many leaders struggle to offload certain responsibilities?
- How to be an approachable leader: The temperament of a leader has a huge effect on the culture, how do we keep our emotions in check?
- The right way to process information: We live in a world of unfiltered information and rushes to judgment. How do we manage this as leaders?
Guest Bio
Brett Elliott Crozier is a retired US Navy captain and the author of “Surf When You Can: Lessons in Life, Loyalty, and Leadership from a Maverick Navy Captain”. He embarked on a thirty-year career in the Navy, flying dozens of combat missions over Iraq and leading at the highest levels of operational command. He served as the commanding officer of a combat F/A-18 strike fighter squadron, the world’s largest and most advanced communications ship, and ultimately the USS Theodore Roosevelt before retiring from the Navy in 2022.
Pre-order your copy of the book here.
Learn More About Your Host:
Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.
Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity, and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.