Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Vertical Magazine.

Welcome to the Vertical MRO Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Magazine.

This two-part leadership series episode was recorded on location in Shreveport, Louisiana, at Metro Aviation. Hosts Jon Gray and Leslie Ferry sit down with Metro Aviation’s director of maintenance Shawn Bruton and Emmy Award winner, author, and keynote speaker Clint Pulver.

During our conversation, we explore the vital role of effective leadership in the realms of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) community.

Shawn shares his story, from starting out as a young man cutting grass to becoming the director of maintenance at Metro Aviation, and offers valuable leadership insights from his successful career.

Clint shares his inspiring journey from aspiring helicopter pilot to professional speaker and author, shedding light on the urgent need for transformative leadership training and its profound effect on organizational culture and employee retention.

Drawing from his insightful Undercover Millennial research, highlighted in the book he wrote titled “I Love it Here,” Clint reveals a truth we know too well: Employees often leave their bosses, not their jobs.

During the conversation, they discuss the importance of mentorship over mere management and the power of genuine connection in leadership.

Clint is speaking at the upcoming Vertical MRO Conference in both Kelowna, British Columbia (Oct. 7 to 9, 2025), and in Irving, Texas (Nov. 10 to 12). For more information, and to register, please visit Vertical MRO.  

Special thanks to our sponsors, Robinson Helicopter, Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing and Airbus.