In this episode, George Richardson sits down with Nicola Ciarlante, CEO of Custom America, to explore his dynamic journey from Air Force Crew Chief to executive leader driving innovation in airport and border control technology.

Nicola reflects on his early days maintaining C5 aircraft in the United States Air Force, where his fascination with systems, precision, and operational excellence took flight. That same dedication to technical mastery and leadership later propelled him into the aerospace and manufacturing sectors, where he’s spent over two decades developing cutting-edge printing, scanning, and data capture solutions for mission-critical industries.

As the CEO of Custom America, Nicola leads a company at the forefront of hardware innovation in aviation, retail, and industrial automation. He shares insights into the challenges of balancing digital transformation with operational reliability, and why traditional printing remains indispensable in aviation.

Nicola also discusses the importance of strategic partnerships, the realities of global manufacturing, and how customer-driven innovation continues to shape Custom’s product roadmap. Beyond the boardroom, we hear about Nicola’s passion for motorcycles, highlighted by a memorable moment at Passenger Terminal Expo 2025 in Madrid, where he won a brand-new Ducati Monster in AeroCloud’s giveaway.

From the flight line to the frontline of aviation, Nicola’s story demonstrates how leadership rooted in technical expertise and collaboration can accelerate progress across industries.

Custom America provides professional printing, scanning and data capture solutions for the automation of services to the public and digitalization processes in vertical and specialized markets. Custom America has been a key player in aviation technology for over a decade. The company focuses on hardware development and product marketing in the aviation sector.

#AviationTechnology #AirportInnovation #Leadership #Manufacturing #CustomAmerica #AirportOps #DigitalTransformation #AviationCareers #OperationalExcellence #B2BInnovation

In this episode, George Richardson sits down with Parker W. McClellan, Jr., A.A.E., Executive Director of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), to explore his remarkable journey from aviation enthusiast to visionary airport leader. Parker shares his early fascination with aviation, leading to earning his pilot's license and ultimately building his career around his passion for flight.Parker discusses the unique opportunity of being part of ECP from its beginning in 2009 before the airport's opening in May 2010, and later becoming Executive Director in 2013. He reflects on the evolution from as a startup airport to scaling operations as ECP matured from handling basic operations to supporting nearly 1.9 million passengers annually.Parker has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking aviation technologies, including the first networked lightning detection system for airports. He is committed to developing future aviation leaders and promotes his philosophy that technology should make operational life easier while prioritizing safety over cost.Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) serves as the gateway to Panama City Beach and Northwest Florida, located just 20 minutes from the coast. Opened in 2010, ECP holds the distinction of being the first international airport designed and built in the United States since September 11th. ECP continues to grow with a $14.7 million renovation currently underway to expand terminal facilities and baggage areas.#AviationLeadership #AirportOps #Innovation #Technology #ECPAirport #AviationCareers #AirportDevelopment #OperationalExcellence #AviationInnovation

In this episode, George Richardson welcomes Ashley Thorsen, A.A.E., Director of Operations at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) and one of Airport Business Magazine’s 2022 “40 Under 40” to talk about what it truly takes to lead and shape the future of the aviation industry.

With over 13 years of operational experience, a passion for aviation, and a reputation as an innovative, collaborative leader in the aviation industry, Ashley shares her personal career journey, lessons learned from managing safe and
efficient airport operations, and how GRR has become a vital engine of economic growth for West Michigan.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is the primary commercial airport serving West Michigan, located 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. Owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and managed by an independent airport
authority, GRR is classified by the FAA as a small hub primary commercial service airport.

Renamed in 1999 to honor President Gerald R. Ford, the airport serves as a key regional gateway with nonstop service to 33 U.S. destinations. GRR is Michigan’s second-busiest airport and one of only two west of Lansing offering mainline commercial service.

Covering over 3,100 acres, GRR supports more than 3 million
passengers annually and plays a vital role in the region’s economic development and connectivity.

#AviationLeadership #AirportOps #Mentorship #AviationCareers #GRRAirport #Podcast #WomenInAviation #CommunityImpact #OperationsExcellence

In our thirteenth episode, George speaks to Paolino De Falco PhD about his journey into the aviation industry and the integration of AI and machine learning in air traffic management. Paolino highlights the challenges of adopting these technologies, the importance of understanding target off block time (TOBT), and the role of machine learning in improving predictions. They also cover stakeholder engagement, the significance of ground handlers, and the need for collaboration in the aviation sector. De Falco emphasizes the importance of building trust with ground handlers and the necessity of effective communication to facilitate technology adoption. Paolino shares insights on the skills needed for a career in AI and aviation, and the future outlook for these technologies in the industry.

Paolino is a distinguished researcher and data scientist with deep expertise in air traffic management, modeling and simulation, bio-engineering and machine learning applications. He has led and contributed to numerous research initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and predictive capabilities within aviation.

EUROCONTROL is the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, dedicated to achieving safe and seamless air traffic management across Europe. 

EUROCONTROL's activities encompass strategic and tactical flow management, controller training, regional control of airspace, safety-proofed technologies and procedures, and the collection of air navigation charges

The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating and planning air traffic control for Europe, working closely with national authorities, air navigation service providers, civil and military airspace users, airports, and other stakeholders

#AI #aviation #machinelearning #airtrafficmanagement #TOBT #groundhandling #datasharing #technology #europe #airports #airlines #groundhandlers 

In our twelfth episode, George speaks with with Eduardo Valencia, CIO of Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), who brings over a decade of experience solving some of the most complex challenges in both the public and private sectors.

From his role as Chief Technology Officer for the State of Minnesota to leading MSP’s innovative approach to airport technology, Eduardo shares his unique problem-solving style, which includes a deep understanding of both the tech and business sides of operations.

We talk about how Eduardo translates business needs into technical solutions, his approach to high-level decision-making, and why being comfortable with uncertainty is key in tech leadership. Plus, Eduardo explains how using analogies can help bridge the gap between complex technical issues and business objectives.

In our eleventh episode, George speaks to Kamal Patel, looking back at 26 years at London Luton Airport (LTN) as their Technology Transformation Manager.

Kamal shares some of the advances in technology he's seen at the airport during his tenure, recalls what attracted him to the airport and aviation, why working in an airport environment 'isn't for everyone' but incredibly rewarding & some thoughts on how AI and passenger empowerment is vital in future travel.

London Luton Airport is the UK's 4th largest airport, serving 17 million travellers per year. LTN recently deployed AeroCloud's Passenger Processing System (PPS) at the airport in a project aimed at replacing outdated legacy solutions in an effort to improve their passenger experience. To find out more, visit www.aerocloudsystems.com/LTN

In our tenth episode, George speaks to Skyler Logsdon, the CEO and Co-Founder of best-in-class Lost & Found Platform, Boomerang.

Skyler shares his reluctance to join a 'big company' like Facebook or Google, opting for the more 'daring' route of joining and building early-stage start ups such a Zirx, Tatari and right back to his very first business during college, MyKlips.

Skyler talks about his mentorship through Philip Inglebrecht, Founder of Shazam & Tatari and his desire to offer the same to younger people in need of direction.

Boomerang helps many airports such as Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Cincinnati Kentucky International Airport among others and many other businesses and venues to recover lost items for their customers, reuniting owners over $400,000 of lost items per month. To find out more visit www.thanksboomerang.com

In our ninth episode, George speaks to Dave Lynch, the CIO at the largest Cargo and Aircraft Ground Handler globally, Swissport.

Dave shares insights on his various leadership roles in transportation including Swissport, First Group and Go Ahead in a career spanning over 2 decades.

Stories include Dave's experience in different leadership styles, what drives his 'failure is not an option' outlook and 'leading from the front', and how Swissport are looking for change in the way airports, airlines and ground handlers process and share valuable data in the space.

Swissport are the world's leading ground handlers providing services to 232m passengers, 3.9m flights and handling over 4.7m tonnes of freight in 2023.

In our eighth episode, George speaks to LHR graduate-turned-social media hit, Mohammad Taher or 'The Airport Guy' @mo_t_ivate.

Mo holds nothing back in this open and honest discussion about the changes he feels the industry needs when seeking young people and new talent into the industry. He shares his entry into aviation despite social prejudices following 9/11, through his apprenticeship program at London Heathrow Airport and latterly his huge social media presence in Aviation.

Mo has and continues to work with some big names including Lufthansa, BA, the Department for Transport, and Virgin Atlantic and delivers Keynote talks for the industry worldwide.

With hundreds of thousands of followers online, and views in the millions, The Airport Guy has found a way to capture the interest of the masses, bringing the behind-the-scenes of the aviation industry to millions of viewers, while promoting diversity and new talent through his outreach and Fantasy Wings.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/QrUj1RbMUi0

In our seventh episode of On Block/Off Block, George speaks to VP or Operations and Public Safety at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Lionel Guilbert.

George and Lionel talk about Lionel's upbringing and introduction into aviation and his journey through airport operations at SRQ, the three key drivers to success in SRQ's passenger growth, and some of the key learnings from his 30 years of experience at Sarasota Airport.

Find out more about SRQ's success: https://youtu.be/hyeJnU2uiLA?si=K9yKCb_TUK5GW8Mc

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QiGCJw7yt-4