In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Trey Bryson, an aviation industry veteran with deep experience across business aviation, commercial MRO, and aircraft completions. Trey shares how his career has spanned everything from customizing luxury VIP jets—including designing in-air hot tubs and modular gyms—to founding Jet Works, an independent MRO business.

We dive into:

• The major differences between commercial and business aviation maintenance
• How speed and efficiency drive profitability in aircraft operations
• The complexities of aircraft modifications, from dance floors to structural repairs
• Lessons learned from building and selling an MRO business through economic downturns

Trey also offers advice for ambitious CEOs, emphasizing the importance of financial strategy, team-building, and adapting to industry shifts. Whether you're in aviation or simply love hearing how businesses are built and scaled, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and hard-earned wisdom.

Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.

Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/

Links:

Aviation Technical Services

Trey on LinkedIn

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:02:18) - Trey's Career Journey in Aviation

(00:03:47) - Differences Between Business and Commercial Aviation

(00:06:02) - Unique Requests in Aircraft Interiors + Challenges and Innovations in Aircraft Maintenance

(00:36:57) - The Impact of Economic Downturn on Business Aviation

(00:46:25) - Advice for Ambitious CEOs

(00:47:34) - Conclusion