From Episode 265 with Erika Armstrong. Watch the full video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Nc2vgTLhbYA

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Erika Armstrong, a pilot, author, and aviation expert whose career has taken her from corporate jets to major airlines to the university classroom. Erika shares stories from her early days in aviation, from sleeping on crash pads with seven other pilots to flying charter flights into some of the most challenging airports in the country.

We dive into what it was really like working in aviation in the 1980s and 90s, how pilot training has evolved, and the importance of standard operating procedures and safety culture in modern aviation. Erika offers insight into how pilot mindsets are shaped by training environments, and how she’s working to help the next generation of pilots think beyond rote memorization and develop real-world decision-making skills.

We also cover:

Erika’s passion for aviation is infectious, and her practical experience offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of pilots and aviation leaders. This conversation is packed with lessons on leadership, training, and the importance of building strong, resilient safety cultures.

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:

Erika on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/achickinthecockpitb727/

Advanced Aircrew Academy - https://www.aircrewacademy.com/

Support our Sponsor:

Inzo Technologies - https://inzotechnologies.com/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:04:00) - Erika’s career on the road

(00:05:42) - Tips for packing lean

(00:07:34) - Erika’s favorite places she has flown

(00:11:05) - What made the 727 fun to fly

(00:15:02) - Erika’s transition from flying to teaching

(00:20:29) - The process of training pilots

(00:26:39) - Why aircrafts shake during a stall

(00:28:00) - How training regimens have changed

(00:30:56) - Safety cultures

(00:39:15) - Advice for aviation leaders

(00:41:07) - Common phrases from safety-focused CEOs

(00:43:18) - The pilot shortage

(00:55:07) - Electric planes

Watch the full episode here - https://youtu.be/GTxWeRXap9Q

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Kathryn Poehling Seymour, President and CEO of First Supply, a fifth-generation, family-owned distribution business with over 700 employees and 53 locations across the Midwest. We cover everything from leading a 128-year-old company through generational transition to building one of the largest distribution centers in company history.

Kathryn shares what it was like taking over as CEO during COVID, the insights she gained from touring every branch in the company, and how she’s leading First Supply through a major operational shift—from a regional hub model to a centralized distribution center strategy. We also talk about how customer expectations have evolved, especially around e-commerce and data transparency, and the company’s efforts to meet those demands while maintaining deep local relationships.

We dive into:

This conversation is a masterclass in thoughtful leadership, multigenerational stewardship, and building for the long haul—without losing sight of what matters most: people, relationships, and values.

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

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GTxWeRXap9Q

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

Links:

Kathryn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-poehling-seymour/

First Supply - https://www.firstsupply.com/

Support our Sponsor:

Inzo Technologies - https://inzotechnologies.com/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro  

(00:04:00) - Becoming CEO and taking an in-person tour of all facilities to get a sense of the situation on the ground  

(00:07:25) - Customer feedback  

(00:09:56) - How larger distribution locations affect the direction of the business  

(00:15:22) - What are the keys to a good location for a massive distribution center?  

(00:17:33) - How does e-commerce sales impact data?  

(00:19:53) - AI breakthroughs  

(00:25:47) - Customer service evolutions  

(00:31:19) - Acquisitions  

(00:34:09) - Debt utilization  

(00:37:58) - Katie’s career before First Supply  

(00:41:52) - How do you describe your style as a CEO?  

(00:44:42) - Constructing a board  

(00:46:30) - Succession planning  

(00:49:33) - Lessons learned from other family-run businesses  

(00:52:43) - The next generation of the business  

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/UTNl0xeSgZY

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Hill Hamrick, Co-CEO of Central Storage & Warehouse, to explore how he and his team run a complex, high-volume cold storage business that ships hundreds of millions of frozen food products across North America every year.

We dive into how Hill and his co-CEO, Sam, transitioned from first-time owners into strategic leaders of a 24/6, labor-intensive operation. Hill shares how they learned the business from the ground up, why building trust with frontline employees was critical in the early days, and how his experience in the Marine Corps continues to shape his leadership approach.

We also get into:

Hill also opens up about the challenges of system migrations, prioritizing as a CEO, and the discipline required to avoid shiny-object distractions when building long-term value. This episode is a masterclass in leading through complexity and creating alignment in fast-moving, blue-collar businesses.

Links:

Hill on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hill-hamrick-094807a0/

Central Storage and Warehouse Co. - https://www.csw-wi.com/

Pacific Lake Partners - https://www.pacificlake.com/

Trilogy Search Partners - https://trilogy-search.com/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:06:55) - Introducing CSW and Hill

(00:08:45) - Priorities Frameworks

(00:12:23) - Most Effective Ways to Build Trust with a Team

(00:18:52) - Challenges in Creating a Synchronous Team

(00:22:37) - Making System and Software Migrations

(00:27:04) - Moving Decision-Making Down the Org-Chart

(00:33:48) - Matching CEO Mindsets with Organizational Needs

(00:44:23) - Board Member Advice

(00:47:42) - Prioritization Evolutions

(01:02:10) - Lessons from the Military

From Episode 262 of Think Like an Owner. Watch the full episode here.

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:

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

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Eric Legvold and Trey Darr of Davinci Jets to explore the business of private aviation management and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services. We dive into how Davinci Jets was built from the ground up, the evolution of private jet management, and why the company has remained profitable every year since its founding.

Eric shares how the company pivoted from its original single-seat charter concept to full-service aircraft management, bootstrapping the business while maintaining a lean and disciplined approach to growth. Trey brings insights from his experience in aircraft maintenance and explains how Davinci is balancing fleet management with third-party MRO services, ensuring efficiency while expanding their customer base.

We also discuss:

If you’re interested in private aviation, business strategy, or the complexities of running a capital-intensive operation, this episode is full of insights from two experienced operators navigating an evolving industry.

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:

Davinci Jets

Trey Darr on LinkedIn

Eric Legvold on LinkedIn

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:03:58) - Starting Davinci Jets

(00:09:09) - Growth constraints

(00:11:44) - Ventures before Davinci

(00:13:46) - The upside to MRO

(00:17:31) - Prioritizing your own fleet vs. external customers

(00:18:28) - Growth plans

(00:20:56) - MRO & Management compliments

(00:22;59) - What do you do differently to maintain profitability?

(00:27:16) - The Charlotte market

(00:29:22) - MRO Growth

(00:31:46) - Process improvements

(00:33:30) - Market growth

(00:40:29) - The slowdown in Jet Cards

(00:43:35) - What are you most excited about in the industry?

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with David Neeleman, one of the most accomplished entrepreneurs in aviation history. With a track record that includes founding five airlines—Morris Air (sold to Southwest), WestJet, JetBlue, Azul, and now Breeze Airways—David has built transformative companies across three different countries and reshaped the industry at every step.

Given my work at Airframe Group focusing on aviation service companies, I wanted to understand the core principles that drive his success. We explore how he approaches founding and scaling airlines, the nuances of customer service across different markets, and why hiring great people is his most consistent strategy for building lasting businesses.

Other highlights include:

I recorded this episode in David’s office in Salt Lake City after a fascinating tour of his company, making this an especially exciting conversation for me as a lifelong aviation geek. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

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/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:03:32) - David’s principles for building an airline

(00:07:27) - Covid and other impacts on profitability in recent years

(00:08:38) - Changes in service expectations from flyers

(00:12:25) - Setting up an IT infrastructure

(00:15:38) - Scaling an airline to profitability

(00:20:24) - Philosophies around varying customer experiences

(00:29:05) - Building a company around a market or niche

(00:32:46) - Generating new demand via new routes

(00:37:16) - When do you decide to pull out of a city or cut a route?

(00:39:15) - Leadership philosophies

(00:42:03) - Team building practices & communication styles

(00:45:12) - Broader airline challenges

(00:47:42) - Advice to CEOs

(00:48:54) - Key challenges ahead for Breeze

(00:49:37) - Closing thoughts