The Corporate Jet Investor Podcast

• CJI Podcast #13: David Dixon "Still having fun every day, even this morning"

  In this episode, David Dixon reflects on his remarkable 50-year career in aviation, which began with selling small piston aircraft in Africa before transitioning to business jets, including a 33-year tenure at Bombardier. He explores the evolution of the business jet market, highlighting the distinct challenges and opportunities in Asia compared to North America and Europe, where infrastructure limitations and cultural nuances significantly influence sales strategies. Dixon contrasts his experience selling standardised new aircraft at Bombardier with the complexities of the pre-owned market at Jetcraft, where each plane has a unique history and condition. He also shares how business aviation serves as an economic indicator, with demand fluctuating in tandem with broader market confidence. For newcomers, Dixon emphasises the importance of thoroughly understanding aircraft capabilities and customer needs, rather than focusing solely on price and specifications. Even after five decades, his passion for the industry remains strong, and he has no plans to retire as long as he finds the work both challenging and rewarding.

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• CJI Podcast #12: Craig Picken "My reputation, my diligence"

  Craig Picken is an executive recruiter, ICF-trained executive coach, writer, and speaker who specialises in the business aviation and aerospace industry. With over 400 executive-level searches completed since 2008, he focuses on placing senior leadership, sales, and operations talent with top OEMs, aircraft operators, financial institutions, and MRO providers. Craig is unique in the industry - he has flown aircraft, sold them, and successfully run profit-and-loss operations in aviation businesses.Craig Picken shares his unique journey through the business aviation industry, starting with his decorated career in the US Navy, followed by leadership roles at Gulfstream and Bombardier, and eventually founding his own executive search firm focused on aviation and aerospace.Craig offers a behind-the-scenes look at the cultural and leadership differences between major OEMs and how these experiences shaped his understanding of how company culture plays a critical role in hiring the right leaders.The conversation also explores the ongoing evolution of business aviation, from the growth of fractional ownership models like NetJets and Flexjet to current challenges such as global supply chain disruptions. Craig provides valuable insight into how these dynamics impact hiring and organisational strategy.He outlines his relationship-focused approach to executive recruiting, emphasising alignment between candidate and company culture, and encourages professionals to proactively invest in their own development through coaching, education, and industry engagement.Hear more of Craig and his executives on his Aerospace Executive Podcast at: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-ncahu-266e14

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• CJI Podcast #11: Dustin Cordier "Buying an aircraft is more similar to buying a business than it is to buying car"

  In this episode, Dustin Cordier - founder of Step Zero, a coaching platform for business owners - shares how he helps leaders grow their businesses with intention, clarity, and long-term purpose. Drawing from his background in the Air Force, banking, and aircraft sales, Cordier now focuses on supporting family-owned and entrepreneurial companies, especially within the aviation industry.He talks about the importance of planning for the future - whether that means preparing to pass a business on to the next generation or getting ready for a potential sale. Rather than focusing solely on short-term income, Cordier encourages building lasting value through systems, structure, and strong leadership.Cordier also reflects on the challenges business owners face in areas like succession planning, talent retention, and developing a reliable sales pipeline. He highlights the role of company culture and core values in attracting and keeping the right people. When it comes to buying an aircraft, he advises treating the process more like acquiring a business than a vehicle, stressing the value of working with knowledgeable brokers, attorneys, and accountants.Throughout the conversation, Cordier’s passion comes through for helping aviation business owners build companies that are both sustainable and resilient - able to grow and succeed well into the future.

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• CJI Podcast #10: Ben Shirazi "Every deal is my favourite until it's finished"

  The Corporate Jet Investor podcast features Ben Shirazi, founder and owner of Smart Jets, who shares his extensive experience in the business aviation industry. Ben discusses his early start in the family business, selling his first aircraft before turning 18, and the evolution of his ventures - Smart Jets for aircraft brokerage and VIP Completions for cabin retrofitting. He emphasises the importance of trust, value-driven acquisitions, and the increasing demand for advanced connectivity and customised interiors in private jets. Ben also touches on the cyclical nature of the industry, the impact of tax incentives like bonus depreciation, and the challenges of hiring skilled labour in completions. Offering advice to first-time buyers, he emphasises the importance of understanding operational costs and maintenance forecasts. The conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities and rewards of the business aviation world.

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• CJI Podcast #9: Garett Jerde, JetHQ "do what you say you're going to do"

  In this episode of the Corporate Jet Investor podcast, Alasdair Whyte chats with Garrett Jerde, founder of JetHQ, about his unexpected journey from aspiring airline pilot to launching one of business aviation’s fastest-growing brokerages. Garrett explains how an internship at Raytheon Aircraft ignited his passion for corporate aviation, leading him around the world - delivering aircraft, navigating economic turbulence, and ultimately founding JetHQ in Dubai at the age of 28. He discusses his early entry into international markets, the thrill of complex cross-border deals, and the guidance of industry veteran Ted Farid, who then played a vital role in JetHQ’s early expansion. Now overseeing a global team of 42, Garrett shares the value of knowing your strengths and why he still thrives on the challenge of selling jets. For him, every day brings new opportunities disguised as problems - that's what keeps him going and he wants to encourage the next generation and as many people from across the globe as possible.Thanks Garett for your insights! 

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