Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad J. Verdaglio.
Hi Chad, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a native Arizonan and have called Scottsdale home most of my life. Growing up in a family business, I started working by the time I was 10 years old and continued off and on through high school and college. Through the years, I learned a lot about sales, marketing, finance, and an overall understanding of what it takes to successfully manage a business.
While earning my college degree, I also fulfilled my dream of earning my pilot’s license through Sawyer Fight Academy. After graduating from ASU, I ventured out into the tech world and started my own company. A few years later, I applied and was accepted to grad school, but fate had other plans for me. Before heading east for my MBA, I wanted to work on my pilot skills. Returning to Sawyer Flight Academy, I was asked to work as a flight instructor, and shortly after, I was presented with the opportunity to buy the company.
In 2002, I purchased Sawyer Aviation Group, a full-service aviation company based in the Scottsdale Airpark. The company was originally founded in 1961 and has now been in operation for more than 60 years. Sawyer Aviation specializes in luxury private jet charters, aircraft sales, management, and maintenance services and operates a premier flight academy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The company has persevered through its fair share of obstacles but one of the most challenging was the recession in 2009-2011. While money was tight for many people, the demand for private charter flights and private aircraft ownership declined. Companies were experiencing declining revenues, jobs were being cut and those with wealth took serious hits.
As people worried about trying to put dinner on the table and keep a roof over their heads, spending on luxury items significantly slipped. More recently, the pandemic was a significant challenge for our industry. Fortunately, after the initial lockdowns and as travel began to resume, the demand for private charter flights surged.
During challenging times, it is important to understand and face reality. Then, look at what you can do to survive and ultimately thrive. It is also important to be transparent with your team. The Sawyer Aviation team worked together and did what was necessary to get through this challenging time and I am so proud of where we are today.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe there are 5 essential qualities needed to truly succeed in the aviation industry or really any industry.
- Transparent communicator.
- Accept reality & responsibility.
- Focus.
- Takes action.
- Integrity.
As a pilot and head of an aviation company, I always look to make sure these qualities are in check. It is the combination that allows me and my team to soar.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@sawyeraviation.com
- Website: https://www.sawyeraviation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawyeraviation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SawyerAviation
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlySawyer
