Community Highlights: Meet Kevin Hunt of Screaming Eagle PPG

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Hunt

Hi Kevin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kevin Hunt and I am the owner of Manage Tech Solutions Inc. and Screaming Eagle PPG. Manage Tech Solutions is my main business and we are a service provider for Circle K. We are responsible for all the low voltage work during remodeling construction, installations of new self check out kiosks, and service on the self check out kiosks. The story of Manage Tech starts in the 90’s with my dad, Jeff Hunt. He was involved with Circle K and the integration of their point of sale systems. He noticed a gap in service and took the leap to start his own company. I took over in 2020 and have since grown the company and we continue to grow every year.

With success in IT and construction with Manage Tech, I wanted to start something of my own that was also something that I am very passionate about. In 2018 I learned to fly powered paragliders. From the first time that my feet left the ground, I was hooked. I flew every day I could and even multiple times a day before and after work. I was completely consumed by the sport of flying. It developed to other flying sports such as skydiving, BASE jumping, speed flying, and paragliding without a motor. I found my passion and decided to start a school so I could share the beauty and freedom of flying with others. In 2023 I started Screaming Eagle PPG. Screaming Eagle PPG provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to fly on their own. I have fallen in love with teaching and getting to share the experiences with my students. Taking a student for their first flight brings me back to my first flight. I share the same excitement and emotions as the student. It is unlike any other feeling in the world to me. My passion for flying has turned into a passion to teach others to fly.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am not sure any road in life is smooth. For me, Manage Tech Solution was a bumpy road to start. I graduated college from NAU in 2017 and decided that Manage Tech would be my main focus. I had been involved with the company and helping my dad for as long as I can remember, but had never held a full time position in the company. Up until 2017, the company was just my dad and an occasional helper. He was running the show by himself. When I came in, I wanted to grow the company. He was reluctant to allow me to do things the way I wanted to and we often did not see eye to eye. Family business are not an easy thing to manage. Emotions and feeling can get in the way of things. My dad was reluctant to trust me and was not very receptive to change. After some time I was able to overcome this hurtle. I earned the trust of my father and asked him to step down. My dad had no interest in growing the company with me so I had to learn to do it on my own. I had nobody to run important decisions by, nobody to ask questions, and nobody to support me. I had to run the business, train new techs, create structure, maintain vehicles, procure new work, and so much more all on my own. I had no clue what I was doing, but I just kept at it. I kept pushing through the challenges and kept making positive strides forward. It took a lot of long days, sleepless nights, and a tons and tons of mistakes but I was able to overcome it all and now am on the other end of it with a great crew of technicians, a fleet of vans, and a large facility that I live at and run the business from. The main thing I have learned through this is that we are capable of a lot more than we think. If you push through the discomfort and just try your very best, it will all pay off.

As for Screaming Eagle PPG, I have not had too many challenges so far. I am only taking on students when I am able to do it. I, like my dad, have started Screaming Eagle as a one man show. I have help here and there but am not at the point of growth yet and may never be. Screaming Eagle is my fun project that allows me to share my passions with others. I obviously want it to continue to be a profitable and successful company, but I do not have the same drive to make it into a large company like Manage Tech.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Screaming Eagle PPG is a powered paragliding school where students come to learn to fly paramotors. I am the lead instructor and am known for having a wide range of skills in the flying sports. My unique flying style is what I believe draws people to my business over others. I am sort of the dare devil type and enjoy taking calculated risk. I try to push the limits and do things that others have never done before. That being said, I do not operate my school that way. My school is intended to safely teach people to get into the sport and refine their skills. My passion to share flying with others is what also sets me apart.

What are your plans for the future?
I hope to one day be able to rebrand from Screaming Eagle PPG to Screaming Eagle Adventures. I want to build an outdoor adventure park that is not only a paramotor school, but also an adventure destination where customers can come to do a wide array of activates. From horseback riding, to guided hikes, bike rides, rock climbs, canyoneering, and so much more. I want to offer camping areas, RV hook ups, and hostel style living quarters that customers can rent while they decide what adventure they will embark on with us next.

Pricing:

• First Flight course renting Screaming Eagle PPG gear – $2500
• First Flight course on purchased gear through Screaming Eagle – $1500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.screamingeagleppg.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fly_4awhiteguy/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/screamingeagleppg/