Andrew Gentz
Minneapolis–St. Paul
Summary
Senior Aerospace Operations Executive with 15+ years of progressive leadership experience managing large-scale aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations, customer service organizations, and complex business portfolios. Proven track record leading teams of 145+ employees, managing $140M+ in annual revenue, improving operational performance, driving profitability, and delivering exceptional customer outcomes. Experienced in P&L management, strategic planning, continuous improvement, organizational leadership, and business transformation. Combines extensive aviation industry expertise with advanced academic research in aviation leadership and safety.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager, MRO Operations
Collins Aerospace
Burnsville, MN
09.2020 - Current
- Lead a 145-person organization supporting over $140 million in annual sales.
- Direct all operational, financial, customer service, and strategic activities for a major aerospace repair facility.
- Consistently achieve greater than 95% on-time delivery performance.
- Implemented operational initiatives generating more than $300,000 in annual cost savings.
- Drive employee engagement, accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Responsible for business performance, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and profitability.
Chief Managing Member
Meadowbrook of Buffalo LLC
01.2013 - 06.2024
- Owned and operated a 36-unit residential apartment community.
- Managed budgeting, forecasting, leasing, maintenance, and tenant relations.
- Conducted market analysis and strategic pricing to maximize occupancy and profitability.
Customer Service Manager, MRO
Collins Aerospace
06.2019 - 09.2020
- Led customer service operations supporting commercial and government aerospace customers.
- Maintained 95%+ on-time delivery performance.
- Managed contract compliance and customer escalations.
- Provided strategic recommendations to improve profitability and customer satisfaction.
Operations Manager
Collins Aerospace / UTC Aerospace Systems
11.2017 - 05.2019
- Led multi-cell aerospace repair operations.
- Directed production planning, quality compliance, logistics, and materials management.
- Implemented cost reduction and process improvement initiatives.
- Improved operational efficiency through enhanced scheduling and workflow management.
Operations Supervisor
Collins Aerospace / UTC Aerospace Systems
04.2015 - 10.2017
- Managed manufacturing and repair operations teams.
- Developed talent through hiring, coaching, training, and performance management.
- Ensured on-time delivery performance and operational excellence.
- Maintained safe and compliant manufacturing operations.
Chief Managing Member
Elmwood Terrace LLC
01.2010 - 10.2015
- Owned and managed a 14-unit apartment community.
- Directed property operations, leasing strategy, financial planning, and tenant retention.
Senior Customer Service Representative
Collins Aerospace / UTC Aerospace Systems
11.2013 - 04.2015
- Managed customer contracts and repair programs.
- Conducted customer reviews and status meetings.
- Coordinated repair schedules and delivery commitments.
- Improved communication and service responsiveness.
Executive Team Lead
Target Corporation
01.2010 - 08.2013
- Managed operations supporting annual revenue ranging from $2M–$9M.
- Led merchandising, logistics, inventory control, and workforce development initiatives.
- Recruited, trained, and developed high-performing teams.
Captain
Pinnacle Airlines
08.2007 - 12.2009
- Served as Pilot in Command on regional jet aircraft.
- Maintained the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational performance.
- Led cockpit crews using Crew Resource Management principles.
First Officer
Horizon Air
04.2003 - 08.2007
- Operated regional jet aircraft in commercial airline service.
- Conducted risk assessment, flight planning, and operational decision-making.
Flight Instructor
University of North Dakota
05.2000 - 03.2003
- Trained and evaluated student pilots.
- Conducted ground and flight instruction.
- Ensured compliance with FAA regulations and safety requirements.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Aeronautics & Aerospace Science
Liberty University
01-2028
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Organizational Leadership
Concordia University–St. Paul
St. Paul, MN01-2017
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Aviation Management
University of North Dakota
01-2001
Skills
- P&L Management
- Operational Leadership
- MRO Operations
- Aerospace & Aviation
- Strategic Planning
- Continuous Improvement
- Lean Manufacturing
- Customer Experience
- Team Development
- Contract Management
- Change Management
- Process Optimization
- Quality & Regulatory Compliance
- Supply Chain & Logistics
- Financial Analysis
- Executive Leadership
Accomplishments
- Led aerospace MRO business generating $140M+ annual revenue.
- Managed workforce of 145+ employees.
- Delivered 95%+ on-time delivery performance.
- Generated $300K+ annual cost savings through operational improvements.
- Owned and successfully managed 50 residential rental units across two properties.
- Combined executive leadership experience with advanced aviation research and doctoral studies.
Certification
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
- CL-65 Type Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Commercial Pilot – Single Engine Land
- Commercial Pilot – Multi-Engine Land
- Instrument Airplane Rating
Timeline
General Manager, MRO Operations
Collins Aerospace
09.2020 - Current
Customer Service Manager, MRO
Collins Aerospace
06.2019 - 09.2020
Operations Manager
Collins Aerospace / UTC Aerospace Systems
11.2017 - 05.2019
Operations Supervisor
Collins Aerospace / UTC Aerospace Systems
04.2015 - 10.2017
Senior Customer Service Representative
Collins Aerospace / UTC Aerospace Systems
11.2013 - 04.2015
Chief Managing Member
Meadowbrook of Buffalo LLC
01.2013 - 06.2024
Chief Managing Member
Elmwood Terrace LLC
01.2010 - 10.2015
Executive Team Lead
Target Corporation
01.2010 - 08.2013
Captain
Pinnacle Airlines
08.2007 - 12.2009
First Officer
Horizon Air
04.2003 - 08.2007
Flight Instructor
University of North Dakota
05.2000 - 03.2003
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Aviation Management
University of North Dakota
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Aeronautics & Aerospace Science
Liberty University
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Organizational Leadership
Concordia University–St. Paul