Evan Shane Messenger
4706 McMickle Drive, Columbia
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Flight School Manager, Flight Instructor, and Business Manager with experience in aviation operations, flight training, and business management under FAA Part 61 regulations. Expertise in overseeing daily flight school operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading a team of instructors while providing exceptional flight instruction. Skilled in developing and implementing training programs, managing flight schedules, and maintaining flight records with a focus on safety and student success. Strong business acumen with experience in budgeting, financial oversight, and operational efficiency. Proven ability to drive business growth, enhance customer service, and cultivate a positive learning environment while managing day-to-day administrative tasks, staffing, and marketing efforts. Committed to fostering a culture of excellence in both flight operations and business management.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager/Flight School Manager/Certified Flight Instructor
Columbia Jet Center
11.2020 - 12.2024
- Trained pilots in accordance with FAA regulations Part 61, focusing on aeronautical decision-making, safety, and technical proficiency.
- Conducted Part 61 flight training in Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Piper Warrior and Piper Cherokee aircraft. Provided over 900 hours of comprehensive ground and flight instruction to student pilots, fostering a safe and effective learning environment.
- Standardized Part 61 flight training by requiring all instructors to train utilizing the Cessna Flight Training (King Schools) syllabus along with the Course Tracking Application which allowed for easier transitioning of students between instructors when required.
- Implemented scheduling software to better manage students and aircraft maintenance ensuring that all aircraft were maintained properly regarding 100 hrs, applicable AD's, annual inspections, VOR checks, pitot static/transponder checks and ELT.
- Conducted a comprehensive evaluation of business operations, incorporating customer feedback, employee input, and reviews from Google and ForeFlight to identify areas for improvement which led to an overall improvement in customer satisfaction.
- Negotiated new rates with airline partners, enhancing profitability while maintaining competitive pricing which increased overall fuel sales and profitability.
- Managed fuel margins to optimize returns while ensuring competitive market positioning driving additional profits to the bottom line.
- Reassessed annual hangar leases, implementing adjustments to maximize profitability.
- Expanded flight training offerings, including the addition of a multi-engine training program, resulting in significant revenue growth
- Increased the student roster from 20 to 60 students, growing gross revenue from $360K to $1M annually and net profit from $33K to $100K annually
- Upgraded outdated equipment to improve customer satisfaction along with operational efficiency and safety.
- Trained staff to deliver proactive, high-quality customer service, fostering a customer-focused culture leading to better customer surveys and overall better profits.
- Organized and managed community aviation events to promote airport accessibility and engagement among aviators which increased traffic.
- Collaborated with FAA Safety Team (FAAST) and Air Traffic Control to sponsor safety events and increase safety awareness in the local aviation community which in turn improved area pilots safety awareness and skills for negotiating controlled airspace.
- Managed compliance with the NATA drug testing program and ensured adherence to regulatory standards
- Joined the Airport Advisory Board to contribute to airport development and strategic planning.
- Strengthened relationships with based customers through exceptional service, resulting in increased fuel sales and customer loyalty.
- Accomplished all above by working 60+ hours per week, and being on call 24/7/365
- Supervisor John Nadolny, (970) 403-2101
Service Manager
EquipmentShare
10.2017 - 11.2020
- Site development for St.Louis store from ground up to fully operational
- Managed 20+ employees in service/support for new equipment sales/ rentals
- Prepared and managed all customer billing, monthly
- Developed & directed training for all technicians
- In charge of maintenance & upkeep on all corporate vehicles
- Sought out suppliers for both locations, negotiated rates/ ordered all supplies such as oil, fuel, parts
- Monitored team performance, adhered to service level agreements (SLAs) and provided detailed job training.
- Met with customers to discuss service needs and develop effective and practical solutions.
- Coordinated with other departments to maintain streamlined and productive workflow.
- Hired, trained and supervised team of service staff members to meet business goals.
- Monitored service staff performance and provided feedback for improvement.
Territory Sales Manager, Service and Operations Manager
United Rentals Inc.
02.2013 - 10.2017
- Provided superior customer service to existing United Rentals customers
- Prospected and obtained new customers within sales territory
- Cross sold specialty divisions and increased market penetration
- Established and maintained lasting relationships-becoming the 'go to' for all equipment rental needs
- Sales of used and new equipment throughout the territory with established and increasing sales goals
- Implement actions necessary to achieve maximum profitability from $15,000,000 rental fleet
- Promote and maintain a culture of safety
- Partner with the sales team to assess customer needs and fleet demand
- Motivate, coach and train technicians to exceed time and quality standards
- Responsible for P/L budgets and cost controls
- Responsible for all individual and departmental performance
Operations Manager
S & H Farm Supply
02.2010 - 02.2013
- Directed personnel, training and labor relations activities for 160 employees and managers in four store locations
- Produced reports for margin and cost control, inventory, sales, service quality and customer satisfaction
- Served as a link between Owners and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems
- Reviewed key indicators and develop improvement strategies for purchases, returns, shipping and receiving, A/R and A/P
- Negotiated rates and terms for all systems, including phones, freight products, software, hardware, insurance
- Implemented OSHA compliance, on site training and continuing education
- Ensured stock balancing is being maximized between stores
- Coordinated service and warranty claims for four service departments
- Monitored margins by line and worked with store managers to maximize profits
- Implemented an innovative employee incentive program, which resulted in a 20% increase in productivity
President/Owner
Stockton Auto Parts & Supply
10.2003 - 04.2009
- Owned and managed a staff of 10
- Coordinated all Purchasing, A/P and A/R and Payroll
- Increased sales from zero to $900k during the first year
- Implemented national marketing plan as Member of The Dealer Advisory Council
Operations Manager
International Marketing Associates
03.1998 - 05.2004
- Identified staff vacancies and recruited, interviewed and selected applicants
- Developed and managed a team to control manufacturing, warehousing and distributing of corporate apparel domestically and internationally
- Initiated and managed the development of a b2b website and online ordering system for all customers
District Technical Manager
Sears Service Sears Roebuck & Co
12.1989 - 12.1997
- Developed and trained a team of 300+ service technicians, supervisors and office staff throughout Kansas and Missouri in the repair of appliances, laundry equipment, heating and cooling (residential and commercial) equipment, electronics and lawn and garden
- Conducted National and Regional training forums
- Managed all payroll, training, performance reviews, and computerized routing
- Advised managers on organizational policy matters and recommended necessary changes
- Responsible for P/L and budgeting
Education
Agricultural Mechinization And Economics
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS05-1976
Associate of Science - Agriculture
Garden City Community College
Garden City, KS05-1973
Skills
Commercial Pilot with Instrument- ASEL, AMEL
Certified Flight Instructor-CFI, CFII, MEI (pending)
Type Rating-SF50
Advanced Ground Instructor
Total Flight Time-1880
Dual Given-922
Flight Hours last 3 years-6927
Medical Second Class expires Aug 2025
No accidents or incidents
Timeline
General Manager/Flight School Manager/Certified Flight Instructor
Columbia Jet Center
11.2020 - 12.2024
Service Manager
EquipmentShare
10.2017 - 11.2020
Territory Sales Manager, Service and Operations Manager
United Rentals Inc.
02.2013 - 10.2017
Operations Manager
S & H Farm Supply
02.2010 - 02.2013
President/Owner
Stockton Auto Parts & Supply
10.2003 - 04.2009
Operations Manager
International Marketing Associates
03.1998 - 05.2004
District Technical Manager
Sears Service Sears Roebuck & Co
12.1989 - 12.1997
Agricultural Mechinization And Economics
Kansas State University
Associate of Science - Agriculture
Garden City Community College
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