In the world of business aviation, the connections we make often go beyond professional relationships—they become a lifeline in times of need. In this deeply personal account, one of our company’s leaders shares a story of resilience and gratitude, highlighting how the support from the aviation community, colleagues, and clients played a pivotal role in overcoming a life-threatening health crisis. This piece is not just a testament to the strength of these relationships but also a reflection on the unique and supportive nature of our industry.

Every one of us has our own unique story, shaped by our experiences and the people who surround us. My story from 2023 is one of a profound personal challenge, but it’s also a story of the incredible support I received from the business aviation community, my colleagues, and my loved ones. 

2021 and 2022 were marked by historic results achievements for jetAVIVA, and personally, they were the most successful of my career. But on January 3, 2023, everything changed. An unexpected health crisis turned my world upside down. I spent the better part of a year in and out of hospitals, undergoing more surgeries than I can count. Today, I am deeply grateful to say that I’m better than ever—physically, spiritually, and mentally. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything because it has shown me what truly matters: the people in our lives and the relationships we build.

During this time, the outpouring of support from my family, customers, aviation colleagues, and friends was nothing short of extraordinary. People from all corners of the world reached out, offering help, encouragement, and comfort. It wasn’t about what I did for a living; it was about who I was as a person. The realization that I had made a difference in these people’s lives, and they in mine, gave me strength when I needed it most. It energized me and reinforced my determination to persevere through the darkest times—I couldn’t let them down.

Aviation has always been a field that attracts a special breed of people. When my health took a critical turn, a few close friends insisted it was time to change course and seek care at the Mayo Clinic. This decision, facilitated by countless connections within the aviation community, ultimately saved my life. We were deeply entrenched in my care at a leading hospital in the Midwest, having been airlifted there in January. But thanks to the selfless support of people in this industry, who connected us with trusted contacts and made crucial introductions, we found our way to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, where I received the care that saved my life.

The generosity didn’t stop there. I received more offers for flights to Mayo than I could accept, as aviation professionals made their aircraft available for the many trips I needed to make. In my condition, I couldn’t have reached the medical care I required any other way. This experience is not just a testament to the power of business aviation but, more importantly, to the incredible people within it.

Now, as I reflect on the summer of 2024, I am thrilled to say that I am fully recovered. I’m rebuilding my strength and am in a better place mentally and physically than I’ve ever been. This journey has profoundly changed my perspective, instilling in me a deeper gratitude for each day, every interaction, and every opportunity to be myself. I’ve come to appreciate the energy that exists in all things, if we’re open to finding it. This renewed outlook is leading me to reconsider how I want to spend my time and energy moving forward, with a focus on making a meaningful impact, grounded in gratitude.

While business relationships always meant a lot to me, this experience has made them even more significant. Successful salespeople in aviation have many different styles, but my approach has always been relationship first, with transactions following naturally. This health crisis has deepened my passion for what I “get to do”—making a difference in people’s lives through aviation. Since my return, my role within jetAVIVA has evolved. I now focus solely on the relationships I’ve built over a 30-year career, with the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day. It’s what I live for, and it’s an honor.

When I returned to work in late 2023, still in the midst of recovery, I was welcomed with three long-time customers looking to buy or sell aircraft just before year-end. Approaching these projects from a place of meaningfulness and gratitude, I found the experience to be more fulfilling than ever. I felt whole again, and my customers played a significant role in my healing. At the same time, I was struck by how jetAVIVA had continued to progress during my absence. The company thrived without me, with individuals stepping up as leaders and taking on new challenges. This made me incredibly proud, not just of the company’s success but of the culture we’ve cultivated—one of support, strength, and unity.

So, what now? I said I wouldn’t trade my experience, and that’s true. But now I carry the responsibility of honoring the second chance I’ve been given. How do I do that? How do I live up to it? Perhaps the answer lies in the journey itself—continuing to live with intention, seeking new possibilities, surrounding myself with positive energy, and making a positive impact on those around me.

I hope you find your own ways to embrace life’s opportunities without needing to go through a similar experience. Keep moving forward!