We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jordan Scales a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jordan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?

I work in a very niche industry (private aviation). As an aviation student, I had no clue what I wanted to do as a profession. It wasn’t until my second internship when I met a private jet salesman that I discovered what my dream was. I considered myself very fortunate because not many students have the opportunity to obtain an internship and even fewer find their calling when serving in their role. Because of this, I have dedicated much of my energy to helping college students, and young professionals discover opportunities within my industry.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I fell into my industry after a failed experiment in becoming a pilot. I had aspirations of becoming a career pilot when I entered college, but this would prove to be a short-lived dream. However, during this time, I fell in love with aviation – specifically business aviation (private jets). At this point in my career, I’ve sold or supported the sale of everything from jets, helicopters, aviation fuel, and various support services and equipment.

My current company, Clay Lacy Aviation, is an Aircraft Management Company. Aircraft owners hire us to maintain their asset – manage the maintenance schedule, provide regular financial reporting, hire & train their pilots/flight attendants and manage their overall flight experience. We have multiple Fixed-Base Operations and also are able to provide private jet charter to those interested.

I’m most proud of the approach my company takes in handling our clients. We pride ourselves on providing a unique, bespoke client experience and go the extra length to prove this. The same care is provided to our employees; senior leadership has created an environment that empowers its team members to be more than just employees.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Above everything, I’ve always strived to live my life through others. I’m pretty altruistic by nature, and I approach every engagement, whether with a client or colleague, in the same manner – I take their thoughts and considerations into account before my own.

I work in a very small, tight-knit industry. Everyone knows everyone, and many of us rely on referrals to fill our business pipelines. People feel comfortable doing business with me because they know I’ll always have their best interest at heart.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I was 21, I interned for an aircraft manufacturer. Over the course of this summer, my dream of one-day selling private jets was born. I was so surprised that I was never exposed to selling aircraft as a possible career choice in my three years of college. Now that I knew it was attainable, I was going to achieve it.

As fate would have it, I was extended a job offer to join that company’s Leadership Development rotational program. This would mean instead of working for the aircraft manufacturer, I would spend two years working for their sister companies in various sales & marketing capacities but would be able to apply for an aircraft sales role once I completed the program.

I found myself at an impasse at the program’s completion as the aircraft manufacturer wouldn’t see me for an interview. My five-year plan was now halted in its tracks.

I accepted a different role with another one of the organization’s aviation-affiliated companies. I quickly excelled in this role, expanding our footprint in new markets and bringing in $1 million in purchase orders every month. However, my passion for aircraft sales wouldn’t be silenced.

After countless attempts to get my foot through the door for an interview, I made the decision to leave the organization for an analyst role at a world-leading aircraft brokerage.

Once again, I quickly proved my merit and was promoted to Sales Director after one year, and at the age of 27, I sold my first private jet. A dream that was born six years prior was finally manifested.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatkidskizz/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscales/