We recently connected with Keith Sarich and have shared our conversation below.
Keith, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
As an advisor and consultant to the emerging Electric Vehicle Take Off and Landing (EVTOL) industry so many concerns and issues come up daily. Safety, economic and environmental impact, cost are just a few of the challenges that EVTOL faces. However EVTOL has the potential to literally turn the transportation system upside down.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I suppose I can be labeled a jack of all trades but clearly not a master of one. I became interested in flying and aviation at a young age. I wanted to fly in the military and was laser focused on completing my degree and going into the military to fly. As life often does, this did not happen but I did find a way and desire to serve my country as a Naval officer, medical service corps. I enjoyed my years in the Navy serving as a hospital administor. I was fortunate to be able to retire and took a position as a global program manager. Learned so much during the five years I held that position. With my heart still desiring flying, I completed my flight instructor certification did began to learn more about the emerging world of EVTOL. Fast forward to present day. I am actively involved with advising and consulting to the EVTOL industry, based out of Raleigh North Carolina. A city I truly love did have resided here for many years and continue ti be amazed at its growth and what it has to offer!
Have you ever had to pivot?
Yes. During my early 20’s, I was focused on flying and wanting to be a Navy pilot (yep, Top Gun)! Long story short, it wasn’t to be and because I always wanted to serve in the Navy, I found a great field in college I loved which was healthcare administration. I excelled in the courses and received my degree and was fortunate enough to enter the Navy as an officer. Certainly this was 180 degrees from my original desire but in retrospect, it was an extremely rewarding military career and one I never expected!
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Simply put, superior customer service and attention to the customer 24/7! It seems like in todays frenetic society we sometimes miss the importance of taking time to learn about your client, to study their company and their mission. With outstanding customer service and a sincere desire to see and help them succeed, success is almost always guaranteed.