What does it really take to move from turning wrenches on helicopters to closing high-stakes aviation deals? We sit down with Joe, a former Army maintainer and crew member, to unpack the gritty, unfiltered path from technical mastery to building a business in a safety-first industry. The story starts on the flight line, where meticulous maintenance and responsibility for lives in the air forged a mindset that later shaped his entire sales approach.

Joe shares how he discovered that being great at the craft is only a small slice of entrepreneurship. Quitting multiple jobs after a few big wins seemed like the right move—until three months passed with no calls. That drought became a lesson in pipeline, positioning, and patience. We walk through the real work behind a sustainable aviation business: marketing that educates, sales that protects safety and profit, accounting basics, insurance, branding, and the crucial habit of consistent follow-up. If you’re eyeing aviation without a pilot license or A&P, you’ll learn how to add value by building trust, asking better questions, and partnering with maintenance and operations teams who keep aircraft flying safely.

We also dive into coaching and community. Joe invested in mentorships and observed top performers across industries, borrowing tactics without losing his voice. Success leaves clues—habits, systems, and standards you can adapt to aviation’s tight-knit ecosystem. And for veterans leaving the service, we highlight resources to rebuild your network and find your footing in business aviation. The big takeaway: if you become truly good at sales, you’ll always have a job, but in aviation the bar is higher—because every deal touches safety.

If this conversation sparks your next move, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Your feedback helps more people find their runway.

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Learn more about breaking into aviation through SALES - https://avsalestalent.com/talent

Aviation insurance provides a unique entry point into private aviation sales, offering both rewarding career opportunities and essential services to ultra-high-net-worth aircraft owners. Samantha Money shares her journey from traditional insurance into aviation specialization, revealing the skills, mindset, and approaches needed to succeed in this niche.

• Starting in insurance for ultra-high-net-worth individuals' estates before specializing in aviation
• Learning the industry through podcasts, YouTube videos, and networking with industry professionals
• Handling memorable deals, including insuring a baseball Hall of Famer's Challenger jet
• Securing broad pilot warranties despite carrier restrictions through creative negotiation
• Working with diverse clients from private buyers to complex corporate flight departments
• Making six figures possible within the first years through commission structures
• Building a book of business that generates ongoing revenue through renewals
• Requiring property and casualty licensing but minimal experience to enter the field
• Building professional relationships takes time but delivers long-term rewards
• Pursuing continuous education through organizations like the Aviation Insurance Association

If you want to learn more about aviation insurance, connect with Samantha Money on LinkedIn, where she regularly posts thought-provoking content about the industry.

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🤝 Join our FREE Private Online Community for aspiring Jet Brokers: https://theprivatejetbrokercommunity.com

✈️ Want to get the early heads up on our podcast releases? Join AvBuzz today for podcast previews and business aviation thought leadership. www.avbuzzSMS.com

Being a Private Jet Broker is a life changing opportunity for those seeking a career in an industry that has low competition and extremely high commissions.

Let's book a call so you can discover how to get your FIRST SALE and start a new career in Aviation - https://www.theultimatejetguide.com

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In this video, I break down the critical insurance mistakes that destroy most jet brokerage careers before they even get started. From demo flight disasters to coverage gaps that leave you exposed, I'll show you exactly what to watch out for and how to protect yourself.

**What You'll Learn:**
✈️ The 4 biggest insurance mistakes that end brokerage careers
✈️ Why "facilitating transactions" has serious legal implications
✈️ Demo flight coverage - what's actually protected and what isn't
✈️ How to avoid dangerous coverage gaps during closing
✈️ E&O insurance essentials every broker needs to know
✈️ Real stories of claims that were denied (and why)
✈️ Cost breakdowns for different types of aviation insurance

Whether you're a new broker or experienced professional, these insurance gotchas can catch anyone off guard. Don't let a simple oversight destroy everything you've worked to build in your aviation career.

**FREE RESOURCES:**
🔹 Join our Private Jet Broker Community: www.theprivatejetbrokercommunity.com
🔹 Download The Ultimate Jet Guide: go.theultimatejetguide.com/book

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In today's episode I break down "The Jet Broker Code" which is an outgrowth of the Core Values I've tried to instill in myself over the past 2 years. This is an important first step when deciding to enter into the world of Private Aviation.

🤝 Download The Jet Broker Code: https://circle.jetlifeaero.com/c/discussions/the-jet-broker-code

✈️ Want to get the early heads up on our podcast releases? Join AvBuzz today for podcast previews and business aviation thought leadership. www.avbuzzSMS.com

Being a Private Jet Broker is a life changing opportunity for those seeking a career in an industry that has low competition and extremely high commissions.

Let's book a call so you can discover how to get your FIRST SALE and start a new career in Aviation - https://www.theultimatejetguide.com

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🎥 In today’s episode, Tom Lelyo, your Ultimate Jet Guide, answers your questions about becoming a Jet Broker and the future of the industry! ✈️

In this episode, we dive into your frequently asked questions:

✈️ How to become a jet broker (no license required!)
💰 How much money you can make as a broker?
🤖 Will AI replace jet brokers?
📈 Is the broker career field saturated?
📉 How do brokers fare in a 'down' market?

🤝 Join our FREE Private Online Community for aspiring Jet Brokers: https://circle.jetlifeaero.com

✈️ Want to get the early heads up on our podcast releases? Join AvBuzz today for podcast previews and business aviation thought leadership. www.avbuzzSMS.com

Being a Private Jet Broker is a life changing opportunity for those seeking a career in an industry that has low competition and extremely high commissions.

Let's book a call so you can discover how to get your FIRST SALE and start a new career in Aviation - https://www.theultimatejetguide.com

Support the show

Sierra Lund, Founder and Broker at Sierra Bravo Aviation, joins this week’s episode of The Ultimate Jet Guide. She takes us through her journey—from beginning flight training at just 16 years old to launching her own successful aircraft brokerage in her early 20s. While her career path may be unconventional, it exemplifies the grit and determination required to succeed in the aviation industry. Thank you, Sierra, for sharing your story with us on this week’s episode of The Ultimate Jet Guide.

Highlights:

• Turning Point ✈️A life-altering engine failure at 300 feet during her first solo cross-country flight led to national media coverage, including Good Morning America.
• Bold Start 🚀 In 2022, Sierra launched her own jet brokerage with no prior experience, diving headfirst into selling multi-million-dollar jets.
• Choosing the Difficult Path 💪Rather than joining an established brokerage, Sierra chose to start her own, taking on the challenges of building a business from the ground up in the competitive aviation industry.
• Industry Leadership 🌟Sierra collaborated with industry leaders to create events that educated high-net-worth individuals on how aviation could elevate their businesses.
• Inspiring Others 💙Sierra found a passion for public speaking and is currently the Head of Partnership at Aviators for Autism, using aviation to raise awareness and support for autism.

Get In Contact With Sierra!
Website: https://www.sierrabravoaviation.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sierra-lund-2226761a4/

🤝 Join our FREE Private Online Community for aspiring Jet Brokers: https://circle.jetlifeaero.com

Being a Private Jet Broker is a life changing opportunity for those seeking a career in an industry that has low competition and extremely high commissions.

Let's book a call so you can discover how to get your FIRST SALE and start a new career in Aviation - https://www.theultimatejetguide.com

Support the show

In this podcast I'm going to share tips to help aspiring brokers (and current brokers) deal with disappointment and challenges that private aviation brings.

🤝 Join our FREE Private Online Community for aspiring Jet Brokers: https://circle.jetlifeaero.com

Episode Highlights:

- Facing Disappointments: Brokers face disappointments from owners, clients, and themselves. 😔📉
- First Cold Call Experience: Tom recalls his challenging first cold call experience in aviation. 📞✈️
- Overcoming Self-Doubt: Self-doubt is common, but embracing a mindset of learning is key. 🤔💪
- Dealing with Criticism: Criticism (even from other brokers) is inevitable but should be used for growth. 🗣️📈
- Disciplining Your Mindset: Practice positive self-talk and add "yet" to self-limiting thoughts to reframe challenges. 🧠💭
- Staying Resilient: Focus on continuous improvement and take feedback to grow through adversity. 🔄🏋️‍♂️

#Aviation #PrivateJets #JetBroker #AviationCareers #BusinessGrowth #OvercomingChallenges #AviationPodcast #CareerSuccess #JetLife

✈️ Want to get the early heads up on our podcast releases? Join AvBuzz today for podcast previews and business aviation thought leadership. www.avbuzzSMS.com

Being a Private Jet Broker is a life changing opportunity for those seeking a career in an industry that has low competition and extremely high commissions.

Let's book a call so you can discover how to get your FIRST SALE and start a new career in Aviation - https://www.theultimatejetguide.com

Support the show