Aviation Industry Leaders Share Real-World Insights at Embry-Riddle’s Business of Flight Week

When Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumnus Trevor Perrott launched Censys Technologies in 2017, he was a college senior. Today, the company, which specializes in long-range uncrewed aerial systems, is a multi-million-dollar business.

Four aviation and aerospace entrepreneurs share their experiences during the Founders in Flight panel. (Photo: Embry-Riddle/Sean Masterson)

It was a long road. Entrepreneurship “takes perseverance, endurance and a certain kind of character,” Perrott told students during a panel discussion, which wrapped up Business of Flight Week, hosted by the David B. O'Maley College of Business on the Daytona Beach Campus. The event also featured a series of discussions with Executive in Residence Kriya Shortt, president and CEO at Textron eAviation, along with an open house, webinars and presentations focused on the global aviation industry.

The Founders in Flight panel — presented by the university’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship — included Perrott and three other speakers involved in aviation, uncrewed aircraft systems and space enterprises. It was moderated by Khoal Hetchler, a Mechanical Engineering student who works at the center.

Greg Johnson, president and CEO of Tuvoli, an aviation financial technology company, told students that starting a business is challenging and requires someone who cares enough to leap into the unknown to solve a problem no one has ever solved before.

“And if you believe in it enough, you’re going to stick it out when you come to those hurdles,” said Johnson, an Embry-Riddle alumnus.

Michael Young, senior vice president of business development for satellite company Terran Orbital, advised students to “cut out the noise” to avoid becoming overwhelmed and to learn from those with different perspectives and expertise in other areas.

An open house was part of the Business of Flight Week event. (Photo: Embry-Riddle/David Massey)

“You need to understand what you know and what you don’t know,” said Young, who spent 17 years in the U. S. Army before moving into business. “Be flexible and able to take outside advice.”

Mounir Alxan, CEO and founder of Galaxy Air Consultants, discussed overcoming challenges, saying that “some steps don’t work so you pivot to the next step and keep going.”

A separate Business of Flight Week panel featured aircraft leasing industry professionals Damon D'Agostino, chief business officer of Azorra; Dale Zarb, who works in aviation with ITE Management; and Rohan Mahajan, senior director of investments at Aero Capital Solutions.

D'Agostino, Zarb and Mahajan, all Embry-Riddle alumni, discussed the complexities of the aircraft leasing industry, from financing and supply chain issues to asset management.

Dr. Bert Zarb, professor and associate dean for Student Success, Faculty Affairs, and Research at the David B. O'Maley College of Business, said the Business of Flight Week event allows students to learn directly from industry professionals and network with them.

 “Our goal is not just to educate students,” he said, “but also to prepare them so they can get jobs in the industry.”