Many people have heard that businesses started in the middle of a recession simply will not do well. That may be true – if the business does not take good care of its customers. If the owners do not really care about the quality of their service. If the business never even starts in the first place, because of the worry that surrounds a recession. However, Aviation Maintenance Professionals started in 2008, in the midst of a huge recession. Not only are they still around today, but they are also thriving and growing.
Brian Allen and Jim Balzer both were rooted in the aviation industry since they were both children. In 2008, the company that they both had previously been working for dissolved and was sold off in different pieces, and their “new company” was mismanaged and frankly, falling apart. They needed an “option for themselves and their clients,” according to Balzer. Allen also stated that long-term clients were almost begging and demanding them to start their own aviation maintenance company – the clients had been faithful to Allen and Balzer, and they now wanted the favor returned.
However, Allen and Balzer knew it would be tough to find funding in the middle of a recession. Fortunately, they also had a customer with an immediate need to get a large Hawker 800 inspection done. Even though finances were tight, they managed to use the deposit for their first job to secure a hangar and some equipment, and they got the job done.
When it comes to how much they enjoy what they do, Allen stated that his favorite part about being an entrepreneur is that “We get to decide what we want to be and how we want things done.” When asked about what the hardest part has been so far, Balzer said that the “7/24/365 schedule and constant pressure to meet schedules” has been the most difficult part.
Dennis Moore joined Aviation Maintenance Professionals in 2018 as CEO after 25 years of successful executive operations experience, including lean/six sigma leadership roles at organizations like Rubbermaid, Petmate and AAT. According to Moore, what matters most in a company is “a customer-centric company,” and that is why he was both honored and thrilled to join AmP and spearhead it’s growth. “AmP's perpetuating success is not by accident. Beginning with the inaugural AATMX brand it diligently established uncompromising safety, quality and service. Now as AmP, my goal is to cultivate its vision to be the foremost aircraft maintenance and repair leader in the industry.”
AmP’s clients rave about them, and one can only hope to see Aviation Maintenance Professional’s continues to thrive for another fourteen years.