FBO and handling agent network Paragon Aviation Group held its inaugural, combined Leadership/Success meeting in June at network member Dallas Love Field-based Business Jet Center. Over 30 FBO mid and upper management attendees participated, representing over 15 FBOs in the network.

In previous years, the Success (Superior Understanding of Customer Care Excellence Sales & Service) meetings focused on items pertaining to customer service, line service, safety officers, sales and marketing team members while the Leadership meetings concentrated on key information for general managers, owners and executives. Combined together, the meeting consisted of a comprehensive on-site evaluation with constructive feedback, shared best practices, a guest speaker, a team building activity, breakout sessions and other networking opportunities.

The team building event Flugtag, meaning 'flying day' in German, was sponsored by Paragon strategic partner JetSet Media. Attendees split up into groups and built aircraft out of random craft materials that had to 'fly' down the faux runway. Their flying apparatus was then judged on creativity, distance and accuracy.

An MVP award was voted on by attendees based on who they believed provided the most value and input during the four day event. This year's winner was Clay Lacy Aviation senior vice president Scott Cutshall, who also took home the 'Awesome Idea' award where Leadership attendees presented an idea to the group on a way to save money or increase revenue at their operation.

“We were so happy to resume our Leadership/Success meetings after Covid put a halt on in-person events. The purpose of this meeting is for each member to gain more insight into their own FBO by building relationships and developing better practices,” says PAG president Megan Barnes. “The more our members share with each other during these meetings, the stronger our network becomes, which in turn helps improve everyone's operational, service and sales efforts.”

The event was sponsored by Air Culinaire Worldwide, Business Jet Center, FlightBridge, GAD Transfer Company, Go Rentals, JetSet Media, Moxie Global Consulting, Phillips 66 and Unique II Worldwide.

The Paragon Network is a membership of over 100 elite FBOs and international handling agents that provide world-class service to general aviation travellers around the globe. Paragon Aviation Group performs a comprehensive audit of the facilities and services offered to ensure the quality of the member base before any FBO joins. Each member FBO must comply with a set of strategically developed core standards to remain in the group.