Paragon Aviation Group, an international network of independent audited FBOs and handling agents, recently convened aviation's brightest minds for the 2025 Success Meeting, a three-day summit that redefined operational excellence and customer experience in the FBO industry. Held 15-17 July at Aero Air in Hillsboro, Oregon, the event united top-tier FBO leaders, safety experts and innovators to address evolving industry challenges, share proven strategies and raise service benchmarks across the Paragon Network.

With attendees representing a collective across the network, the meeting offered immersive workshops, on-site evaluations and expert-led sessions. Nearly 98 per cent of participants rated the content as ‘highly actionable’ and walked away with practical ideas to improve safety culture, boost customer satisfaction and climb the ranks of FBO surveys.

“Our network doesn't just adapt; we lead,” says Crystal Kubeczka, president of Paragon Aviation Group. This meeting isn't just a touch point. It's a launchpad where strategic minds align to challenge norms, raise benchmarks and elevate what FBO service should look like.”

The event featured a standout lineup of aviation authorities who brought bold insights and real-world experience. Karl Kamps, combat medic turned aviation safety leader and VP at Aircare International, delivered essential crew support best practices and preparedness models drawn from both military and aviation experience. Jared Marshall, GSE optimisation specialist and sales manager at AERO Specialties, demonstrated how efficient equipment management and rentals can dramatically improve ramp operations and reduce downtime. Mike Ficklin, flight data futurist and founder of Corvis Partners, shared cutting-edge methods for using operational analytics and customer intelligence to enhance service delivery and decision-making.

The Success Meeting also celebrated Paragon's vital industry relationships. Sponsors Aircare International and AERO Specialties were recognised for their ongoing contributions to FBO safety, staffing and equipment operations, supporting ground teams across the Paragon Network and beyond.

The 2025 Success Meeting was proudly hosted at Aero Air, an award-winning, family-owned FBO that has set the standard for service in the Pacific Northwest since 1956. As the only full-service FBO operating 24/7/365 in the Portland metro area, Aero Air provided an ideal backdrop that mirrored the values of safety, service and innovation championed across the Paragon Network.

Located just 13 miles west of downtown Portland and adjacent to Silicon Forest's corporate hubs, Aero Air boasts 105,000 sq ft of heated hangar space, jet-class ramp capacity and full-scale fuelling operations. Its facilities offer premium experience including pilot lounges, flight planning rooms, onsite rental cars and 24/7 access to NATA Safety 1st-trained staff.

Beyond FBO services, Aero Air operates charter, medevac, aerial firefighting, cargo and aircraft management missions, backed by a FAA Class IV repair station and a diverse turbine-powered fleet. Its legacy, built by aviation pioneer “Swede” Ralston, continues to thrive through its people-first ethos and commitment to operational excellence across every vertical.

Building on the momentum of this year's meeting, Paragon is already planning the 2026 Success Meeting, which will feature in-depth sessions on AI-driven tools, environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance for FBOs and new customer experience frameworks tailored to the next generation of private aviation clients.

Only Paragon members receive access to these exclusive insights, training opportunities and high-level networking platforms designed to keep FBOs at the forefront of the industry.