Experience

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  General Aviation Marketing/Advertising & Media Relations

  • Kansas City, Missouri Area

  • Industry Consultant (Retired)

    • Dec 2006 - Nov 2012
    • Kansas City, Missouri Area

    In December 2006, following a brief semi-retirement and 40 years of general aviation related sales, marketing, advertising and media relations background, I launched an independent consulting service for general aviation marketers including their advertising and ad agency personnel. I retired in November 2012.

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  Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA)

  • Frederick, Maryland

  • Senior Vice President

    • Aug 1999 - Jul 2006
    • Frederick, Maryland

    Senior staff/management position overseeing AOPA's print and electronic publication's marketing including advertising sales, administration, research, promotional campaigns and trade shows/exhibits. In July 2006, I semi-retired and returned to the Kansas City area.

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  The Avion Group

  • Lenexa, KS

  • Co-Founder & Managing Partner

    • Apr 1993 - Mar 1998
    • Lenexa, KS

    Co-founder and managing partner at The Avion Group, an aviation marketing and communication services firm. On July 1, 1997 the agency was acquired by the Sullivan Higdon & Sink Agency (SHS/Wichita, KS) and was renamed Sullivan Higdon & Sink (SHS/Kansas City), more recently known as Signal Theory/Kansas City.

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  Eidson Speer Watson & Dickerson

  • Shawnee Mission, KS

  • Co-Founder & Senior Vice President

    • Apr 1983 - Mar 1993
    • Shawnee Mission, KS

    Co-founder and senior vice president at the above Kansas City and Dallas based marketing/advertising agency specializing in the promotion of general aviation products and services.

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  Young & Rubicam (Brewer Advertising)

  • Kansas City, MO

  • Aviation Account Executive

    • Nov 1980 - Apr 1983
    • Kansas City, MO

    Account executive on King Radio and Beech Aircraft aviation accounts.

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  Symbolic Displays (Hoskins)

  • Irvine, CA

  • Director of Aviation Marketing & Sales

    • Nov 1978 - Sep 1980
    • Irvine, CA

    Managed worldwide OEM and aftermarket sales as well as development and implementation of all marketing programs (advertising, media relations and trade shows) for the above manufacturer of aviation electronic products (primarily anti-collision lighting and fuel management computer systems).

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  King Radio Corporation

  • Olathe, KS

  • International Sales Manager

    • Jan 1969 - Oct 1978
    • Olathe, KS

    Over a ten year period, served in various sales management roles as well as advertising and sales promotion manager for the above industry leading manufacturer of aviation electronic (avionics) systems.

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  Van Dusen / Pacific Airmotive Corporation

  • Kansas City, KS

  • Regional Sales Manager

    • Nov 1967 - Dec 1968
    • Kansas City, KS

    Sales management responsibility for 100+ aviation FBO accounts throughout the mid-west (central region).

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  Emporia Municipal Airport

  • Emporia, KS

  • Aircraft Services

    • Jan 1966 - Oct 1967
    • Emporia, KS

    Part-time aviation related employment during college. Provided airport/flight-line services in exchange for various learn-to-fly programs. Completed flight training for both private and commercial pilot licenses including an IFR/instrument rating.