Prior to founding 154 West Aviation Enterprises Inc and 154 West Aviation Enterprises LLC, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Haskins was an entrepreneur and investor in the aviation industry. Mr. Haskins founded Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) in 1989 and served as President and CEO from the company's inception until its sale in May 2008. Under his direction the business grew from an idea and two partners to over 100 dedicated employees and more than 1,400 customers. In March 2007 Mr. Haskins was inducted into the prestigious Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame because of his tenacity and dedication to the growth and success of JSSI, where he was responsible for its strategy, business development and worldwide sales.
Over the past 20 years Mr. Haskins has become deeply involved in the aviation community, looking for and providing solutions to the challenging financial issues of corporate aviation. Building a knowledgeable team from the aviation industry, he expanded JSSI's operations in the U.S. and internationally, developing new and innovative products and services and managing hundreds of aviation clients and several large vendors. Mr. Haskins also successfully executed a profitable exit strategy with the sale of JSSI.
Following that company's sale in May 2008 Mr. Haskins founded 154 West Aviation Enterprises, Inc., a firm that provides growth capital to early-stage and mature aviation-related companies.
Ms. Turner is a Managing Director of 154 West Aviation Enterprises, Inc. and is responsible for all new international acquisitions as well as overseeing the development of all international deal opportunities and investment. Lauren has extensive aviation experience and most recently was the Sales Director for Jet Support Services (JSSI) for Africa, the Indian Ocean Islands and Australia. Ms. Turner also held key positions with National Airways Corporation where her sales and finance experience were critical to her success within their operations and sales departments. Ms. Turner received her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Pretoria. Lauren has lived in Chile, Israel and England and currently resides in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mr. Patel is the Senior Technology Advisor for 154 West Aviation Enterprises, Inc. and is responsible for providing technical guidance and solutions for its clients. He was formerly Ecommerce Manager, of Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), where he managed the technical B2B relationships with its clients. He has over 10 years of technical experience and is currently President of 108 Consulting, Inc. A technology consulting company. He has years of experience in managing aviation technologies and vendor relationships. Mr. Patel attended DePaul University and holds many technical certifications.
Mr. Florian is a Senior Technical Advisor for 154 West Enterprises, Inc. and is responsible for providing technical review and guidance for existing and developing businesses being considered for the 154 West portfolio. Karl has been working for over 40 years in the aviation industry as a Maintenance Manager of a corporate flight department, Director of Asset Management, comprising of aviation, marine, rail and real estate investment analysis and portfolio management and was Vice President of Technical Services for Jet Support Services Inc (JSSI), with the oversight responsibility and cost analyze of over 3,000 aircraft engines and over 120 aircraft of all makes and models.
Karl is currently President of Aviation Business Services and conducts technical audits of aircraft, records and equipment recovery, appraisal evaluation, and storage and re-marketing assistance as well as the oversight of heavy maintenance for aircraft and engines.
Over the past 30 years Mr. Florian has been a member and chaired several aviation committees and organizations such as the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA), National Air Transport Association (NATA), Flight Safety International, Textron Lycoming and the College of Aeronautics. Karl is the current Treasurer of the Professional Aviation Maintenance Foundation (PAMF)
Mr. Florian is a certificated IA, A&P and Commercial Pilot, and holds a Bachelor of Aviation Management Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
In consultation with the members of the Investment Committee, 154 West shall establish an Advisory Board comprised of individuals with combined investment and aviation experience.
The board will include members with diverse aviation experience and significant achievements who are well respected and recognized within the aviation community.