Tom Crowell Jr, JetBrokers
JetBrokers Inc. was founded in 1993.
Tom Crowell Jr is the president of JetBrokers, Inc and is based at Chesterfield, Missouri.
JetBrokers Inc. was founded in 1993.
JetBrokers, Inc prides itself on valuing honesty and integrity above all else, and president Tom Crowell Jr. is no different. Following his father’s footsteps into the business, Crowell is yet to become disenchanted with selling aircraft since completing the sale of his first Learjet.
Crowell is based in St Louis, considers himself to be a problem solver as well as a salesman, and will be happily sell any type of business jet that you throw his way.
How did you get into aviation?
“My father got into the industry back in the ‘60s. I just thought it was kind of cool.”
What was the first aircraft that you sold?
“It was a Lear 25-G.”
What models do you particularly sell?
“I’ve sold a lot of Hawkers, Citations and King Airs. I don’t really have a preference.”
What is the most important part of being a jet broker?
“Not only are you a salesman, you have to be a problem solver. You have to work through any challenges which might come up and still get everything done.”
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?
“Have as much knowledge about aviation as possible. Knowing how to speak well and write well is important – the basic things you learn in college. Our industry is hard to get into. There are a lot of people who have to work for almost free for a while. When anyone starts, I tell them to not expect to make any money for the first year.”
Do you think that bad ethics are a problem amongst a lot of jet brokers?
“Any time there is a lot of money involved, it draws in a lot dishonest people. I have no problem telling my friends in the industry who they are and what they do.”
Do you think it’s important for brokers to be honest and ethical?
“Yes I do, but I wouldn’t say that it will make you successful, or that bad ethics will make you unsuccessful. Some of the most successful people in our industry have questionable ethics.”
Does that ever put you off the industry?
“It doesn’t put me off, but it does make my job a lot more difficult, as you get a lot of people who assume that brokers are all the same.”
How do you feel when you sell a jet?
“You always have the feeling of victory. You have a certain sense of accomplishment.”
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Read more profiles of business jet brokers on Corporate Jet Investor.
