About Us

Aviation Advisor, Inc. is the Midwest’s premier aviation solutions firm. The company offering includes Aircraft Management, Executive Air Charter, and Aircraft Acquisition. With the culmination of three decades experience in the aviation industry, Aviation Advisor, Inc. was founded in 2000 to become a leading aircraft management and private charter service of choice.

To learn more about Aviation Advisor’s approach toward service, aircraft charter/management or acquisitions please contact us at (847) 395-3767 or fltops@aviationadvisor.com.

Our Team

  • Saul B. Thompson

    President

    Saul B. Thompson is the founder of Aviation Advisor, Inc. In his role as President, he draws on 3 decades of business and military aviation expertise to deliver exceptional programs, service levels and experiences to all aircraft management, aircraft charter and consulting clients. Saul served in the U.S. military where he became a test pilot for various types of military aircraft including experimental models. During his service, Saul achieved both advanced aircraft and special operations qualifications and directed Joint Service Special operations programs.

    Saul has been involved internationally in aircraft operations and leasing since leaving the military. He also directed one of the largest diversified aviation services companies in the Midwest. The operation consisted of 115 associates, held FAA Part 135 and Part 91 aircraft management certifications, operated 18 turbine powered aircraft ranging from a Cessna Citation© light jet to a Falcon 900© wide-body executive jet and featured a Part 145 repair station specializing in helicopters and business jet aircraft. As an architect in building this operation, Saul commanded a multi-million dollar budget, purchased and integrated two FBO’s, conducted strategic business acquisitions and developed airport real estate.

    In 2000, Saul took the best practices developed over 3 decades in aviation and forged a new aircraft management, executive charter and consulting company known as Aviation Advisor, Inc. Today, Saul leads what has become the industry standard for private aviation management and services. Saul is a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics. Saul has completed numerous specialized training courses both in the military and civilian sectors. He is type rated in multiple aircraft and helicopters and is also seaplane rated.

Business Development

  • TJ Chase

    VP – Business Development

    TJ is an industry veteran focused on the value of creating long term relationships by providing solutions through listening, followed by delivery. TJ’s experiences of directing a full service Part 135 charter organization, participating in client account management and creating value in an organization are attributes welcomed by Aviation Advisor. He understands the complexity of aircraft operations and places focus on the clear communication clients deserve when partnering with an organization such as Aviation Advisor. TJ graduated from the University of Dubuque with a B.S. degree in Aviation Management, and currently holds a private pilot license.

  • Brandyn Shepherd

    Charter Sales Executive

    Brandyn comes to Aviation Advisor with over 10 years of experience in outside and inside sales in several industries. Having started with Aviation Advisor in the Flight Operations department, Brandyn has knowledge in many aspects of the organization, including trip logistics, customer relations and charter sales. Now, with over 5 years of experience in the aviation industry, Brandyn has built long-term relationships with charter operators, industry professionals and customers that have led to his success in the Charter Department. Brandyn’s main focus is on Aviation Advisor’s clients and aircraft owners, ensuring that their travel needs are met, no matter the destination.

Flight Operations

  • Brian Gallagher

    Operations Manager

    Brian Gallagher joined the Aviation Advisor, Inc. family from central Indiana, where he and his wife raised their five children to adulthood. While Brian’s education isn’t based in aviation, he comes from an Air Force family and has always been interested in the business of aviation. Educated at Saint Joseph’s College, completing a degree in Radio/Television, Brian worked as a full-time photographer for the college public & sports information office and in a part-time role as personnel manager of a local radio station.

    Brian joins us with eleven years in outside sales, and twelve years of non-profit fundraising focused on training and process implementation. Most recently, Brian served as Executive Director overseeing two senior living communities through the pandemic. With each year of his career, Brian gained experience in refining sales messaging, training, process documentation and implementation, team building and communication. He also brings a daily passion to see that our clients have the best in customer service from the time they contact Aviation Advisor to the time that they arrive at their destination.

  • Steven Lemke

    Flight Operations Scheduler

    Steven joined our Flight Operations team in June of 2021, bringing in a diverse background, wealth of knowledge, and passion for aviation. His journey in aviation began in high school, where he earned his private pilot certificate while working line & customer service at a local FBO. After high school, Steven continued his schooling at the University of North Dakota, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Airport Management, as well as an additional Specialization in Business Aviation. During his schooling, Steven was a valued member of the UND Aviation Flight Line Service team, as well as an enthusiastic Campus Tour Guide.

  • Tori Recchio

    Flight Operations Scheduler

    Tori, a native of Alabama, began working with the flight operations team at Aviation Advisor in 2021. After graduating from Auburn University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, she became a flight attendant for an airline in Atlanta, GA. As a flight attendant, she learned a lot about the aviation world and decided it was something she wanted to do long term. After some research and talking to others in the industry, she decided to move to Raleigh, NC to attend flight school. Once she got her pilot’s license she moved to Virginia and worked as a CFI/CFII for about a year before relocating to Wisconsin, where she joined the team at Aviation Advisor, Inc. As a member of the flight operations team, she has been able to learn more about charter aviation and has recently begun flying a light jet for the company.

Maintenance

  • Cameron Saldana

    Director of Maintenance

    Cameron began his tenure at Aviation Advisor, Inc in 2015, following an eight-year apprenticeship with a local aircraft maintenance shop. Once onboard, Cameron completed his A&P Certification through Bakers School of Aeronautics.  With a strong base of practical experience and technical knowledge, he excels in ensuring the entire fleet is operated & maintained per FAA standards, increasing operational performance and decreasing aircraft down time. He oversees all scheduling, inspections, repairs, recordkeeping, and RTS, following up with verifying all documentation and procedures conform to all guidelines and regulations. Cameron provides superior technical support to our crew members, while working cohesively with various internal departments and vendors. Aviation Advisor, Inc recognizes Cameron’s adept ability to lead and strong work ethic, while promoting the highest level of safe maintenance practices.

  • Mark Melby

    Assistant Director of Maintenance/Chief Inspector

    Mark’s aviation career began in 2006 when he attended the School of Missionary Aviation Technology near Grand Rapids, MI. After graduating with his A&P certificate, he participated in the apprenticeship program at the school. When the apprenticeship ended, Mark moved back to Wisconsin and worked for Skyway Airlines in Milwaukee until the airline was shut down in 2008. He then worked as an electro-mechanical component repair technician for Derco Aerospace, a Part 145 Repair Station. In 2014, he began working at Freight Runners Express, a Part 135 operation, and was promoted to Assistant Director of Maintenance in 2015. In 2021, Mark started his own business, Melby Aerospace Services, and left Freight Runners Express to grow the company.

    In the fall of 2022, Mark was brought onboard full-time as Assistant Director of Maintenance and Chief Inspector. He now performs all maintenance tracking and scheduling for most of the fleet, oversees the RII program, performs vendor audits, etc., as well as supporting the Director of Maintenance as needed.

  • Olivia Shepherd

    Maintenance Administrative Coordinator

    Olivia Shepherd is an Administrative professional with extensive experience in many different fields. Olivia has worked as an Administrative Assistant since 2010 in veterinary medicine, rehab therapy and psychology. Olivia has been with Aviation Advisor as Maintenance Administrative Coordinator since January 2022 and enjoys the opportunity to expand her skillset and engage her passion for learning. Olivia’s primary responsibility is to support the Director of Maintenance and she often collaborates with various departments across the organization.

    When Olivia is not working she loves to spend time with her husband, Brandyn, and 2-year-old son, Jenson. They love to take walks and spend as much time outside as possible. You can often find Olivia and her family enjoying the farmer’s market, a neat coffee shop, or a fun art fair.”

Accounting and Administration

  • Stephanie Servantez

    Senior Accountant

    Stephanie Servantez is the senior accountant at Aviation Advisor, Inc with 17 years’ experience in customer service and more than 5 years’ experience in aiding companies with administration and accounting duties. Stephanie uses that experience to ensure that positive customer relationships are built and maintained, accounts stay up to date, and month end closing is completed on time.

    By focusing on nurturing client relationships, maintaining aircraft finances, and providing peace of mind, Stephanie has been able to put the bachelor’s degree she earned at Purdue University Global to good use. Over the years, her strengths in leadership, analytical ability, and customer service have garnered some recognition by becoming senior accountant within the first year of employment with Aviation Advisor, Inc.

    When Stephanie is not working, she enjoys hiking, bowling, and long bike rides with her husband and three children.