Meet the Team

STAFF | PILOTS

Close-up of Saul Thompson, wearing a blue and white checkered shirt, smiling in an indoor setting with aircraft in the background.

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.

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Saul B. Thompson

Saul B. Thompson is the Founder and President of Aviation Advisor, Inc., bringing more than three decades of military, operational, and business aviation experience to the company. He began his aviation career in the U.S. military, where he served as a test pilot for a variety of aircraft, including experimental models, and earned advanced aircraft and special operations qualifications.

Following his military service, Saul built extensive experience in international aircraft operations and leasing before leading one of the Midwest’s largest diversified aviation services companies. There, he oversaw 115 associates, a fleet of 18 turbine-powered aircraft, aircraft management and charter operations, a Part 145 repair station, FBO operations, and airport real estate development. His leadership also included strategic acquisitions, multimillion-dollar budget oversight, and the purchase and integration of two FBOs.

In 2000, Saul founded Aviation Advisor, Inc. to bring his depth of aviation experience to a more personalized approach to aircraft management, private charter, acquisition, and consulting. Today, he continues to lead the company with an emphasis on safety, operational excellence, and exceptional client service. Saul holds a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has completed extensive specialized military and civilian aviation training. He is type rated in multiple fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters and is also seaplane rated.

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TJ Chase

VP, Business Development

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TJ Chase

TJ Chase serves as Vice President of Business Development for Aviation Advisor, where he leads the company's aircraft management growth initiatives, strategic partnerships, and client relationships. With more than 20 years of experience in private aviation, TJ has built his career on earning trust through transparency, responsiveness, and delivering customized solutions that align with each client's unique needs.

His background spans Part 135 charter operations, aircraft management, business development, and client advisory services, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the operational, financial, and strategic considerations involved in aircraft operations and ownership. TJ is passionate about helping aircraft owners maximize the value of their investment while simplifying the complexities of private aviation through Aviation Advisor's personalized management approach.

Known for his consultative style and long-term relationship focus, TJ works closely with aircraft owners, corporate flight departments, family offices, and industry partners to develop solutions that enhance operational efficiency, increase aircraft utilization, and deliver exceptional service. TJ earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from the University of Dubuque and holds a Private Pilot Certificate. His firsthand aviation experience, combined with his commitment to client success, allows him to provide knowledgeable guidance and trusted leadership throughout every stage of aircraft ownership.

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Grace Shukis

Executive Administrative Assistant

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Grace

Grace Shukis

As Executive Administrative Assistant, Grace provides administrative support to the company's executive leadership while helping coordinate projects and daily operations across Aviation Advisor. Known for her attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and collaborative approach, she plays an important role in keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly. Grace is currently pursuing her MBA, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.


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Brian Gallagher

Operations Manager

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Brian

Brian Gallagher

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.

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Steven Lemke

Charter Sales Executive

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Steven Lemke

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.

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Melissa Guadarrama

Sales & Marketing Coordinator

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Melissa Guadarrama

Melissa brings a unique blend of sales, marketing, and client service experience to her role at Aviation Advisor. With an MBA in Marketing and a background spanning client relations, business development, and creative strategy, she supports clients throughout the charter process, from the initial request and aircraft selection to trip coordination and post-flight follow-up. She also leads marketing initiatives designed to strengthen client relationships, expand Aviation Advisor’s reach, and support the company’s continued growth.

Known for her detail-oriented and relationship-focused approach, Melissa enjoys creating a seamless, personalized experience for clients while helping connect them with the private aviation solutions that best fit their needs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three-year-old son, playing tennis and pickleball, and reading a good book.

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Brandon Adkins

Flight Operations Manager

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Brandon

Brandon Adkins

As Flight Operations Manager, I lead the Flight Operations team, ensuring every trip is executed with precision and delivers a seamless experience for both passengers and crewmembers. With seven years at Aviation Advisor and a decade of experience in private aviation, I bring extensive industry knowledge and a commitment to operational excellence. My expertise in international trip coordination allows me to navigate the complexities of global travel while maintaining the highest standards of service and efficiency.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the outdoors through camping, hiking and backpacking trips, as well as attending live music events.

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Kolin Harrigan

Flight Operations Scheduler

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Stephanie Irvine

Flight Operations Scheduler

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Tyler Svrusis

Flight Operations Scheduler

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Cameron Vugrinovich

Director of Maintenance

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Cameron

Cameron Vugrinovich

As Director of Maintenance at Aviation Advisor, Inc., Cameron oversees all aspects of aircraft maintenance operations, including maintenance planning and scheduling, while ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. He brings more than 12 years of aviation maintenance experience, beginning with five years of service in the United States Marine Corps, where he specialized in maintaining the AV-8B Harrier.

Following his military service, Cameron continued his career as an aircraft mechanic across multiple aviation organizations, building extensive hands-on experience. His expertise includes maintenance management, regulatory compliance, and diagnosing and resolving complex aircraft maintenance challenges to support safe and reliable operations.

Outside of work, Cameron enjoys fishing and spending quality time with his family.

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Paul Kaiser

Aircraft Maintenance Technician

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Nick Morrell

Aircraft Maintenance Technician

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Stephanie Servantez

Accountant Manager

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Stephanie Servantez

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.

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Melissa Valdez

Charter Flight Accountant

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Michael Taylor

Line Service and Facility Technician

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Austin Lowell

Line Service and Facility Technician

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Nicole Drexler

Maintenance Administrative Assistant

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ERIC SANCHEZ

Chief Pilot

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Martin Deisenroth

Gulfstream G-280 Pilot

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Jim Johnson

Challenger 300 Pilot

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Grafton Kent

Challenger 300 Pilot

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Doug Lowell

Lear 45XR Pilot

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Creed Johnson

Lear 45XR Pilot

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Victoria Recchio

CJ3/CJ4 Pilot

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Ethan Williams

CJ3/CJ4 Pilot

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Michael brands

CJ3/CJ4 Pilot

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David Gray

Falcon 2000S Pilot

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Cesario Solorsano

Falcon 2000S Pilot