Nose to Tail by Jet Midwest
Introducing “Nose to Tail” a podcast where we explore the world of aviation lifecycle solutions, industry-related insights, and more. Join host Patrick Kraus, COO and Managing Director at Jet Midwest, along with industry experts for podcast conversations that encompass topics in the commercial aviation marketplace — from nose to tail. Each episode features interviews with some of our colleagues, co-workers, and friends who are deeply involved in the aviation industry. We’ll discuss the latest trends and innovations, explore the ins and outs of aircraft trading, offer insight for operators looking to extract the highest value from their fleets, and share personal...
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EP 86: Hope, One Step at a Time: The Tartan Trek Across America with Craig Ferguson
Hope is closer than you might imagine. And sometimes, the biggest impact you can make is to simply keep pushing forward. Years ago, Craig Ferguson was deeply impacted by the loss of a close friend, Russell, to mental health struggles. That loss stayed with him. Craig chose to honor his friend by creating momentum in the opposite direction. Toward help. Toward conversation. Toward support that reaches people before it’s too late. Today, Craig is walking 3,000 miles from Los Angeles to Boston in his kilt to raise awareness and funding for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health). This trek is a...
EP 85: How High-Performing MRO Teams Are Built with Brandon Allen
What looks like speed is usually preparation. In the MRO world, the outcomes customers rely on (turn time, quality, communication, reliability) are built long before the part arrives. They come from training, standards, repeatable execution, and the behind-the-scenes discipline most people never see. Host Patrick Kraus (COO & Managing Director, Jet Midwest) sits down with Brandon Allen, Director of MRO Services and Accountable Manager, for a Meet the Experts conversation on what it takes to build a shop that can deliver under unpredictable constraints, especially when parts are hard to source, and timelines keep tightening. Brandon shares how teams are developed...
EP 84: Meet the Expert: Inside the Engine Shortage| DER Repairs, Lead Times, & Strategy with Rick Tobey
In today’s engine market, access and lead time matter as much as parts. What keeps programs moving is rarely one big move. It’s a series of disciplined decisions. Choosing the right path early. Keeping records clean. And reducing delays before they compound. This episode launches Meet the Experts, a Nose to Tail series featuring the specialists inside Jet Midwest. Host Patrick Kraus (COO & Managing Director, Jet Midwest) sits down with Rick Tobey (Director of Engine Programs, Jet Midwest) to walk through how engine decisions actually get made, and what experienced teams do to keep work moving when timelines tigh...
EP 83: Building an Aviation Business in the Aftermarket with Delphine Kennedy
Speed is a tool. But trust is the advantage. Speed can win a moment. Trust wins the relationship. And relationships are what people return to when the stakes are real. That thread runs throughout this conversation: the extra effort, the follow-through, and the decisions that earn confidence over time. Host Patrick Kraus (COO & Managing Director, Jet Midwest) sits down with Delphine Kennedy of DBK Aero to trace her path from early days around MRO work in France to building her own brokerage in the UK, and what she’s learned about leadership, relationships, and solving problems when time is the co...
EP 82: Inside the World of MRO Branding with Michaela Preusser
A strong MRO brand isn’t about visuals. It’s the alignment between culture, message, and customer experience. When those three match, trust comes faster, decisions get easier, and the market remembers you for the right reasons. Host Patrick Kraus (COO & Managing Director, Jet Midwest) sits down with Michaela Preusser, Brand Designer and Strategist, to unpack what “branding” really means in technical industries like aviation MRO, and why the best brand work starts long before anyone touches a logo. Michaela shares how early work in aviation and MRO led her to focus on helping technical organizations articulate who they are with cla...
EP 81: Dive into Aviation Repairs with Milton Aguilera
In this episode of Nose to Tail, host Patrick Kraus, Managing Director & COO of Jet Midwest, sits down with Milton Aguilera, President/Owner at STAR, to hear how his aviation career started in shipping and receiving and evolved into sales, leadership, and eventually launching his own repair station. We talk about learning the business through mentors, making the jump from parts to component level MRO, and what it takes to grow capabilities while navigating today’s supply chain constraints. Milton also shares how he approaches hiring and training, and why strong customer service continues to shape the work. Please like, su...
EP 80: Navigating the Skies with Bill Wilson
In this episode of Nose to Tail, host Patrick Kraus, Managing Director and COO at Jet Midwest, speaks with Bill Wilson, Retired Airline Pilot Captain, about his path through military and commercial aviation. Bill reflects on entering aviation through ROTC, flying the KC 135 with the US Air Force, and his time at American Airlines. The conversation explores differences between military and airline flying, changes in pilot training, and how technology has influenced the cockpit over time. Listen to the full episode and subscribe for more. Get ready for new episodes of our podcast every other Friday. Learn more about our s...
EP 79: Navigating Aviation Investments and Opportunities with Mark Robinson
Join host Patrick Kraus, Managing Director and COO at Jet Midwest, and his guest Mark Robinson, Group President at Jet Midwest, as they dive into the intricacies of aviation lifecycle solutions, market, shares, and more. In this episode, they discuss the impact of real estate investments on aviation, and the evolving strategies of major players like Airbus and Boeing. Mark touches on how the industry has embraced technology and data to stay ahead. He shares strategies behind effective fleet management and pricing, explores airline interior innovations, and discusses the impact of engine supply chain issues. They also reflect on the...
EP 78: A Technician Led Approach to MRO and Aircraft Parts with Reinaldo Barroso
In this episode of Nose to Tail, host Patrick Kraus, Managing Director and COO of Jet Midwest, engages in an insightful conversation with Reinaldo Barroso, Managing Partner from Lift Aerospace. They discuss Reinaldo’s journey from high school to co-founding Lift, the challenges of starting an aviation business, and the strategic approach to part sourcing. Reinaldo shares his experiences and successes in the aviation industry along with the significance of providing exceptional customer service. Tune in to learn more. Get ready for new episodes of our podcast every other Friday. Learn more about our sponsor, Jet Midwest, at jetmidwest.com. Jet...
EP 77: Tales From the Jump Seat with Diana Bennett
In this episode of Nose to Tail, host Patrick Kraus, COO at Jet Midwest, interviews Dianna Bennett, a former TWA flight attendant and author of 'Jump Seat: Jet Setting in the Seventies'. They discuss Diana's unexpected journey into aviation, the rigorous flight attendant training program, and the evolution of airline service from the 1970s to now. Diana shares riveting stories from her career, including an emergency evacuation and experiences with the iconic Boeing 747. They also reflect on the legacy of TWA and the importance of preserving its history. Get ready for new episodes of our podcast every other Friday. Learn m...
