Libsyn Directory

Evolving Dynamics of Engine Programs with Delray Dobbins - EP.268

Think Like an Owner

Release Date: 05/13/2025

Richard Emery - Building Private Jet Sales Teams [Replay]

Think Like an Owner

Alex (@Aebridgeman) is joined by Richard Emery (@Richardemery2).

Evolving Dynamics of Engine Programs with Delray Dobbins - EP.268

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Delray Dobbins, Director of Sales at Engine Assurance Program (EAP), to dive into one of the most overlooked yet essential components of business aviation: jet engine maintenance programs. With a career spanning Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and now EAP, Delray brings a deep and practical perspective on the engine lifecycle—and what operators need to understand to avoid million-dollar surprises.

Governance and Family Harmony in Business (From EP.267)

Think Like an Owner

Watch the full episode with Dave Whorton here - https://youtu.be/KPcgK3lm-mw

Building Evergreen Companies with Dave Whorton - EP.267

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Dave Whorton, founder of Tugboat Institute and author of Another Way, to explore a different path for entrepreneurs—one built on permanence, purpose, and long-term thinking. After an early career in venture capital and tech startups, Dave walked away from the high-growth, high-exit model to focus on what he calls “Evergreen companies.”

Henry Schuck - Creating Ambitious Teams at ZoomInfo - EP.266 [Replay]

Think Like an Owner

My guest today is Henry Schuck, founder and CEO at ZoomInfo, one of the most successful data businesses in recent times with a market cap today around $12B. I’ve been looking forward to this podcast for a long time because Henry has proven to be an effective founder, acquirer, and public CEO capital allocator, which is a rare combination of skills to find in a single CEO. He’s thought very deeply about building high performing organizations, sales functions, and how his own role needs to evolve as the c

How Flying in America Lost it's "shine"

Think Like an Owner

From Episode 265 with Erika Armstrong. Watch the full video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Nc2vgTLhbYA

A Tour of Aviation Safety with Erika Armstrong - EP.265

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Erika Armstrong, a pilot, author, and aviation expert whose career has taken her from corporate jets to major airlines to the university classroom. Erika shares stories from her early days in aviation, from sleeping on crash pads with seven other pilots to flying charter flights into some of the most challenging airports in the country.

AI Breakthroughs in the Distribution Sector (From Ep.264)

Think Like an Owner

Watch the full episode here - https://youtu.be/GTxWeRXap9Q

Katie Poehling Seymour - Inside a 5th Generation Distribution Giant - EP.264

Think Like an Owner

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Kathryn Poehling Seymour, President and CEO of First Supply, a fifth-generation, family-owned distribution business with over 700 employees and 53 locations across the Midwest. We cover everything from leading a 128-year-old company through generational transition to building one of the largest distribution centers in company history.

Hill Hamrick on Relentless Prioritization (From Episode 263)

Think Like an Owner

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/UTNl0xeSgZY

More Episodes

We talk about how engine programs work, why post-COVID supply chain issues have changed the economics of self-insuring, and what’s driving renewed demand for programs that cover scheduled and unscheduled events. Delray explains why AOG support is more critical than ever, how rental engine shortages are reshaping customer expectations, and the importance of proactive planning in a world where a blank check no longer guarantees a quick solution.

We also cover:

* Key drivers behind the rising costs of engine overhauls and rental coverage

* How EAP’s trust-based model compares to OEM programs

* Why older aircraft owners are underserved and how EAP fills that gap

* The business case for engine programs, including appraisal and resale value

* What to look for in life-limited parts and how they impact long-term ownership costs

* The growing technician shortage and efforts to build the next pipeline of A\&P talent

This episode offers a masterclass in aviation maintenance economics, with practical insights for owners, operators, and investors navigating the complexities of business jet ownership.

Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.

Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/

Links:

Engine Assurance Program - https://www.eap.aero/

Delray on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/delray-dobbins-ssbb/

Sponsor - Inzo Technologies - https://inzotechnologies.com/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:22) - Sponsor - Inzo Technologies

(00:03:50) - Delray’s early career & and pivoting into engine assurance

(00:09:17) - What is an engine program?

(00:11:53) - How does the engine program save the customer money?

(00:14:04) - Where does a customer’s money go in an EAP?

(00:17:48) - How do you price an EAP?

(00:19:01) - How does an EAP make money?

(00:20:25) - The Customer Journey

(00:23:54) - Engine evaluations

(00:25:20) - Risk pricing

(00:27:03) - Tracking inventory

00:35:15) - Parts consistency

(00:36:22) - Who is doing engine overhauls?

(00:40:27) - Platform consolidations

(00:41:34) - Customer mixes

(00:43:23) - The industry technician shortage

(00:55:06) - What are you excited about over the next decade?

(00:56:48) - Electric Aircraft

TOPICS