Libsyn Directory

5X Airline Founder David Neeleman on Building Ambitious, Customer-Obsessed Airlines - EP.260

Think Like an Owner

Release Date: 02/25/2025

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

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with David Neeleman, one of the most accomplished entrepreneurs in aviation history. With a track record that includes founding five airlines—Morris Air (sold to Southwest), WestJet, JetBlue, Azul, and now Breeze Airways—David has built transformative companies across three different countries and reshaped the industry at every step.

Given my work at Airframe Group focusing on aviation service companies, I wanted to understand the core principles that drive his success. We explore how he approaches founding and scaling airlines, the nuances of customer service across different markets, and why hiring great people is his most consistent strategy for building lasting businesses.

Other highlights include:

How David has adapted to different market dynamics and competitors
The importance of customer experience in aviation and beyond
Advice for ambitious CEOs looking to build high-impact companies
A wild personal flight experience that shaped his views on the industry

I recorded this episode in David’s office in Salt Lake City after a fascinating tour of his company, making this an especially exciting conversation for me as a lifelong aviation geek. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

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/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:03:32) - David’s principles for building an airline

(00:07:27) - Covid and other impacts on profitability in recent years

(00:08:38) - Changes in service expectations from flyers

(00:12:25) - Setting up an IT infrastructure

(00:15:38) - Scaling an airline to profitability

(00:20:24) - Philosophies around varying customer experiences

(00:29:05) - Building a company around a market or niche

(00:32:46) - Generating new demand via new routes

(00:37:16) - When do you decide to pull out of a city or cut a route?

(00:39:15) - Leadership philosophies

(00:42:03) - Team building practices & communication styles

(00:45:12) - Broader airline challenges

(00:47:42) - Advice to CEOs

(00:48:54) - Key challenges ahead for Breeze

(00:49:37) - Closing thoughts

TOPICS