Leading Edge Aviation Solutions hires Kristen Cloud as Vice President for Aircraft Sales in Connecticut.
Kristen Cloud joins Leading Edge Aviation Services
Kristen Cloud has joined Leading Edge Aviation Solutions as Vice President for Aircraft Sales. She joins from Tri-State Aircraft Sales, a brokerage she founded.
“We are delighted to have Kristen on board,” said Joe Carfagna, Jr., president of Leading Edge Aviation Solutions. “She is skilled, energetic, resourceful, and talented, and we look forward to working with her to further expand our presence in domestic and international aviation markets.”
Cloud is a graduate of the University of Richmond and holds a BS in business administration. She also holds a single and multi-engine land, instrument airplane, Citation CE-500 type rating having started flying in 1990. She has also sailed round the world.
Corporate Jet Investor: How did you end up in business aviation?
Kristen Cloud: I’ve always had a passion for aviation. After graduating from the University of Richmond, I started out as an aircraft researcher, then went onto obtaining listings and eventually selling private aircraft. Each morning before work, I was out at the airport at 7:00am getting my private pilot’s license, instrument rating, multi-engine and finally my Cessna Citation CE-500 Series Type Rating.
Being involved in all aspects of the sale and delivery of turbine powered aircraft, including product marketing and promotion, providing demonstration flights (as both flight crew and salesperson), negotiating and closing sales contracts, and providing customer assistance during pre-purchase inspections, has given me the extensive experience that enables me to identify sales/purchasing opportunities and interpret market trends.
I have also been a member of several advisory boards and professional organizations, including NBAA, AOPA, NARA, WAA, YEO and the Wings Club.
What most excites you about your new role?
Kristen Cloud: What most excites me about my new role as Vice President of Aircraft Sales for Leading Edge Aviation is the unlimited upside potential.
During my 25 years in the aviation industry, I have been fortunate to have developed many close relationships with my clients and industry leaders, including CEO’s, CFO’s and flight departments. Bringing that experience to Leading Edge Aviation, one of the foremost aircraft broker/dealers in the world is a recipe for success. Experience counts!
Leading Edge Aviation has been involved in over $10 billion worth of aircraft sales, acquisitions and new aircraft deliveries – there simply isn’t a more capable group of highly experienced professionals who understand the needs and wants of aircraft owners and operators.
What is the key to keeping customers happy?
The key to keeping customers happy is very simple, going the extra mile and bringing a total customer service approach to every aircraft transaction. Making sure your clients have 100 percent confidence in you and your company, having the opportunity to offer aircraft solutions, giving them sensible options, being available 24/7, having an innovative vision and the market knowledge to give your clients “The Edge.”
What advice would you give to someone working in business aviation?
I have been fortunate to get valuable advice along the way from some of the most prominent leaders in the aviation industry, all of which share similar traits for success. I learned early in my career the values of hard work, thirst for knowledge in an ever-changing business, importance of networking, and personal integrity. Leading Edge Aviation’s philosophy is, “a repeat client is the best testament to our ability, integrity and performance.”
My advice would be to stay hungry, be honest, never stop asking questions, forge good relationships, meet as many industry veterans as possible, and go the extra mile for your customer – this combination will add value and bring success!
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