Q&A with Cara VanDell

Cara VanDell, Transaction Manager, Jetcraft
Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA
[email protected]       +1 919 941 8400

How long have you been at Jetcraft?

I have been with Jetcraft Corporation as the Transaction Manger for nearly four years already.  You know what they say…time flies when you are having fun!

What are your responsibilities within the global Jetcraft team?

As Transaction Manager, I am responsible for ensuring everything is in place for a successful aircraft closing.  My involvement in a transaction begins when a listing agreement or letter of intent is signed, and continues throughout the contracting process and subsequent closing.  It is very detail-oriented work, anything from making sure the proper number of original documents are in place, down to ensuring what color ink was used to sign them!  In addition, I am responsible for figuring out the financial breakdown of the sale proceeds for the seller’s benefit.

In dealing with registering aircraft worldwide, there is research that must be done to figure out how to deregister/register an aircraft in different countries, as well as import/export and figure out tax implications.  Even here in the US it can make a big impact tax-wise depending on what state you close in. I also assist in corporate matters within the company.

Describe a typical day or week in your role.

As transaction manager, I spend most of my time drafting documents, arranging for documents to be signed and pre-positioned, then checking in on the status of items.  I need to know the status of all pending deals at all times in order to guide them to a successful close.

What do you love most above your job?

I love the excitement that comes with getting a deal closed.  It can be a lot of last minute tasks to pull together in perfect timing in order to get a deal done, often on tight timelines.  There is a sense of accomplishment afterwards when you have a happy seller and a buyer ecstatic to have their new aircraft.  No two deals are ever the same, so that keeps me on my toes!

Describe the company culture at Jetcraft and what it means to you?

We all work very hard and do a great job working as a team. It truly feels like a big family, we are blessed to work for such a great company!

What do you want your customers to experience when dealing with Jetcraft?

I want them to feel as though they can turn everything over to us and we will handle it, let us do the leg work and worry about the tiniest of details for them so they can sit back and trust that we are handling it.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Loyal, calm and very detailed.

What stands out to you as good customer service?

Again, I think the most important thing a customer can take away from their experience with Jetcraft is trust in us.  Trust that we are one of the best in the business and will be sure they are well taken care of.

Finally, what is your hidden talent or hobby?

I do not have much free time these days as we have two children under the age of 3… Austin and Brynn.  We live on one of Minnesota’s larger lakes, so our life revolves around being outdoors and enjoying being on the water.

Header Photo: Cara with her son Austin and one of her dogs enjoying the lake.