Q&A with Scott Ritchie

Scott Ritchie, former Vice President Sales, Jetcraft

How long have you been at Jetcraft?

I have been here since October 2007 and I did consultant work with Jetcraft for 3 or 4 years prior to that.

What are your responsibilities within the global Jetcraft team?

I am a Vice President of Sales in the Midwest Region of the United States. I work with clients in my region to either help them find the right buyer for their aircraft, or if they are looking for an aircraft to purchase I will help them determine what they need and then help them find it.

Describe a typical day or week in your role.

There is no typical day, but I do usually spend a lot of the day on the phone. I also do a lot of traveling to meet with different clients. I take my roller bag office to wherever I’ll be for the day or week and setup shop.

What do you love most about your job?

The deals – creating an opportunity and seeing it through the transaction. I enjoy figuring out the deal and what it takes to get it done. I like to think that I’m the master of the minefield, I help guide my clients to the closing with out anything blowing up the deal.

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

The company is very family oriented and has a supportive atmosphere. It is not what I would consider a corporate environment. Everybody works together and supports one another as a team.

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

I want them to experience service beyond expectation and value beyond cost. I want them to say “wow nobody has ever done for us what you’ve just done”. I want to wow them with what we can do.

Who or what has been your greatest professional influence?

Bucky Oliver (Jetcraft Founder) and John Ames (former Jetcraft President/CEO) both taught me a lot. I wouldn’t say that it was one big thing that they taught me, just working alongside of them I learned a lot. They just set a great example of how to be humble in business and how to be a good communicator.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Trustworthy, clever, hardworking.

If you were to buy a business jet, which aircraft would suit your needs and why?

My first thought is to say I would get a Global Express, go big or go home. But really my favorite is a Falcon 2000EX. I love it – the engineering, design, quality built – what it does for what it is is phenomenal.

What stands out to you as good customer service?

Knowing what the customer wants before they ask for it. I like to try to be one step ahead of the customer, trying to figure what their needs are and how I can help them without them having to say it.

Finally, what is your hidden talent or hobby?

It’s not very hidden, but I love to cook and have a passion about food. Everybody needs to eat and everybody has a favorite meal. I like that I can use it to connect with any person out there, any work of life, any age.