Q&A with Chris Brenner

Chris Brenner, former Sales Director, Jetcraft
Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA

How long have you been at Jetcraft?

My career at Jetcraft began in the summer of 2007, so about 8.5 years now. The time has flown by!

What are your responsibilities within the global Jetcraft team?

I was brought on as the Market Coordinator in 2007 when Jetcraft was averaging only 10-15 listings at a time (now our marketing team manages 90-100 listings at any one time). Since then I have worked as a Sales Engineer, Sales Engineer Director and now as the Sales Director for north-central United States and central Canada. I work with clients in my region to help them either sell their current aircraft, or to help them acquire a new one.

Describe a typical day or week in your role.

A typical day starts early, usually well before the sun rises. I spend most mornings with the team catching up over breakfast to discuss the day’s objectives. From there it is a good mix of reaching out to our customers and partners over the phone and managing their respective listings and purchases. I am also on the road a lot, in this business it is always good to have a bag packed. Technology can replace a lot but not a face-to-face meeting.

What do you love most about your job?

Everything. I am very fortunate to work in an industry that I love and it does not really feel like work. I think a lot of that comes from my peers and colleagues who share the same sentiment.

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

We work in an intense, yet relaxed environment. It is a very fun place to work and I think our team displays the definition of teamwork. It is nice to have a group of professionals to pull from if I need help managing my clients/projects. Every one of us would drop what we are doing to support each other.

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

I want them to feel that the process of selling or buying an aircraft is seamless. They are putting their trust in us and we want to affirm that trust with a great experience.

Who or what has been your greatest professional influence?

My parents. I certainly feel my work ethic was bred by their example. I remember at a very young age seeing my dad every morning working away as I would roll out of bed, and in the evenings working long after I went to bed. My mom worked nights for Northwest Airlines for 25 years, which was really the seed for my love of aviation. Between them they taught me lessons that personal success is a direct byproduct of how hard you work and that nothing in life would be handed to me. While my parents are some of the hardest working people I know they always made time for me and our family, something that I am extremely thankful for.

I have also been fortunate to have a few great mentors that have coached me to where I am now and continue to coach me to this day. They have given me their time and energy to ensure my success, for which I am extremely grateful.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Loyal, Dedicated, Competitive.

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

I would definitely choose a Challenger 300 or Challenger 350. It is the perfect match of size, capability and value, the ideal aircraft for transcontinental travel at a very modest cost of operation and price.

What stands out to you as good customer service?

A customer’s loyalty and trust has to be earned. I want to demonstrate sincerity and integrity in order to earn their long-term relationship. Each of our customers deserves to know that they are important and that we are there working for them, doing our best to meet their needs.

Finally, what is your hidden talent or hobby?

My hobby outside of work is family time. We love spending time on our boat in the summer and watching the Minnesota Wild hockey games (pictured) in the winters. My wife, Jacqueline, and I also like to travel with our two girls, Beau and Lolo. Both have become quite the frequent flyers. I am blessed to have a wonderful wife and family at home and I try to spend as much time with them as possible.