Q&A with Jayan Fazal-Karim

Jayan Fazal-Karim, former Sales Engineer, Jetcraft
Location: Brooklyn, NY, US

How long have you been at Jetcraft?

As an employee, 3 and a half years, and as a supporter, 11 years. I’ve seen Jetcraft and everyone who works with us grow immensely over that time. Not to mention they have seen me grow from the time I was 15 when my father joined the company. I am proud to call Jetcraft family.

What are your responsibilities within the global Jetcraft team?

Sales Engineers at Jetcraft are the designated right hand man to their assigned Sales Director(s). I like to call us their swiss army knife – whether we do things such as covering them for a showing or aircraft review, conducting market research, building specs, or creating thoughtful presentations for them to use, we do all we can to support our Sales Directors in helping them complete more transactions. I am very lucky to be able to support my father as his Sales Engineer.

Describe a typical day or week in your role.

As is common with the answers to this question from our team, there is no typical day or week! As cliché as that sounds it is really true. Some days you are locked in your office rifling through emails, completing aircraft valuations, and reviewing specs. Other days you are hopping from FBO to MRO conducting showings and tracking PPIs, and some days you are at events all around the world interacting with some of the most interesting people our world has to offer.

What do you love most about your job?

If I could sum it up in one word: Variety. No task is the same, no day is the same, no location is the same, no culture is the same, no person is the same, no aircraft is the same. I love exploring and appreciating the differences in our world and what better job to expose one to those differences.

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

I keep mentioning family, but I’ll go one further and call it the foxhole mentality. I was recently involved in a horrible cycling accident that put me out of commission for 6 months. To see the team support me the way they did kept me fighting and inspired me to keep my chin up through the tough times in the hospital and beyond. I am forever grateful.

I think our company is unique in the way that we’ve all had some really tough times and we really show that foxhole mentality when we rally behind those that need it the most and do it without questions asked, knowing that they would do the same for us.

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

A smooth and painless experience in their transaction. No transaction is ever painless, but it’s our job to manage the transaction and absorb the pain so that our clients don’t have to.

Who or what has been your greatest professional influence?

My mother. Even though my father taught me the importance of hard work, self-belief and persistence, my mother has shown me the importance of empathy, honesty, and sacrifice, which I believe are the key ingredients to shaping great leaders.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Adventurer, Easygoing, Empathetic

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

A Global 7500, because why not?

My ideal trip would consist of a flight plan from New York to Tokyo or Hong Kong. I would have my closest friends and family there with me with all of our favorite foods.

What stands out to you as good customer service?

Building a genuine relationship with your client throughout the entire sales process. Buying or selling a business jet can be a very personal thing. There is something emotional about a jet and that includes the process of its procurement or being sold. It isn’t just buying something off the shelf, it’s a complex process that takes dedication.

Finally, what is your hidden talent or hobby?

Cooking. I love food because it best highlights all of our cultures’ differences in the finest way. I truly believe the greatest moments and stories are shared around the dinner table with bellies full of great food and wine. It’s also a great creative outlet when treated as one. It’s a chance to try and create art which you then get to eat. I don’t think eating canvas is as satisfying!