Marty Rhine, Vice President of Sales, West Star Aviation
How long have you been at your current organization?
I have been with West Start Aviation for 17 years.
What are your responsibilities within your organization?
My primary responsibility includes managing the sales, contracts, design, and business development teams.
Describe a typical day or week in your role.
I would describe my typical day as dynamic. Every day is a little different in the challenges that it presents. I try to keep things moving in the right direction for the best results.
What do you love most about your job?
The people. I particularly enjoy watching a new sales person mature as they earn the confidence and trust of a new customer. To witness the initial bond and to watch their relationship begin to grow is something special.
Why did working in the Business Aviation industry interest you, and how did you get started?
I was drawn to the technology. I have an avionics background that started with the military. Before sales, I spent most of my business aviation career as an electrical systems designer integrating systems like TCAS, EGPWS, GPS, and satcoms.
Who or what has been your greatest professional influence?
The who is my sales mentor Jim Swehla, Co-Founder of West Star Aviation. He has been there every step of the way. One of my favorite what(s) is the Joe Gibbs’ book, Racing to Win. Joe describes evaluating all of your coaches, bosses, and peers for their strengths and weaknesses to develop your own style and identity. This resonated to the point that I still use it in my everyday life.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Respectful. Fair. Passionate.
Finally, what is your hidden talent or hobby?
It might not qualify as a hidden talent since I once won a t-shirt in a poolside competition in Cancun, but I can name most Hair Band and Hip Hop era songs within a couple of notes. My favorite hobby is enjoying my car collection.
About West Star Aviation
West Star is proud to have been voted the #1 Preferred MRO for eight consecutive years from 2014-2021 in Professional Pilot Magazine’s annual PRASE Survey. The survey first included the ‘Most Preferred MRO’ category in 2014 and West Star has won the #1 slot each year since its inception. West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, engines and APUs, avionics installations and repair, major modifications, interior refurbishment, exterior paint, accessory services and parts. In addition to its primary facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; and Perryville, MO, West Star Aviation also maintains satellite facilities at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO; Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL; Centennial Airport in Denver, CO; Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, TX; and Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport in Minneapolis, MN. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its East Alton and Grand Junction facilities, as well as AOG/MRT services nationwide. West Star Aviation is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise while providing world-class customer services in all the organization’s divisions. For more information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.
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