Leslie Mogensen is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of dedicated experience across various facets of the General Aviation Industry. Her journey began humbly as an entry-level Customer Service Representative in Spokane, WA, and has since evolved into leadership roles including Customer Service Manager, Operations Manager, and General Manager in Training, gaining OSHA certification along the way. Her career trajectory expanded into Aircraft Brokerage, Aircraft Sales, and Event Management, where she organized industry-leading expos and events nationwide.
Throughout her extensive tenure in General Aviation, Leslie has cultivated a deep understanding of customer needs and expectations. Her roles have not only acquainted her with industry professionals but also connected her with business owners, influential figures, and leaders across various sectors. This network has enabled her to facilitate valuable connections and foster business growth opportunities, leveraging her expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks and operational nuances across different locations.
Leslie’s proactive “get it done” attitude underscores her commitment to achieving results and supporting others in their success journeys. She is renowned for her advocacy and mentorship, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses thrive, regardless of whether it’s within her professional scope or personal mission.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Leslie embodies a passion for seeing people succeed and grow, making significant contributions to the General Aviation community through her leadership, networking prowess, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction and industry advancement.
Commitment to Fostering Success Through Genuine Relationships
Leslie’s approach to business is deeply rooted in her extensive experience and broad network. Beyond utilizing her skills for personal success, she is committed to fostering success among others by facilitating connections and collaborations. Leslie’s unique service offering goes beyond typical business development and marketing; she prioritizes building genuine relationships. Her ability to listen attentively to individual needs and connect people accordingly is what she believes truly drives business growth. By focusing on developing meaningful connections and friendships wherever she goes, Leslie not only enhances her professional network but also cultivates an environment where mutual success is the ultimate goal. Her dedication to making others successful is evident in her approach, making her a valued collaborator and leader in her field.
Dedication to Excellence in Business Development
Leslie’s role in business development and marketing demands a comprehensive understanding of both marketing trends and the industries she promotes. She emphasizes the importance of staying informed and educated about broader business developments while keeping a keen eye on specific industries, including her clients’ sectors. Her proactive approach includes not only staying updated on current trends but also anticipating future shifts and supporting emerging trends that could impact the aviation industry. Leslie’s belief in the growth potential of the aviation sector drives her commitment to staying ahead of the curve and strategically aligning her efforts to contribute to its success and resilience.
Motivation to Business Development and Marketing
Leslie’s motivation is rooted in her passion for greatness and success, not just for herself but also for others whom she assists. She finds fulfillment in helping businesses, brands, products, and services achieve recognition and success. Her reward comes from witnessing the tangible outcomes of her efforts, knowing she has played a pivotal role in building and expanding these entities.
In her role, Leslie faces daily challenges, particularly in business development and marketing, where convincing executives to invest in marketing and awareness strategies can be daunting. Despite these challenges, Leslie remains steadfast in her belief in herself and her abilities. She emphasizes the importance of patience, persistence, ongoing growth, and unwavering dedication in demonstrating the value of marketing investments to her clients. Through her persistence and commitment, Leslie aims to illustrate the impact of strategic marketing initiatives, ultimately earning the trust and recognition of her clients.
Journey in General Aviation
Leslie’s journey in General Aviation has been marked by a series of significant roles and accomplishments that have shaped her career. Starting as an entry-level Customer Service Representative in Spokane, WA, she initially had limited exposure to the diversity within aviation, believing commercial airlines were the primary aircraft type. However, her career trajectory quickly expanded as she moved to Scottsdale, AZ, advancing to roles such as Lead CSR and Customer Service Manager.
Transitioning to another Fixed Base Operator (FBO), Leslie took on the role of Operations Manager and later trained as a General Manager. Her pivotal career shift occurred when she joined an aircraft sales company, where she not only handled sales but also saw potential in a local event called the Arizona Aircraft Expo. Recognizing its value, Leslie transformed this small event into a nationally recognized series—the US Aircraft Expo—spanning 12 cities across the United States.
Even during the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Leslie ensured the US Aircraft Expo continued as the sole aviation event, rigorously adhering to safety protocols and local regulations in each city. Her efforts not only elevated awareness among participants but also solidified the expo’s reputation within the aviation industry.
Driven by a desire to extend her expertise and support to others in General Aviation, Leslie recently undertook a significant project coordinating an air-to-air video and photo shoot over the Bahamas. Additionally, she played a key role in revamping a client’s website and brand image through comprehensive multimedia initiatives.
Leslie’s journey underscores her commitment to excellence, innovation, and the growth of General Aviation. Her ability to identify opportunities, drive transformational change, and foster industry-wide recognition highlights her profound impact on the field.
Integrity, Dedication, and Mutual Success
To Leslie, a leader embodies qualities that reflect integrity, dedication, and a profound commitment to their work and those they serve. She believes a leader should be honest, hardworking, passionate, attentive, considerate, and determined—traits that form the foundation of her approach to business and client relationships.
In her company, Leslie operates by a steadfast motto: “I will do everything for you and your company that I would and do for mine.” This statement underscores her dedication to providing her clients with the same level of effort, care, and attention that she would demand for her own business. She views herself and her team as wingmen, dedicated to propelling their clients’ businesses to new heights, standing alongside them every step of the way.
Leslie’s philosophy emphasizes a symbiotic relationship between her company’s growth and success and that of her clients. She firmly believes that their achievements are intertwined—when clients thrive, so does her company. This perspective not only drives her professional interactions but also underscores her commitment to delivering exceptional results and fostering long-term partnerships based on mutual success and growth.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Leslie offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those entering her industry or any other:
- Brand Yourself: Establishing a strong personal brand is crucial. Define who you are, what you stand for, and what sets you apart from others in your field. Your brand should reflect your values, expertise, and unique approach to business.
- Passion and Excellence: Focus on doing what you love and doing it well. Passion drives commitment and excellence, which are essential for long-term success and satisfaction in entrepreneurship.
- Authenticity: Stay true to yourself and your vision. Authenticity resonates with clients and builds trust. It also ensures that your business decisions align with your values and goals.
- Know Your Worth: Understand your value and the value of your services or products. Don’t undersell yourself. Confidently communicate your worth to clients and stakeholders.
- Continuous Learning: Be open to learning from others. Know when to listen and when to take the lead. Humility and a willingness to learn are essential for personal and professional growth.
- Invest in Yourself: Allocate resources—whether time, money, or effort—to invest in your own development. This might include education, skills training, networking, or personal well-being initiatives.
Leslie’s advice emphasizes the importance of personal branding, passion, authenticity, self-confidence, continuous learning, and self-investment—all foundational elements for entrepreneurial success and fulfillment.
