New Network Paragon Aviation Group Introduces Itself

Paragon Aviation Group is an elite class of FBOs in North America who are focused on safety and the superior customer service that only the independently run FBO can provide. Each Paragon Aviation Group location is dedicated to uncompromised safety and customer-focused service to ensure that every customer’s experience is nothing short of excellence.

Below is more information about the company as told by Paragon's Executive Vice President.

I'd like to tell you about a new company that just launched in late 2010 called Paragon Aviation Group.  Before I answer what we are, it only seems right to talk about who we are first.

Aero Air (HIO)I’ll begin with my dad, Mike Delk, the President and owner of Paragon. Many people have known him for the last 40 years as the President of Valley Oil Company, then becoming Epic Aviation dba Air BP Aviation Services. Until his recent retirement, in the fourth quarter of 2010, he spent his years working in the fuel business. Side by side with FBOs, he found ways to improve their businesses and bottom lines, not only through fuel but also by understanding their needs as companies and formulating solutions that they could benefit from. Do Dads ever really retire?

First Aviation Services (TEB)Growing up, my sister and I watched and admired our father in the industry and were determined to follow in his footsteps one day. Megan and I have both made our careers about aviation and have extensive experience in FBO operations and understanding end user needs.

Knowing that our Father’s retirement was approaching, we talked about where we felt our industry was going and the possible needs that FBOs and Flight Departments would have in the coming years. Our discussions with each other and brainstorming with some industry experts led to the formation of Paragon Aviation Group.

We believe that successful independent FBOs are important to the industry because of their unique qualities and extensive experience serving the customers. There is a reason they have been in business for a long time, and we feel that other independent operators can benefit from sharing information with one another. We also know there are tremendous challenges as independent operators when competing with the larger chains in the areas of efficient staffing, decreasing fixed expenses, buying power and offering competitive pricing at multiple airports, while continuing to give the customers extraordinary service.

Galvin Flying Services (BFI)So what is Paragon Aviation Group? We’d like to think of our company as the place where elite independent FBOs or small chains can share best practices and work as a network with like-minded FBOs that set the bar equally as high. The unique aspect about our network is that each FBO can continue to operate independently yet enjoy the benefits of a successful network of FBOs through state-of-the-art flight tracking software, buying power and understanding what makes the others successful.

If you are a flight department you are asking yourself, so what is in it for me? You get a network of industry professionals in the FBO business that are Safe, Reliable, Customer-Focused and provide a real Value for the money. They guarantee a quality facility and outstanding service at a competitive price. Let’s be honest, the cheapest fuel doesn’t always equate to the best facility and service. Value truly is what is important and whether our locations give the best price on fuel or not, they will give you the best Value.

Odyssey Aviation (MYNN)We are proud to name the following as our initial members to Paragon Aviation Group; Odyssey Aviation Bahamas (MYNN), Tampa Int'l Jet Center (KTPA), Maguire Aviation (KVNY), Aero Air (KHIO), Galvin Flying Services (KBFI) and First Aviation Services (KTEB). These are first class operators with exceptional service and value. They are an excellent representation of what Paragon is all about.

What makes Paragon different? Excellent question! We know others have tried similar company models but have not been successful, so how are we going to do it? As I stated above, we feel there is value to every successful independent operator, and we will guarantee the best of the best in the Paragon Aviation Group members. We are three very experienced industry professionals that are passionate about what we do. We love aviation and we love ‘helping aviation businesses grow.’ That was a motto my dad started years ago when he owned Valley Oil Company and something that we do at Paragon. We are committed to service, we are committed to our customers and we are committed to the industry.

Tampa Int'l Jet Center (TPA)

Sincerely,

Molly L. LeBLanc

Executive Vice President