10/14/2026
SOME THINGS IN LIFE ARE WORTH HOLDING ON TO.
I’m not much for bragging or celebrating milestones, but I woke up this morning thinking about a few things that mean a hell of a lot to me.
September 11 marked 15 years of Midwest Malibu Center. October 11 marked 28 years of marriage to my wife, Melissa. Two milestones worth mentioning, even if I’m a few days late.
Twenty-eight years with the same woman. We’ve built a family, raised two kids, welcomed two grandkids, weathered our share of storms, and made a life together that I wouldn’t trade for anything. She’s been beside me through the struggles, the successes, and everything in between. And as far as I’m concerned, we’re just getting started.
What a lot of people may not realize is that Melissa has been part of my aviation career since day one. She was right there in the hangar when I was getting started, long before Midwest Malibu Center had a name. For 15 years, she’s been the gatekeeper of Midwest Malibu, managing the books, payroll, ordering parts, shipping and receiving, and just about anything else that needs attention. She’s even been known to get her hands dirty in the hangar when I need another set of hands. While I’ve been turning wrenches and flying airplanes, she’s been keeping the business running behind the scenes. There’s no telling where I’d be without her.
Then there’s my other longtime love affair. The Piper PA-46.
I’ve spent over 25 years of my life dedicated to these airplanes. From major structural repairs and engine changes to annual inspections, test flights, and sitting in the left seat at FL250, I’ve made a career out of knowing these machines inside and out.
These days, that experience goes well beyond the hangar. Whether I’m maintaining an aircraft, flying it, or representing someone through the purchase or sale of one, my commitment hasn’t changed. I take a tremendous amount of pride in being the guy my customers trust with their airplanes.
And somewhere along the way, I’ve managed to make room for a few other passions.
There’s nothing quite like twisting the throttle on 427 cubic inches of American V8 power, getting out on two wheels with no particular hurry to get anywhere, or coming home to the lake.
We bought our lake house in November 2015. It took until December 2024 to begin making it our full-time home. Even then, we spent much of the following year traveling for aircraft work. In January 2026, we finally settled in for good.
It took us a long time to get here. And I can tell you, the view is a little sweeter when you know what it took to earn it.
When I look at all of this, there’s one thing that ties it together.
Loyalty.
To my wife and family. To the work I’ve dedicated my life to. To the PA-46 community that’s been such a big part of my world for over 25 years.
And most importantly, to the customers who’ve placed their faith in me year after year.
You’ve trusted me to turn the wrenches, sign the logbooks, fly your airplanes, and guide you through some pretty significant decisions when buying or selling them.
That trust has helped make this life possible, and it’s something I will never take for granted.
28 years of marriage. 15 years of Midwest Malibu Center. Over 25 years of PA-46s.
I’m proud of where we’ve been, grateful for where we are, and nowhere near finished.
Here’s to a whole lot more years, more miles, more flying, and more sunsets on the lake.
