says his ability to start a new business was possible in part because of his background in computer science, his original career track. It turns out the graphic design, mar- keting, and website-development abilities he used in computer science are also key skills needed to run a helicopter business. “My schedule [just starting the busi- nesses] was busy, instructing in Indiana during the week and flying tours in Ohio on the weekend,” says Matt. “But the two businesses were unique, and the variety kept it exciting.” Matt cites Meiris, a “Future Faces” alumnus (see December 2021 ROTOR, p. 56), pilot, and HAI ambassador, as another mentor. “Our careers are parallel, as we’re both helicopter pilots with similar flight hours,” Matt says. “We share our experi- ences with each other, which lets us learn twice as much. The biggest lessons Jessica has taught me are patience and resourcefulness.”
Matt is a firm believer in networking and collaboration and says he couldn’t have pro- duced the same results without help from others. “Networking and collaboration mean
everything to me,” he says. “It’s how I’ve found mentors, jobs, students, and friends.” Matt has cultivated three additional,
important skills on his journey as a pilot— perseverance, humility, and ambition. “It can be dangerous to think we know it all, but confidence is equally important,” he says.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Now a chief pilot with 1,300 flight hours, Matt runs several thriving businesses. In addition to Columbus Helicopter Tours and Pilot In Command, in December 2021, Matt began a new company in Fullerton, California, called Horse Creek Helicopters. The company provides tours and flight
instruction in various types of aircraft, including the Aérospatiale Alouette III, Bell 206L-4, and Robinson R44. Matt eventually hopes to fly helicopter air ambulance operations and is interested in exploring its business potential. He encourages new aviators not to give
up, even when the journey gets difficult. “It’s important to be open to constructive criticism to strengthen your skills,” Matt says.
Matt also has a word of advice for other
aviators who dream of starting their own business: when things inevitably become overwhelming, he says, take it one step at a time. Matt also stresses the importance of
planning. “Always think a few steps ahead in your
career,” he advises. “This is just like flying, where you want to stay ahead of the air- craft. Network in preparation for future opportunities.”
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