Bill Kovac Email & Phone Number

Sales manager responsible for the sale of Jet and AVGAS fueling solutions and products in the Midwest/North Central region.

Provide leadership and insight to individuals and aviation related businesses. Deliver aircraft appraisals, custom market evaluations and analysis, and individualized purchasing services within the aviation sector--from single-engine through business jets.Worked extensively during initial startup and through two national events with a newly formed aviation auction business. Provided expertise and sourced aircraft for auction from individuals, aviation entities, and lenders for auction events at major aviation shows/venues. Provided onsite liaison services and managed closing activities through delivery.

Successfully sold more than 1,200 new aircraft with a combined value of $360MM. Identified, qualified, contracted with and developed strong channel relationships with Cessna's authorized sales team representatives (CSTARs). Managed, trained, and mentored individual sales team members. Empowered multiple teams to exceed retail sales goals--some achieving more than 200% annually. Frequently provided closing assistance. Created synergy among regional CSTARs that made the entire region successful year-over-year while inspiring greater individual territory commitment. Quickly established rapport and credibility by leveraging extensive aviation background and passion for flying. Regularly contributed creative ideas to corporate marketing plans and incentives. Developed an annual marketing and sales planning strategy by CSTAR location to foster achieving goals and making a committed marketing investment. Leading RSM and two time recipient of Cessna's Pinnacle Award for sales excellence. First of only two recipients since single-engine restart to receive Cessna's Eagle Award for exceeding 1,000 aircraft sold.

Successfully migrated Cessna-owned Citation Service Center facilities from an 'inside' sales paradigm to a direct sales model. Executed this proof-of-concept sales strategy by joining the Milwaukee Citation Service Center and increasing sales volume over 100% during the first year through personal calls on aircraft owners, principal business owners, and corporate flight departments. Enhanced overall reputation and repeatedly proved the ROI of using Cessna-owned facilities for large Phase inspections and modifications. Sold additional services including maintenance, parts and contract services/engine overhauls. This sales model was ultimately replicated at every Citation Service Center and remains a critical part of service center success even today.

Increased Citation owner awareness and use of Cessna owned Citation Service centers through direct mail, brochures, advertising, and a quarterly service magazine. Prepared quotations for complex refurbishments, modifications, and service events for large flight departments nationally. Conceived an embedded, direct sales approach based at each service center and gained management support to implement this sales model.In support of Cessna's Special Olympics Airlift--during which Special Olympians are flown to the national games by corporate aircraft owners who donate their Citation business jets, crew and fuel--I independently conceptualized and produced a video invitation for CEOs and flight department heads to solicit their support. The video was created entirely from charitable services secured from within the community. It included footage from prior events, interviews with Special Olympians, and network footage that was combined with a compelling message from Cessna's CEO to inspire participation. This video was so successful in garnering additional aircraft commitments that it became the cornerstone format of Cessna's marketing for this event since 1991.

Represented the full line of Beechcraft products--from the Bonanza F33A through the Beech Starship. Also sold used aircraft. Researched and identified potential leads, qualified prospects, prepared and presented sales proposals and closed contracts. Sales durinig 1988 totaled $9.4MM.

Commercial leasing equipment company and retail marine/luxury and sport boat sales.

Avionics sales and management.