“I find myself getting to know people from a non-political, non-ideological perspective. It’s because I have a narrow objective – selling airplanes. Along the way I get to know fascinating people. I develop respect for different viewpoints and cultures.”

His gift for relationship building has led to a position on the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations Mid-East Peace Process Advisory Board, among other international leadership roles. But none of this has gone to his head. “I’m a Lowcountry boy at heart,” he grins.

“The beauty of this area, the constant sunlight, makes for a great quality of life.”

They also make for easy recruiting. “Getting people to want to live here isn’t work for me.” He also believes that people who fit in well at Gulfstream “are the kind who would like to live here.”

Besides the beauty and balmy climate – and the abundant recreation that results – he notes that the area excels at higher education. “It’s one thing to attract people and another to keep them motivated. One way…is to help them realize their educational goes.” (He’s a Georgia Tech grad himself, he notes proudly.)

Keeping employees happy is paramount, he says. “People who are happy in their environment will be happy at work. A happy work force makes higher-quality products.”