Kenneth C. Ricci, 2016 CSU Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Introduction

The speaker talks about his background and how he got into the aviation business.

Background

• Started as a pilot in the Air Force and flew for Northwest Orient.

• Got furloughed and decided to pursue further education in law.

• Interned with a law firm that focused on aviation, but ended up buying an aviation company called Corporate Wings.

• Focused on high-end long-term leases, such as concert tours, which led to flying Bill Clinton during his 1992 campaign.

Aviation Business

• Established an international operation and started the fractional business called Flight Options in 1998 with a partner named Mike Rossi.

• Today, they own seven aviation companies with around 3,000 employees spanning everything from engine maintenance to charter services.

• They have around 154 airplanes rotating around.

Key Ideas

The speaker shares his key ideas for success in business.

Passion and Compassion

• Being passionate about what you do is important.

• With passion comes the obligation to be compassionate about how you're doing it.

Acceptance Speech

The speaker gives an acceptance speech after receiving an award from a law school.

Thanking Women in His Life

• Thanks his mom for her support.

• Thanks his daughter Elizabeth for her trust.

• No timestamp provided for thanking wife Pamela.