Today we’d like to introduce you to Curt Castagna.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was 14 years old and my father, who was a WWII aviator, dropped me off at the Long Beach Airport where I landed my first job washing aircraft and fueling. I learned to fly at 15, got my license at 16 and after deciding I didn’t want to pursue an airline career, I looked for opportunities in airport and aviation management.
After graduating with a degree in public administration and airport management, I eventually rose to a general manager position overseeing a large Fixed Base Operation (FBO), owned by the Dupont family, I was given an opportunity by the developer of the property to manage their investments in Long Beach and Van Nuys.
Today overseeing the development, construction and property management of over $75 million dollars of airport real estate, 500,000 sf and over 250 tenants, our firm has risen to be nationally recognized for assisting airport operators and users.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
All challenges are opportunities……. The key to our success is developing collaborative relationships with the municipalities that own airports, the community and the businesses and users, to develop their trust and confidence. Our most memorable success was the revitalization of our major Van Nuys business operations after the 2008 economic downfall. Having lost over 82% of our tenant base, it took over 4 years to recover lost business and generate economic activity levels and positive cash flow. We successfully did this without ever reducing staff, defaulting to any lender or vendors and the foundation for our success was the development of strong clients and partnerships that are basis for our continued growth and vision.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was shy, introverted and quiet. While I had a strong interest in aviation, it was not until my late 20’s did I take advantage of the challenges that were presented to me in my younger years in getting into the business, to be the basis for my success today. I am interested in the outdoors, travel and spending time with family and friends.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3333 E. Spring St., Suite 204
Long Beach, CA 90806 - Website: www.aeroplex.net
- Phone: (562) 981-2659
- Email: castagna@aeroplex.net
- Instagram: aeroleasegroup
- Facebook: Aeroplex Aerolease Group
- Twitter: Aerolease Group
- Other: you tube channel: Aeroplex/Aerolease Group
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
