#105 - Buying and Building a Profitable Aviation Business with James Spearman

In this episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson are joined by James Spearman, owner of Spearman Aircraft and Iconic Rides. James walks through his journey of acquiring and scaling an aircraft maintenance business through seller financing, boosting its value through streamlined systems and strategic marketing. He shares the mindset and steps that helped him turn a struggling shop into a seven-figure operation while positioning it for future passive income or a high-multiple exit. If you've ever considered buying a business, this episode is packed with tactical insights.

James Spearman is a military-trained pilot, licensed aircraft mechanic, and savvy entrepreneur based in East Tennessee. He owns Spearman Aircraft, an aviation maintenance business he acquired through seller financing and scaled tenfold, as well as a seaplane business offering flight training and experiences. James blends hands-on aviation expertise with smart business systems, marketing, and mentorship to create scalable, profitable ventures.

Show notes:

(0:00) Intro

(04:23) Early side hustles and real estate

(05:39) Zero-down business acquisition

(07:53) Seller financing and boomers retiring

(12:28) Why buying what you know matters

(16:07) Learning marketing through necessity

(20:53) Coaching and investing in yourself

(31:34) Building operational systems

(36:38) Preparing a business to sell

(43:18) Outro

Connect with James Spearman:

• Website: https://www.spearmanaircraft.com

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*Legal Disclaimer*

The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.