Steve Brechter

Steve Brechter - Gray Stone Aviation Advisors

Steve Brechter, Senior Advisor, Operations

Steve Brechter is a seasoned senior executive with expertise in leading organizations through transformation and change. He has implemented operational improvement, business planning and leadership development processes in numerous organizational settings with sustained results. He has a passion for achieving business results through the zealous development of people.

Steve has multinational operating experience in the industrial and luxury service sectors, including operating responsibility for NetJets, Inc., a $2.5 billion unit of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

Steve began his career at United Technologies Corporation (UTC) in 1974 at its Pratt & Whitney engine division, where he held increasingly responsible positions in engineering and manufacturing operations. While at UTC, Steve was named executive assistant to the president of Pratt & Whitney and executive assistant to UTC's Chairman and CEO. He also held the positions of vice president of quality and environmental health & safety at UTC's Hamilton Sundstrand unit.

In 1996, Steve was named vice president and general manager of UTFlight, UTC's corporate flight operation. Under his leadership, UTFlight became the first corporate flight department in the world to become registered to ISO9000, the internationally recognized standard of operating excellence.

In 2000, Steve joined NetJets, Inc., in Columbus, Ohio, a Berkshire Hathaway company, as its first chief operating officer, where he was responsible for the daily operation of the company's 400+ fractionally-owned business jet aircraft. Under his leadership, significantly improved levels of operating profit were achieved, the company embarked on an enterprise-wide business operating system and an employee leadership development process. He was subsequently president and CEO of Waypoint, Inc., a start-up air taxi company.

Upon earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Steve received a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a MBA degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 1999, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute named Steve a Distinguished Alumnus. He is also a certified consultant for the Birkman Method, a personal development assessment tool.

Having served several years on the Campaign Cabinet of the United Way of Central Ohio, Steve is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Columbus Association of the Performing Arts (CAPA) and the Shubert Theater in New Haven, Connecticut. He is a past board chair and trustee of the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky and in 2002 was named a Kentucky Colonel for his work in the development, completion and opening of the International Bluegrass Music Museum.

To schedule a meeting with Steve, please contact him at 865.357.5077 or send a request.