Nose to Tail by Jet Midwest

Jet Midwest

Introducing “Nose to Tail” a podcast where we explore the world of aviation lifecycle solutions, industry-related insights, and more. Join host Patrick Kraus, COO and Managing Director at Jet Midwest, along with industry experts for podcast conversations that encompass topics in the commercial aviation marketplace — from nose to tail. Each episode features interviews with some of our colleagues, co-workers, and friends who are deeply involved in the aviation industry. We’ll discuss the latest trends and innovations, explore the ins and outs of aircraft trading, offer insight for operators looking to extract the highest value from their fleets, and share personal stories from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just getting started in the industry, “Nose to Tail” is the perfect podcast to learn and connect.

  1. 5D AGO

    EP 83: Building an Aviation Business in the Aftermarket with Delphine Kennedy

    Speed is a tool. But trust is the advantage. Speed can win a moment. Trust wins the relationship. And relationships are what people return to when the stakes are real. That thread runs throughout this conversation: the extra effort, the follow-through, and the decisions that earn confidence over time. Host Patrick Kraus (COO & Managing Director, Jet Midwest) sits down with Delphine Kennedy of DBK Aero to trace her path from early days around MRO work in France to building her own brokerage in the UK, and what she’s learned about leadership, relationships, and solving problems when time is the constraint. Delphine shares how mentors shaped her approach, why she champions women in aviation, and what changes have helped the industry become more welcoming over the last two decades. She also breaks down how DBK launched during COVID, why she created the Smart Revenue Partner (SRP) program, and how AI-enabled quoting supports a small team without replacing the human side that makes the aftermarket work. In this conversation, we cover: • How Delphine’s early MRO exposure and AOG desk experience shaped her career • The leadership lessons that carried from employee to entrepreneur • What the industry can do to attract and retain more women across every level • Aftermarket vs OEM pace, process, and decision making during AOG moments • What SRP stands for and why Delphine built the Smart Revenue Partner program • How AI supports 24 7 quoting while relationships still drive the outcome • Trade show culture, building community, and why aviation stays a family Thank you for listening to Nose to Tail. Please like and subscribe to our channel. Get ready for new episodes of our podcast every other Friday.  Learn more about our sponsor, Jet Midwest, at jetmidwest.com. Jet Midwest is a global, multifaceted aircraft service provider. Since 1997, it has specialized in providing exceptional value to the commercial aviation industry through complete nose-to-tail product support solutions for passenger and cargo aircraft.

    54 min

  2. FEB 20

    EP 82: Inside the World of MRO Branding with Michaela Preusser

    A strong MRO brand isn’t about visuals. It’s the alignment between culture, message, and customer experience. When those three match, trust comes faster, decisions get easier, and the market remembers you for the right reasons. Host Patrick Kraus (COO & Managing Director, Jet Midwest) sits down with Michaela Preusser, Brand Designer and Strategist, to unpack what “branding” really means in technical industries like aviation MRO, and why the best brand work starts long before anyone touches a logo. Michaela shares how early work in aviation and MRO led her to focus on helping technical organizations articulate who they are with clarity and confidence. So the way they show up matches the quality of the work they deliver. In this conversation, we cover: + What branding actually is (and what it isn’t) in technical industries + Why strong brands win trust regardless of company size + The strategy work most teams skip—and why it costs them later + Why internal rollout and team buy-in determine whether a rebrand succeeds + Michaela’s co-creation approach and why she often presents one fully developed concept + How guidelines & workshops turn a brand into something teams can use consistently Get ready for new episodes of our podcast every other Friday.  Learn more about our sponsor, Jet Midwest, at jetmidwest.com. Jet Midwest is a global, multifaceted aircraft service provider. Since 1997, it has specialized in providing exceptional value to the commercial aviation industry through complete nose-to-tail product support solutions for passenger and cargo aircraft.

    41 min

  3. FEB 6

    EP 81: Dive into Aviation Repairs with Milton Aguilera

    In this episode of Nose to Tail, host Patrick Kraus, Managing Director & COO of Jet Midwest, sits down with Milton Aguilera, President/Owner at STAR, to hear how his aviation career started in shipping and receiving and evolved into sales, leadership, and eventually launching his own repair station. We talk about learning the business through mentors, making the jump from parts to component level MRO, and what it takes to grow capabilities while navigating today’s supply chain constraints. Milton also shares how he approaches hiring and training, and why strong customer service continues to shape the work. Please like, subscribe, and follow along for future episodes. Get ready for new episodes of our podcast every other Friday.  Learn more about our sponsor, Jet Midwest, at jetmidwest.com. Jet Midwest is a global, multifaceted aircraft service provider. Since 1997, it has specialized in providing exceptional value to the commercial aviation industry through complete nose-to-tail product support solutions for passenger and cargo aircraft.

    38 min

  4. JAN 23

    EP 80: Navigating the Skies with Bill Wilson

    In this episode of Nose to Tail, host Patrick Kraus, Managing Director and COO at Jet Midwest, speaks with Bill Wilson, Retired Airline Pilot Captain, about his path through military and commercial aviation. Bill reflects on entering aviation through ROTC, flying the KC 135 with the US Air Force, and his time at American Airlines. The conversation explores differences between military and airline flying, changes in pilot training, and how technology has influenced the cockpit over time. Listen to the full episode and subscribe for more. Get ready for new episodes of our podcast every other Friday.  Learn more about our sponsor, Jet Midwest, at jetmidwest.com. Jet Midwest is a global, multifaceted aircraft service provider. Since 1997, it has specialized in providing exceptional value to the commercial aviation industry through complete nose-to-tail product support solutions for passenger and cargo aircraft.

    48 min

  5. JAN 9

    EP 79: Navigating Aviation Investments and Opportunities with Mark Robinson

    Join host Patrick Kraus, Managing Director and COO at Jet Midwest, and his guest Mark Robinson, Group President at Jet Midwest, as they dive into the intricacies of aviation lifecycle solutions, market, shares, and more. In this episode, they discuss the impact of real estate investments on aviation, and the evolving strategies of major players like Airbus and Boeing. Mark touches on how the industry has embraced technology and data to stay ahead. He shares strategies behind effective fleet management and pricing, explores airline interior innovations, and discusses the impact of engine supply chain issues. They also reflect on the growth and development at Jet Midwest and the importance of leadership in navigating the ever-changing aviation landscape. Tune in for an insightful discussion and expert opinions on the future of aviation. Get ready for new episodes of our podcast every other Friday.  Learn more about our sponsor, Jet Midwest, at jetmidwest.com. Jet Midwest is a global, multifaceted aircraft service provider. Since 1997, it has specialized in providing exceptional value to the commercial aviation industry through complete nose-to-tail product support solutions for passenger and cargo aircraft.

    29 min

  6. 12/26/2025

    EP 78: A Technician Led Approach to MRO and Aircraft Parts with Reinaldo Barroso

    In this episode of Nose to Tail, host Patrick Kraus, Managing Director and COO of Jet Midwest, engages in an insightful conversation with Reinaldo Barroso, Managing Partner from Lift Aerospace. They discuss Reinaldo’s journey from high school to co-founding Lift, the challenges of starting an aviation business, and the strategic approach to part sourcing. Reinaldo shares his experiences and successes in the aviation industry along with the significance of providing exceptional customer service. Tune in to learn more. Get ready for new episodes of our podcast every other Friday.  Learn more about our sponsor, Jet Midwest, at jetmidwest.com. Jet Midwest is a global, multifaceted aircraft service provider. Since 1997, it has specialized in providing exceptional value to the commercial aviation industry through complete nose-to-tail product support solutions for passenger and cargo aircraft.

    15 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    EP 77: Tales From the Jump Seat with Diana Bennett

    In this episode of Nose to Tail, host Patrick Kraus, COO at Jet Midwest, interviews Dianna Bennett, a former TWA flight attendant and author of 'Jump Seat: Jet Setting in the Seventies'. They discuss Diana's unexpected journey into aviation, the rigorous flight attendant training program, and the evolution of airline service from the 1970s to now. Diana shares riveting stories from her career, including an emergency evacuation and experiences with the iconic Boeing 747. They also reflect on the legacy of TWA and the importance of preserving its history. Get ready for new episodes of our podcast every other Friday.  Learn more about our sponsor, Jet Midwest, at jetmidwest.com. Jet Midwest is a global, multifaceted aircraft service provider. Since 1997, it has specialized in providing exceptional value to the commercial aviation industry through complete nose-to-tail product support solutions for passenger and cargo aircraft.

    34 min

  8. 12/05/2025

    EP 76: Inside Avionics with Jim Krey and Andrea Hannam

    Join host Patrick Kraus, COO of Jet Midwest, for a conversation with Jim Krey, General Manager, and Andrea Hannam, Sales Director, from Aero Instruments & Avionics Inc. as they share perspectives from across the aviation lifecycle. In this episode, they reflect on the company’s history, their approach to developing test equipment, and the experiences that have shaped their work in avionics. They also discuss the process of building capabilities over time, the shifts they have seen in technology, and their thoughts on how AI may influence future repair environments. Jim and Andrea offer insight into their roles within Aero Instruments and the relationships that have supported their journey. Tune in for a look at the evolving aviation landscape and the conversations shaping how teams move forward. Get ready for new episodes of our podcast every other Friday.  Learn more about our sponsor, Jet Midwest, at jetmidwest.com. Jet Midwest is a global, multifaceted aircraft service provider. Since 1997, it has specialized in providing exceptional value to the commercial aviation industry through complete nose-to-tail product support solutions for passenger and cargo aircraft.

    39 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Introducing “Nose to Tail” a podcast where we explore the world of aviation lifecycle solutions, industry-related insights, and more. Join host Patrick Kraus, COO and Managing Director at Jet Midwest, along with industry experts for podcast conversations that encompass topics in the commercial aviation marketplace — from nose to tail. Each episode features interviews with some of our colleagues, co-workers, and friends who are deeply involved in the aviation industry. We’ll discuss the latest trends and innovations, explore the ins and outs of aircraft trading, offer insight for operators looking to extract the highest value from their fleets, and share personal stories from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just getting started in the industry, “Nose to Tail” is the perfect podcast to learn and connect.

Information

  • Creator
    Jet Midwest
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Jet Midwest Inc.
  • Show Website
    Nose to Tail by Jet Midwest