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When people asked Elaine Johns what she would do when she
grew up, it's very unlikely that she responded, "own an aircraft charter,
maintenance, and flight training school." However, that is exactly
what she does; and apparently better than anyone else. Northwest Areo has
faced its share of adversities. In 1977, while the company was owned
by its founder, LaVerne Friesen, the hanger was destroyed by a tornado.
While awaiting construction of a new hanger in '78, the temporary facility
caught fire and burned to the ground. Still the business prevailed,
purchasing larger and faster aircraft for on demand air charter.
When Johns took over the business in 2000, she hoped the company's
troubles were finished. Then along came 9/11 and Northwest Aero was
grounded for an extended period of time. Less than four months later,
a major ice storm grounded the business yet again. A lot of
other businesses might have seen these events as a sign that it simply
wasn't meant to be. That wasn't the case with Northwest Aero.
With amazing foresight, a great deal of hard work, some good old
fashioned research, and the enthusiasm of 10 men, Johns has managed to not
only hold the business together, but to continue to expand and grow it as
well. During her tenure as owner she instituted an aviation degree in
connection with Northern Oklahoma College and negotiated a deal with the Air
Force to provide flight training to pilots.
"Elaine simply doesn't know the meaning of the word quit," according to
Charlie Kuchinsky, Business Development Specialist for OSBDC. "It
isn't a part of her vocabulary. She is constantly working on a new
angle - - like the aircraft parts business or her website. If life
throws her a road block, she just problem solves her way right out of it.
She is truly amazing!"
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