CJI Podcast #39: Mike Mikolay | Mikolay Jet Group | “Having the ability to say no is critical"

Mike Mikolay, founder of Mikolay Jets, has been selling aircraft for almost 30 years. He started as an intern at Beechcraft, helped launch Guardian Jet and then started his own advisory firm two-and-a-half years ago.Mike shares the highs and lows of going independent, why saying no to the wrong clients early on was critical, and how a long-time client's candid nudge gave him the push to finally do it. He also discusses the current seller's market, where near-new inventory remains scarce and demand shows no signs of cooling.Mike talks about building a personal board of directors, creating an in-house internship programme for his own kids, a cycling accident that forced him to reassess risk, and why patience is the most underrated skill in aircraft acquisition.