CJI Podcast: #41 Shawn Holstein | Holstein Aviation | "This is literally the neatest industry you could possibly be involved with"

Shawn Holstein, President/CEO and co-founder of Holstein Aviation, joined host Al to discuss the company's 16-year journey. Founded in 2010 by Shawn, his father Jim, and colleague Brad Stancil after leaving Hawker Beechcraft, Holstein has grown into a top-10 global brokerage built on integrity, objectivity, and deep industry relationships.Shawn discussed a slight market softening in mid-2025 but remains optimistic, expecting a strong Q4 driven by tax incentives and opportunistic buyers. The firm covers everything from turboprops to large-cabin jets, with a growing presence in Brazil and a toe in yacht brokerage.On AI, he predicts it will actually boost private aviation demand — as trust in digital communication erodes, face-to-face meetings become more valuable. His advice to newcomers: be patient, build your network, and don't expect quick wins. What keeps him going after 16 years? Seeing the look on a client's face when you deliver exactly what they need.