Lakeshore Aviation, the FBO at the Manitowoc County Airport in Wisconsin, has been named “Wisconsin Aviation Business of the Year” by the Wisconsin Aviation Trades Association, an association made up of flight centers and aircraft maintenance businesses statewide. The group presented the award to Lakeshore Aviation president Curt Drumm during the annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference, May 3, at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay.
Lakeshore Aviation opened its doors Jan. 1, 2005, with a small staff and two airplanes. “We started from scratch,” Drumm noted.
Since then, Lakeshore Aviation has grown, added more aircraft, built two new hangars, trained nearly 100 pilots, secured an FAA Air Charter license, has expanded aircraft repair to a full time operation, formed Wisconsin’s only full time seaplane flight school, recovered from an 80% drop in sales during the recession and formalized an aviation ground school at Lakeshore Technical College. It operates 24,000 square feet of hangar and office space at the Manitowoc airport.
The WATA Award is a substantial honor, Drumm said, explaining that the nomination and votes came from those inside the aviation industry in Wisconsin. “To be recognized by one’s peers…by the same people I looked up to for advice…really means a lot.” Drumm is quick to defer compliments to his staff. “They’re the ones who really make it work. I’ve got some very talented, dedicated people who enjoy taking care of our customers. It’s great to see it all click.”
In addition to operating the business, Drumm is also a commercial pilot, flying many of the company’s flights, and teaching students from around the world. He has logged nearly 4,500 hours of flight time, and is rated in single and multiengine airplanes and seaplanes.
Drumm also continues to head the Manitowoc airshow, Thunder on the Lakeshore, which is now in its 19th year. He lives in Manitowoc with his wife, Marisue, and dog Aero.
For more information: 920-682-0043 or LakeshoreAviation.com.
