Hi everyone,

Every so often, a conversation lands that brings you right back to why this podcast exists in the first place. Skybound Ops was created to spotlight the people who keep aviation moving — the builders, the operators, the problem-solvers, the ones who show up when the rest of the world is off the clock. And our next episode is a powerful reminder of exactly that.

This week, I sit down with Michael Miner, the founder of GSE America and the CEO of ProServe Aviation, two organizations built not on shortcuts, but on discipline, grit, and a deep respect for the work that keeps aircraft, equipment, and teams operating safely. Michael’s story is one of those rare ones — the kind that’s raw, honest, and proof that aviation rewards those who carry real responsibility on their shoulders.

In the episode, Michael shares several moments that shaped him, including what it was like starting out with almost nothing. “When you have $68 in your bank account, there are a lot of question marks in your life,” he says. He talks about the long nights, the early doubts, and the mentors who helped him turn persistence into direction. And when it comes to leadership, he doesn’t hide behind theory. He believes in presence. “People respect what you inspect,” he told me — a philosophy that shows up every day in how he runs both companies.

We also explore the deeper truth so many of us feel: aviation pulls you in and never really lets you go. As I shared in our conversation, “You get in and you don’t get out… and when you return, it just feels right.”

I’m proud of this episode. Proud of Michael’s honesty. Proud of the storytelling. And proud to share it with a community that understands why these stories matter.

Full Episode Available

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