Leading Edge Aviation Solutions is proud to announce that James Pollaci, an aviation sales professional with nearly two decades of industry experience, has joined our team as Vice President of New Business Development.
Prior to joining Leading Edge, James spent his entire career on the fractional side of the industry. In his new role at Leading Edge, James will leverage his knowledge & experience with a client-centered approach to provide the best aviation solutions. Since 1989, Leading Edge has completed over 1,000 aircraft transactions and James’ experience on the fractional side will provide a new perspective to give Leading Edge clients a truly balanced view of the private aviation industry. Before, during and after the transaction, James and the entire Leading Edge staff remain available to our clients to answer questions, address concerns and adjust the plan as needs change. James will contribute to the supportive experience & relationship clients have come to rely on from Leading Edge Aviation Solutions.
We asked James some questions about his experience, what aviation means to him and his goals at LEAS.
What first got you interested in aviation?
As a child, all types of transportation fascinated me. Whether it was driving through the country with my dad in our Ford Torino convertible or eating Burger King on the tailgate of our station wagon and watching the trains go by with my mom. Then I saw a jet, likely departing from Teterboro, and the rest was history. A chance opportunity to enter the industry sealed my fate some 20 years ago, and I am ecstatic to expand into the brokerage side.
What is your favorite part about the industry?
The people, whether it is clients or my industry associates. For clients, it takes a high level of success to fly privately & it’s always interesting to hear their stories & what motivates them. For my industry peers, no matter what aspect of aviation they are a part of, I consistently learn from them.
What do you think will be the biggest change in your new role?
Getting used to having everyone in the office together. Imagine having over 100 years of aviation experience within 20 feet of your desk. That’s an incredible resource I won’t take for granted. I think we make a great team and I look forward to working with everyone.
What are you most looking forward to with working at Leading Edge?
My goal is to welcome new clients to Leading Edge and to provide such an incredible experience that they can’t wait to tell their family and friends. I enjoy the process of listening and truly understanding the problems or challenges they are trying to solve. There is an incredible sense of satisfaction from helping my clients travel effectively, efficiently, safely & comfortably. Moving to Leading Edge will certainly add a new perspective and allow me to help clients even better.
When you aren’t working, what do you enjoy?
My dog named Mangia, anything to do with cars and getting outside. Mangia is a 75 lb boxer boy with endless energy and a non-stop smile. Over the past few years I’ve begun volunteering in animal rescue with North Country Wildcare in Upstate New York; I’ve learned so much and it’s truly rewarding. With North Country, I’ve been able to help hawks, owls, geese, vultures, bobcat, foxes, skunks, porcupines & even an otter. I’m also trying to re-wild a few acres, take my garden to the next level & hike all 46 of NY’s high peaks. Finally, anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge car guy. Road trips in a vintage car are about as good as it gets but I also enjoy working on them and the occasional race or track day.
James Pollaci jpollaci@leas.com 973-845-5522
