Nick Tarascio is the dynamic CEO of Ventura Air Services, a fast-growing aviation company focused on aircraft sales, maintenance and private air charter services. Based at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, New York, Ventura is a family business that was founded by Nick’s father more than three decades ago. The company’s fleet of jets provides business and leisure travel services in North and South America and the Caribbean.
Ventura is also a preferred “on-call” provider for rapid medical organ transplant teams that fly to hospitals in advance of life-saving surgeries. A licensed pilot since the age of 16, Nick is rated to fly jet, turboprop and piston aircraft, including Learjets. In addition to being a jet pilot, he has extensive experience as a certified aircraft mechanic, avionics technician, and successful aircraft salesman.
Nick is the author of “Own Your Own Plane: It Costs Less Than You Think,” which explains the significant benefits of private aircraft ownership. He is an astute entrepreneur with a deep understanding of finance, which he uses to assist clients in purchasing aircraft for personal use while helping them to develop financial strategies for using their aircraft as business and investment tools.
Nick believes that having a “pilot mindset”— which incorporates rigorous training, situational awareness, and rapid problem solving — gives him a unique advantage in business management and corporate leadership. At Ventura, Nick has built a culture centered around “operational excellence,” which is consistent among the company’s team of more than 45 employees, which includes pilots, maintenance personnel, and travel and customer service representatives.
As a pilot and an industry leader, he has been fortunate to have worked with and served influential leaders in the fields of politics, medicine, entertainment, the arts, and philanthropy, and finds great satisfaction in introducing people to the possibilities of a flying lifestyle. Nick is also a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer, who has released three albums and continues to write new music.
Dave Pamah is an author, podcaster and personal coach who helps people overcome resiliency. As an ex-athlete and retired firefighter, he faced many challenges with racism, bullying and dyslexia. His experience has led him to a career in helping others through personal coaching and with his book: Firefighting From Within. Dave hosts the podcast 'The Dave Pamah Show' where he highlights ways people can make improvements in their lives and other mental health topics. He says that people need to build resiliency by using mindfulness to gain some calmness in your life. Having more positivity can help you live your best life. Follow Dave on website, contact him via email, dave@davepamah.com or follow him on Twitter.
