Costa Mesa, Calif., May 4, 2012 —Leading Edge Aviation Services (LEAS), the largest commercial and military aircraft painting company in the world, today announced that Mike Manclark, Founder and CEO, has won Orange County Business Journal’s prestigious Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award. Announced on March 21, the awards are presented annually to five individuals who best exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit through their vision, execution, business accomplishments and potential for continued success.

“Mike Manclark’s vision and leadership have propelled Leading Edge into the largest aircraft painting company in the world, counting virtually every major airline as a customer,” said Richard Reisman, publisher, OCBJ. “During the past few years, the company has grown revenue by more than 14% in what’s widely been recognized as one of the toughest periods in history for commercial aviation. It’s accomplishments like these that warrant Manclark’s inclusion in our Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards.”

Originally founded as an aircraft detailing business at John Wayne Airport, Manclark quickly expanded the business to accommodate a growing need for premium aircraft painting. Within a few years, the company amassed major contracts with clients such as Delta, Continental, United, Air Canada, Southwest, the U.S. Military and even NASA. Today the company boasts state-of-the-art hangars in eight cities across America, revenues of more than $46M, and a total of more than 1,300 employees.

“This has been another landmark year for Leading Edge, and we are honored to have our accomplishments recognized by the OCBJ,” said Manclark. “We are proud to be part of a community that values and supports entrepreneurship and innovation.”

About Leading Edge Aviation Services
Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California with state-of-the-art facilities nationwide, Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. is the largest, most advanced commercial and military aircraft painting company in the world. Founded in 1989, the company’s undeniable success is attributed to its strong vision and a continuous commitment to quality and excellence. Today, Leading Edge delivers an extensive range of commercial services including aircraft interior and exterior painting, OEM production coatings application support, mod-center painting services support, VVIP aircraft interior completions and exterior paint, aviation graphics, aircraft weighing, long- and short-term aircraft storage, field audits, fleet assessments, interior deep cleaning, and aircraft exterior wash and polish. For more information, visit our web site at www.leadingedgecorp.com.

About the OCBJ
Each week, the Orange County Business Journal delivers the most complete package of news and information on Orange County’s companies, industries and businesspeople. It is comprehensive, authoritative, concise and entertaining. Presented in a lively and accessible format, the Business Journal is required reading for Orange County executives, managers and professionals—written in an up-tempo, breezy style that reveals the drama, excitement and fun in business. For more information, go to www.ocbj.com.

Leading Edge Aviation Services, the world’s largest commercial and military aircraft painting company, is REDier Than Ever for MRO Americas 2012!

This year’s must-attend MRO industry event is being held on April 2-5 in Dallas, Texas, where suppliers and customers from across the world gather to share in the latest industry news. Leading Edge will once again be exhibiting and will be showcasing our most recent accomplishments including our milestone AS9100 quality management certification, state-of-the-art new facilities and locations, and our continuous efforts towards quality improvement. Be sure to drop by Booth 1215 for complementary champagne and a chance to learn more about these programs.

Leading Edge Aviation Services (LEAS), the world’s largest commercial aircraft painting company, announced today that Tracy Sharp has joined the company in the position of Controller. In her new role, Tracy will lead the company’s finance and accounting departments along with implementing a new ERP system during a time of unprecedented growth.

“As our reach and services continue to expand in the aviation industry, we’re enhancing our resource planning and streamlining our internal control systems,” says Mike Manclark, founder and CEO of Leading Edge Aviation Services. “We are very excited to bring Tracy on board at the start of 2012 to spearhead these initiatives and lead the finance and accounting departments.” Tracy brings over 25 years of experience in both public and private accounting to her new role.

Prior to joining Leading Edge, Tracy was the Corporate Controller for Day Software, an international content management software company, and was part of the team that turned the company into an international success and sold it to Adobe Systems in 2010 for $240 million. “Working at Leading Edge is a great opportunity and I am thrilled to be part of the team,” says Tracy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from San Diego State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Tracy resides in Newport Beach with her husband.

Costa Mesa, Calif.  – October 6, 2011. Leading Edge Aviation Services (LEAS), the largest commercial/military aircraft painting and interiors Company in the world, announced today that it has successfully completed its audit and has received recommendation for AS9100 certification at its Victorville, Calif. facility and corporate headquarters.

The news puts Leading Edge at a distinct advantage globally, making it the only aircraft painting company in the world to be awarded this new standard of excellence. Additionally it is a key stage in the final preparations for the upcoming Boeing B787’s arrival at the Leading Edge Fort Worth Texas facility.

Created specifically for the aerospace industry, AS9100 is a quality management system that outlines global standards for best practices that meets the unique and complex requirements of this sector. It requires strict adherence to quality and reliability standards in aerospace, and documentation of procedures, rigorous quality measurements and corrective actions to drive consistency in mission-critical products.

“AS9100C certification will further solidify Leading Edge and its global footprint in the aerospace sector, providing a new high quality and cost-competitive services to both commercial and defense fleets,” said Mike Manclark, President of Leading Edge. “This milestone builds on Leading Edge’s proven track record of providing aerospace customers with regulatory and compliance expertise unmatched by our competitors, and further demonstrates    our continued commitment to being an industry leader in quality and reliability.”

The Victorville facility and corporate headquarters will be the first Leading Edge sites to become  AS9100-certified centers of excellence, and will be joined by the company’s other facilities in Amarillo Texas,  Greenville MS, and the new Dallas Fort Worth site over the coming months.

“For more than 25 years we’ve ingrained a culture of constant innovation and continuous process improvement,” added Manclark. “The success of this audit is a direct result of that, and the next of many steps as we continue to lead the industry globally. We are very proud to receive this certification, and look forward to rolling it out to all our facilities company-wide.”

About Leading Edge Aviation Services

Headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., with facilities across the United States, Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. is one of the most advanced, commercial aircraft services companies in the world. Specializing in commercial and military aircraft painting, the company also provides a wide range of commercial services, including fuel system servicing, mod-center support, contract labor, line-turn maintenance, composite and sheet metal, long and short term aircraft storage, field audits, fleet assessments, interior deep cleaning, and strip and painting services to various branches of the United States Military.

“Seeing old friends and meeting new ones, getting together with valued partners—this is the best part of our annual fun-filled customer appreciation weekend at the Miramar Air Show,” said Mike Manclark, CEO of Leading Edge Corp.  “We love using the spectacular backdrop of this world-famous event to say ‘Thank You’ to everyone who has helped make Leading Edge the leader in aircraft painting and the partner of choice for America’s top airlines.”

Leading Edge guests joined nearly 750,000 spectators during the three-day run of the show, which celebrated the Centennial of Naval Aviation with the theme “A Salute to San Diego: Birthplace of Naval Aviation 1911-2011.”

The Blue Angels showcased their impressive formations and complex maneuvers along with military and civilian jets and warbirds. The Boeing F/A-18 Hornet lit up the skies with its afterburners and cruised at speeds nearing 500 mph above the flight line. The Saturday Twilight Show featured special aerial pyrotechnics, a fireworks display and the always popular “Great Wall of Fire.”  

Leading Edge guests got to take it all in from the best views at the show—runway seating at the company’s exclusive VIP Chalet tent, where they enjoyed a varied menu of fine foods and refreshments. 

Leading Edge guests stayed at the Empress Hotel, an elegant, upscale coastal resort nestled in the heart of the charming village of La Jolla and known for its access to the sandy beaches and rocky shorelines that dominate the stunning landscape.

In addition to the air show, Leading Edge guests were able to choose among other company festivities, including:

The 15th Annual Leading Edge Golf Tournament was held at the MCAS Miramar Memorial Golf Course, ranked among the top eight military golf courses in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine. In addition to the spectacular fairways and greens, golfers were treated to a breakfast, a Bloody Mary bar, lunch and drinks while aircraft from the show roared overhead.  Crystal golf trophies and cups were awarded to the winners (see box).

•  A limo bus outing to SeaWorld San Diego enabled guests to experience the wonders of this world-class theme park, oceanarium and marine mammal park.
• The tiki-torch sunset BBQ dinner at La Jolla Shores Beach featured sumptuous fare served on tables covered in regal teal linens and lit with wind-resistant electronic LED “candles.”

“This year’s event was a great success,” said Manclark, “and we’re already looking forward to next year’s party.  Mark your calendars now because you won’t want to miss it.”

About Leading Edge Aviation Services

Headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., with facilities across the United States, Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. is one of the most advanced, commercial aircraft services companies in the world. Specializing in commercial and military aircraft painting, the company also provides a wide range of commercial services, including fuel system servicing, mod-center support, contract labor, line-turn maintenance, composite and sheet metal, long and short term aircraft storage, field audits, fleet assessments, interior deep cleaning, and strip and painting services to various branches of the United States Military.

Bookings Soar Bolstered by Major Fleet Contracts and New Hangars

Leading Edge Aviation Services (LEAS), the world’s largest aircraft painting company has shattered an industry record today, painting more than 400 aircraft in the first half of 2011. Bolstered by contracts from newly-merged airlines such as United and Delta, the company is reporting a record increase in bookings over last year, adding two new facilities in the process – one in Dallas, and another in Miami to keep up with demand.

“The numbers are in, and the message is clear. Nobody paints more aircraft for more airlines than Leading Edge,” said Mike Manclark, CEO, LEAS. “This is a true global milestone that we’ve worked toward for over 25 years, and we’re extremely proud of our team for their dedication and tenacity in making us the world’s best.”

With a total of seven facilities located in California, Mississippi, Texas, Florida and South Carolina, Leading Edge has the highest capacity of any commercial aircraft painting company in the world. As the industry’s largest and fastest-growing choice for global fleets, the company has been on a path of continuous growth since 1989, completing over 570 aircraft in 2010 alone.

“With strong bookings for the remainder of the year, and a push into new markets like VIP conversions, 2011 should be a banner year for Leading Edge,” added Manclark. “We`re more focused than ever on our customers, offering everything from new interiors to fuel-system maintenance to minimize downtime. It`s a tremendous value in today`s competitive landscape, and the market is clearly responding. We look forward to working with all of our customers in what we hope is another period of successful growth, unmatched served and commitment.

Tohnni "TJ" Jones, President of Leading Edge Worldwide Completions Center

Leading Edge Aviation Services (LEAS), the world’s largest aviation paint and coatings company, announced today the addition of a new VIP wide body hangar complex in Fort Worth Texas. The new location expands Leading Edge’s capacity for climate controlled VIP wide body paint projects. The facility also includes a fully integrated completions center for narrow and wide body VIP completions. Tohnni Jones, formerly of MAV Aircraft Services, will spearhead the completions division, which will officially be known as Leading Edge Completions.

“We have greatly increased our capacity with the addition of this state-of-the-art climate-controlled wide body paint facility, and have added the benefit of VVIP, and VIP completions capabilities. By combining the two offerings, we are able to provide the very highest level of customer service and quality to our clients ” said Mike Manclark, CEO, Leading Edge Aviation Services. “There’s never been a better time for Leading Edge to launch our completion efforts and take advantage of this anticipated industry need, and I assure you no company in the world will be doing it better than Leading Edge.  The Fort Worth  complex will also be dedicated to our very high profile VIP and corporate aircraft painting customers.”

Based in Fort Worth, Texas, the new complex will offer exclusive customer amenities and a high-end manufacturing that is second-to-none. Temperature and humidity controls provide an  optimal decorative paint finishing environment. The company’s elite team of designers, craftsmen, engineers and artisans will collaborate with customers to create stunning, custom designs. We will fabricate – in-house - all components related to VIP and VVIP completions. Leading Edge has a complete design center, engineering capabilities, cabinet and component fabrication, structures, maintenance, upholstery/seat design, cabinet finishing, emulsion transfer, certification, and exterior paint services. With this launch, Leading Edge becomes just one of a handful of companies capable of serving global clientele of this caliber.

“I am thrilled to join Leading Edge as we build our brand in this exciting and growing market place,” said Tohnni Jones, President of Leading Edge Conversions. “We share a true passion for excellence that the world’s most discerning customers simply won’t find anywhere else. And with Leading Edge’s workforce and commitment to quality and reduced turn times, we will set the bar at a level not currently achievable at our competitors.”

Contact

Tohnni Jones

President
Leading Edge Completions

(817) 750-0000

tjones@leascorp.com

Headquartered in Santa Ana, California, Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. has facilities across the United States. Leading Edge is the most advanced commercial aircraft services company in the world. Specializing paint and completions for commercial, private, VVIP and military aircraft, Leading Edge delivers a wide range of aircraft services including fuel systems, mod-center support, contract labor, line-turn maintenance, composite and sheet metal work, aircraft storage, field audits, fleet assessments, interior deep cleaning, and strip & paint. For more information, visit www.leadingedgecorp.com

For those of you who made it to the Regional Airline Association (RAA) conference, it was a pleasure to see you. As the last big conference before summer, it was the perfect opportunity to hear first-hand the challenges and opportunities faced by airlines as they come head-to-head with their busiest – and most critical time of the year.

And at Leading Edge, we’re listening. We know that minimizing downtime and making a good impression are key elements to your success. Most recently our Victorville facility has added a new 747 Hangar giving us the largest commercial aircraft painting capacity in the country; we’re the only facility nationwide that can accommodate five wide bodies at a time! We’re also the only aircraft painting company in the world with an AS-9110 certification program.

We’re thrilled you could make time to see us at RAA, and thank you for your continued business and support. Click here to view a few of our favorite moments, or take a look to see what you missed.

Whether it’s a new coat of paint or a fully refreshed interior, Leading Edge has the capacity, expertise, and drive to help you make the most of summer. To find out more information, please contact us at your convenience.  As always, we’re here to help.

Leading Edge

Leading Edge Aviation Services the largest commerical aircraft painting company in the world has been selected by The Boeing Company to provide the final painting and livery applications for all 787’s being delivered from the company’s new 787 Final Assembly & Delivery facility in North Charleston, South Carolina. The news means some big changes at Leading Edge’s Amarillo, TX facility, which has undertaken custom upgrades to its wide-body hangars to accommodate this very special aircraft from one of its newest customers.

“Its not every day that you get to be a part of something this historic,” said Mike Manclark, CEO of Leading Edge. “Boeing is a global leader in terms of quality and reliability, so this speaks volumes about our ability to outperform our competition, and work with the very best.”

He credits the company’s 20-year history of making thousands of quality aircraft deliveries to making the Boeing dream a reality. “I’m really proud of our staff for putting so much focus on quality and performance,” he added. “Together, we’ve made Leading Edge the painting partner of choice for aircraft of all shapes and sizes. We are proud to join Boeing on this historic contract, and look forward to working with them in the years ahead.”

All the work will be performed in Leading Edge’s Amarillo, Texas facility. The facility currently employs over 250 workers, and serves as the dedicated paint hub for major airlines such as Southwest, UPS, and United Airlines.

“It’s great to work with a company that is as committed to quality as we are here at Leading Edge,” added Manclark. “Boeing is one of the most highly respected companies on the planet, and we are honored to be selected to play a key role in helping to make the new South Carolina 787 facility a success.

]]> http://leadingedgecorp.com/aviation-blog/2011/05/landing-a-dream-job/feed/ 0 http://leadingedgecorp.com/aviation-blog/2011/05/mike-manclark-named-ernst-young-entrepreneur-of-the-year-2011-award-semi-finalist/ http://leadingedgecorp.com/aviation-blog/2011/05/mike-manclark-named-ernst-young-entrepreneur-of-the-year-2011-award-semi-finalist/#comments Wed, 04 May 2011 18:30:24 +0000 admin http://leadingedgecorp.com/aviation-blog/?p=490

Mike Manclark, CEO, Leading Edge Aviation Services

Leading Edge Aviation Services, the world’s largest commercial aircraft painting company, announced that it’s CEO, Mike Manclark is a semi-finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 Award.  According to Ernst & Young LLP, the awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.  Manclark was selected as a semi-finalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 11 at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach. 

Manclark started the company over 20 years ago as a small aircraft detailing business at John Wayne Airport. Since then, he’s grown the company into the largest commercial aircraft painting company in the world with over 1300 employees from coast-to-coast that service over 600 aircraft a year. Today, no company paints more aircraft for more airlines than Leading Edge.

“Orange County has always been a hotbed of entrepreneurial spirit, so to be recognized amongst the area’s many successes is a real honor,” said Manclark. “This is a great place to live, work, and do business, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it. We thank the judges for their consideration, and look forward to participating in the awards gala this summer.”

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 140 cities and over 50 countries throughout the world. 

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 12, 2011. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies, and is held from November 9-13, 2011.

About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards Program

Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited located in the U.S.