Turning a Dorm Room Hustle into Private Aviation Excellence

The world of private aviation is highly competitive, dominated by well-established names and industry giants. Yet, Kolin Jones, CEO of Amalfi Jets, found a way to break in at just 19 years old, proving that persistence, strategy, and industry knowledge can disrupt even the most exclusive markets.

In a conversation with Dan Harris on the Ironbird Partners podcast, Kolin shares how he built Amalfi Jets from scratch—starting with a fake email, countless cold emails, and a mission to bring transparency and expertise to private jet brokerage.

“I created a fake rich person email—James Middleton III—and started reaching out to every broker I could find. What shocked me was how many didn’t know what they were talking about.”

From there, he built a website, established a brand, and spent months emailing potential clients—sometimes sending thousands of emails a day from a Starbucks. His persistence paid off when he landed his first major client, a film studio, after seven months of relentless outreach.

What Makes Amalfi Jets Different?

Many private jet brokers operate without real aviation experience, often providing incorrect information to clients. Kolin, a licensed pilot, knew there was a better way.

What sets Amalfi Jets apart?

• Expertise in aviation: With a pilot’s background, Kolin ensures all bookings are safe, accurate, and suited to clients' needs.

• Proactive customer service: Clients receive personalized experiences, from flight planning to catering preferences.

• On-the-ground support: Unlike most brokers, Amalfi Jets deploys departure representatives to 95% of flights to ensure seamless service.

• Data-driven operations: Advanced risk assessment technology helps mitigate safety concerns before takeoff.

By implementing these standards, Amalfi Jets has grown into a trusted name in private aviation, doubling its revenue year after year.

The Future of Private Jet Brokerage

As demand for private aviation grows, so does the need for industry expertise and regulation. While starting a brokerage today requires little more than a website and an email, Kolin believes there should be stronger regulations to ensure client safety and industry integrity.

For those looking for expert insights into private aviation, Ironbird Partners remains a key resource in understanding market trends, aircraft selection, and strategic planning.

To hear the full interview with Kolin Jones on the Ironbird Podcast, listen here: https://buff.ly/41evsiM