2012 Top 40 Under Forty: Michael Lawrence

Michael Lawrence

General Manager

Key Air Twin Cities

Date of Birth: 2-14-81

Years in Aviation: 15

After high school, Michael Lawrence enrolled in the aviation program at Winona State University.

He was mentored by Dr. George Bolon while taking ground school courses at the university, flight training at Certified Flight, Inc., and working line and customer service at Win Air. After earning his private pilot certificate, a major in business administration, and a minor in airway science/aviation, he entered the job market managing a Fastenal store.

A new FBO development began at the Anoka County/Blaine Airport (KANE) by Key Air, LLC of Oxford, CT; Lawrence was offered and accepted the position of operations manager.

After two years in that position, he was promoted to general manager. Key Air Twin Cities is now nearly four years old and is seeing many new transient business jet aircraft visiting Minneapolis/St. Paul. The operator is on its way to pumping one million gallons of fuel per year, hangaring more than 35 aircraft tenants, and subleasing to seven service businesses that employ more than 100 people.

In addition to his role at the FBO, Lawrence serves as president of the Anoka County Aviation Association (ACAA), the secretary/treasurer of the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA), and a board member of the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association (MATA).

Two specific goals he is working with these groups to accomplish are reducing the Minnesota aircraft registration tax and to get a runway extension at KANE.