BIO:
Attended Mamaroneck High school, Mamaroneck, NY, where Minguillo excelled in the sport of track and field, where he was the two-time Westchester county champ in the 200-meter dash and qualified twice to the New York state track and field championship. Minguillo attended Farmingdale State University from 1995-1997 and graduated with an associate degree in aviation technology. He received rookie of the year award in track and field Division III. He transferred to Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Ind., and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration. Minguillo obtained a scholarship for Division I track and field. He ran the 400-meter dash. He was a member of the International Aviation Fraternity Alpha Eta Rho, Angle-Flight Silver Wings, worked as a resident assistant and was lucky to obtain an internship with Northwest Airlines- Flight Operations, Minneapolis, Minn. in 1998. After graduating Indiana State University, Minguillio obtained his my first airport job at Tweed-New Haven Airport, New Haven, Conn., where he learned all the facets of airport operations, security and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, and obtained his single-engine land, instrument and commercial pilot’s license with more than 400 hours of flight time. In 2004, he was employed at the busiest general aviation airport, Teterboro Airport. He started working as an Airport Operation Coordinator, and worked his way up to Assistant Operation Manager in 2007. Minguillo became interested in Quality Management System (QMS)/ISO 9001-2008 and became a certified internal quality auditor. In 2008 he became a Certified Member (C.M.) with the American Association of Airport Executives. In 2010 he was involved in the Safety Management System (SMs) pilot study at Teterboro Airport. He exceled in safety compliance with internal QMS and FAR Part 139 regulations, employee records, FBO fuel training compliance, FAA Advisory Circular interpretation and application, implementation of wildlife hazard management plan, construction safety plans, winter operations safety and airport security. Here, he supported and helped coordinate public events such as airport 5K events, airport Wings & Wheels, and airport tours. He says he was lucky to be part of the team that was awarded the AAAE-NE Balchen/Post Award for a large general aviation airport in 2010. Currently, he holds the position of Assistant Airport Director at Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport, in Bullhead City, Ariz.
Top 40 under 40 Questions
1) Why did you select aviation as a career?
I wanted to see the world of aviation from the sky and from the ground. I think it’s an exciting career. It takes you to the most amazing places.
2) What advice from a mentor helped you the most in your career?
I have had many mentors that have shared their wisdom with me. Some of their advice was: Enjoy your job and enjoy what you do. Always have a plan B in mind. Never say never. Have the courage to change the things you can. Have an open mind. People + Process=Product.
3) What is the biggest challenge you see facing aviation today?
The slow growth of the economy. Airlines/Corporations/Manufacturers/Airports are all in the same boat. The effects of the economy reciprocates all sectors of the aviation industry.
4) What advice would you give to others in the industry?
Downscale your business to maintain operations and production.
5) What are three things we don’t know about you?
a) I moved from Larchmont, NY to Bullhead City, AZ in the summer time
b) I have a dog named Bessie. She is a mix of a Dachshund & an Australian Shepherd
c) Love to play soccer
