--
Aug. 12--Ron Gunnarson, Hawker Beechcraft's new vice president for marketing communications, fell in love with aviation as a child.
Growing up on a farm in northwestern Minnesota, Gunnarson heard aviation stories from his dad, a private pilot, and hung out at the local airport.
So when it came time to go to college and choose a career, Gunnarson, 46, chose aviation over farming.
Gunnarson has moved up the ranks in his 21 years at Hawker Beechcraft, where he's worked since his college graduation.
During that time, he's held marketing leadership positions in customer support, commercial products and for TravelAir, the company's former fractional ownership operations.
He also spent time as a demonstration pilot, first on the Beech Starship, then on what is now the Hawker 400XP and King Air models.
Most recently, Gunnarson served as the company's director of marketing.
In his new role, he's responsible for the global marketing and branding of the company's products, including how they're positioned from a competitive standpoint. He also oversees advertising, direct mail, shows and exhibits, corporate communications, market analysis and the marketing efforts of customer support and the international dealer network.
Gunnarson holds bachelor's degrees in aeronautical studies and public relations from the University of North Dakota, where he earned his private, instrument, multi-engine and commercial pilot ratings. He has more than 2,500 hours of flight time.
He and his wife, Beatriz, have four daughters.
You wear a lot of hats. What gets you jazzed up about your job?
"When it comes down to it all, it's all about positioning this company and our wonderful... cross-section of platforms of aircraft... (and) being able to continue the tradition of excellent airplanes being purposed into specific market segments... and guiding the reputation of the company."
The company's international sales have grown. How do you market around the world?
"We divided the world into regions, and we're getting a much more microscopic look into those regions.
"Marketing is about making intelligent and informed decisons.... Each region has different nuances. How we position the King Air 350... in Asia Pacific, (for example), is different than in Europe. Fine tuning those messages is challenging, and it's also very rewarding."
What about new products? The company has introduced 20 new or derivative aircraft in the last nine years.
"It's been exciting and challenging on the timing of those and finding that fine line when to introduce a new product when you still have some of the old product to sell."
What's your best business advice for others?
"It's surrounding yourself with good people that are experienced and that you trust, and then a lot of the things that keep you up at night and the detail stuff take care of themselves if you do that."
Do you have a favorite airplane?
"My favorite is the King Air 350 and the 350I. It's a no-compromise airplane, and it has no peer in the industry."
Reach Molly McMillin at 316-269-6708 or [email protected].
