Stanley Rhodes is a lead avionics technician for AVEX Aviation in Broomfield, Colorado. His story is perhaps best described as one of hard work, determination and old-fashioned grit.
Born in Ventura, California, and raised by his father, Rhodes’ love for everything mechanical came from his dad, who worked in heating and cooling. When his dad went to work, Rhodes tagged along and learned about HVAC, carpentry, electrical, thermodynamics, customer service and work ethic.
In high school, Rhodes took an interest in metal and learned to weld and fabricate. His junior year of high school, he had an internship at the local Chevrolet dealer doing front-end service, then moved to body work and paint/detail. He began restoring his own car, learned about audio equipment, wiring modifications, engine service, timing replacement, cooling and exhaust work. He focused his career on classic car restoration, bringing new life to old cars. When the shop he was working for fell on hard times, Rhodes fell into aviation, accepting a job detailing aircraft at AVEX in Camarillo, California, which specializes on Daher TBM sales, maintenance and parts.
“I just happened to love the type of work that was done in aviation, mostly for the quality,” he said.
Rhodes put in long hours, shadowed experienced technicians, and participated in the company’s training program, which is a 12-time FAA Diamond Award recipient.
He said he appreciated joining a company that had high standards, which include more than providing safe and reliable aircraft.
“Not only do I want to do the work correctly, but you form relationships with the customers and the people that come into the shop,” he said. “You know the people that fly the aircraft and being able to provide the best product you can is very important."
“Feeling content with the work that I did and having pride in the quality of service and maintenance we provide that’s the most important thing to me.”
Rhodes also appreciates being able to diversify into an industry where he can excel and grow.
With on-the-job training and a can-do attitude, Rhodes became an avionics technician known in the shop as the “jack of all trades.” When AVEX opened a second shop, Rhodes, volunteered to move, seeing it as a great opportunity to provide for his wife and growing family.
According to AVEX director of maintenance Bob O’Connor, Rhodes, today an avionics lead technician, is a true “shop class success story,” proving that with hard work and a positive attitude, anything is possible.
