Paragon Leadership Conference
Experience the Leadership Meeting — a premier event exclusively for FBO general managers, executives, and owners. Gain valuable insights through onsite evaluations, interactive breakout sessions, and high-level networking. This collaborative setting is designed to tackle industry challenges, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions alongside fellow leaders.
Your participation ensures access to strategic discussions, expert insights, and actionable takeaways to strengthen your operation. With its focused and intimate format, the Leadership Meeting provides a unique platform for professional growth, meaningful connections, and long-term success.
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Focus: Impactful relationship building, team collaboration, resource management, skill development, and hands-on participation in audits and operational reviews.
Activities: Engage with guest speakers, attend expert-led sessions, participate in interactive workshops, and take part in dynamic networking opportunities that will help you return to your operation with fresh ideas and actionable strategies.
This event is designed for executive-level professionals responsible for leading FBO operations and driving business strategy. We encourage the following individuals to attend:
- FBO General Managers
- Company Executives
- FBO Owners
- Operations Directors
- Business Development Leaders
Whether you're focused on growth, operational excellence, or long-term strategy, this meeting offers valuable insights and peer collaboration to help shape the future of your organization.
Monday, September 21
Tuesday, September 22
Pre-Event Golf Tournament (Optional)
Join the 24th Annual Centennial Airport Lions Club Tournament, a long-standing event supported by the Centennial Airport community. This optional pre-event offers a relaxed networking opportunity ahead of the Leadership Conference.
- Individual registration is available at $215 per person (foursomes not required). Additional details will be shared upon interest.
Welcome Reception
Arrival and welcome, followed by an opening session and networking dinner
Wednesday, September 23 | 07:30–21:00
FBO Site Evaluation
Leadership sessions, operational insights, and breakout discussion share insights, and build lasting professional relationships.
Thursday, September 24 | 8:00 – 17:00
Site Evaluation Discussion & Guest Speaker
- Full day meeting – FBO Feedback Discussion, Guest Speakers & Interactive Benchmarking breakout session- (Tentative -Afternoon Excursion & Networking Experience A curated off-site experience designed for continued networking in a fun setting)
- Departures (recommended the following day)
We’re proud to welcome an exceptional lineup of speakers to this year’s Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado. These respected aviation professionals will share valuable insights, best practices, and forward-thinking strategies to inspire growth and strengthen connections across the Paragon Network.
We invite you to meet them below—explore their bios and discover the experience and expertise each speaker brings to the event.
Jared Marshall - GSE Sales & Rental Manager
Jared is the GSE Sales & Rental Manager at AERO Specialties, supporting FBOs and aviation service providers with reliable ground support equipment across North America.
With over five years in aviation and a decade managing wildland firefighting crews, Jared brings strong leadership and logistics expertise to every ramp operation.
Greg Lamp - Co-Founder and CTO
Greg Lamp is the founder of AirPlx, a company built to help FBOs and airport operators get the most out of their ramp and hangar space. Greg first got interested in aviation after seeing how much day-to-day coordination at an FBO still depends on people’s experience and quick judgment rather than good tools. Having spent his career building software that makes complex operations simpler, he saw a chance to bring that same kind of help to aviation.
Today, AirPlx works with FBOs to make parking, scheduling, and hangar planning smoother, safer, and more efficient — so crews can focus on running great operations, not spreadsheets.
Alex Schrecengost - Sales Development Representative
Army veteran and aviation professional with a degree in Aviation Management from Central Washington University. Former FBO Line Supervisor at a network FBO, where he gained firsthand experience with the daily challenges of FBO operations and was first introduced to AirPlx as a user.
He is passionate about helping FBOs and MROs improve safety and operational efficiency by sharing innovative solutions like AirPlx.
Iver Retrum- Founder & CEO
Iver L. Retrum is an aviation industry executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in business aviation, aviation real estate, and facility development. He has held leadership roles with organizations including Signature Flight Support, ARINC Direct, and SunBorne XVI, Ltd., developing extensive expertise in aviation operations, real estate transactions, and strategic development.
Iver is the Co-Founder and Partner of Aviation Property Network (APN), where he provides aviation real estate consulting services to airports, FBOs, operators, and private aviation clients. His experience includes aviation facility planning, development, transactions, and market strategy.
A recognized leader in the aviation community, Iver is a former chairman and board member of the Colorado Aviation Business Association and has served with NBAA’s Local and Regional Groups Committee. He is also a commercial-rated pilot and a recipient of Airport Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40 award.
Jessica Ballou - Partner & COO
Ms. Ballou is the COO and aviation real estate valuation expert. Jessica excels in appraisal, market research, and asset analysis to maximize opportunities. Her dedicated aviation focus has sharpened over the years, with an impressive 16 projects annually, specializing in hangars, developments, and FBOs.
While she partners with National Valuation Consultants for appraisals, her broader expertise includes extensive property consultations, valuations, and in-depth market analyses. Additionally, Jessica sits on the board of the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA).
Josh Diggs - Key Account Manager
Josh is an accomplished sales and operations professional with more than 20 years of experience in sales management, territory development, and customer relationship leadership. As Key Account Manager for Global Ground Support, he is focused on driving growth through strategic sales initiatives, operational excellence, and strong client partnerships across the aviation industry.
Before joining Global Ground Support, Josh spent eight years with Avfuel Corporation, where he managed relationships with many of the FBOs across a nine-state territory throughout the Great Plains region. His deep experience within the FBO and aviation fuel sectors provides valuable industry insight and a customer-first perspective that strengthens sales and marketing initiatives.
Josh holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in Marketing from Washburn University. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to developing talent, fostering strong team dynamics, and empowering organizations to achieve sustainable growth and operational success.
Josh Watkins - Technical Support Manager
Josh Watkins is an engineering leader with more than a decade of experience in specialized ground support equipment. Throughout his career, he has combined technical expertise with a practical understanding of customer operations, helping bridge the gap between product design and real-world performance.
Josh began his career in engineering-focused roles, serving as both an Engineering Technician and Field Service Engineer. In these positions, he leveraged Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD to support product development and continuous improvement initiatives while gaining firsthand insight into the challenges customers face in the field.
Today, Josh leads the Technical Support team at Global Ground Support, where he applies his hands-on engineering background to enhance the service experience, deliver responsive support, and drive long-term customer success. His commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence helps ensure customers receive the reliable solutions and support they need to keep their operations running efficiently.
Jamie Muñoz - General Manager, Galaxy FBO | Co-Founder, Holding Pattern Co.
Jamie Muñoz is an aviation executive, leadership speaker, and co-founder of Holding Pattern Co., where she helps organizations develop strong leaders and build high-performing workplace cultures.
With more than 20 years of experience in business aviation, Jamie has held leadership roles across FBO operations, dispatch, technology, sales, marketing, and business development. She currently serves as General Manager of Galaxy FBO in Addison, Texas, and is actively involved in advancing leadership development within the aviation industry through her work with organizations such as NBAA.
Recognized as an NBAA Top 40 Under 40 honoree and Dallas Business Journal Top Women in Business recipient, Jamie brings a unique perspective on operational excellence, team development, and the future of aviation leadership.
Cat Wren - Vice President, ENG Aviation Group | Co-Founder, Holding Pattern Co.
Cat Wren is Vice President of ENG Aviation Group, where she leads aircraft charter, aircraft management, and time-critical organ recovery transportation operations. With experience spanning customer service, line operations, charter sales, fuel sales, and executive leadership, she brings a unique, real-world perspective to business aviation. Cat is also co-founder of Holding Pattern Co., a leadership consulting firm dedicated to strengthening organizational culture and developing exceptional leaders.
An NBAA 40 Under 40 recipient and frequent industry speaker, Cat is passionate about helping organizations build high-performing teams through intentional leadership, accountability, and authentic human connection.
Steve Bruneau - Chief Revenue Officer
Steve Bruneau is the Chief Revenue Officer at Polaris Aero, where he is responsible for driving global growth and expanding the company’s suite of aviation safety management solutions. Prior to joining Polaris Aero, Steve served as Chief Operating Officer of Pulsar Informatics, delivering Fatigue Risk Management Systems to aviation organizations across all FAR types, including maintenance and ground handling departments.
Steve brings more than 25 years of process consulting experience, helping organizations meet regulatory requirements and achieve new levels of operational performance. He currently serves as Secretary of the NBAA Safety Committee and Co-Chair of the AIA Safety Committee.
Steve holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MS in Aerospace Engineering and has been a leader in three successful startup companies prior to joining Polaris Aero.
KAPA Centennial Airport (KAPA / APA)
jetCenters of Colorado has been serving aviation since 1979 and is now comprised of three full-service FBO locations along Colorado’s Front Range. With safety, service, and security at the core of every operation, jetCenters of Colorado delivers a seamless experience for business, general, commercial, and military aviation.
Strategically located to provide convenient access to key destinations throughout the region, each facility is equipped to support a wide range of operational needs while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence. Their experienced team and customer-first approach ensure every visit is efficient, comfortable, and tailored to each guest.
jetCenters of Colorado offers a full suite of services, including Jet-A and Avgas fueling, ground handling, and comprehensive flight support. With award-winning service and premium amenities designed to accommodate passengers, crew, and aircraft alike, they continue to set the standard for FBO excellence in the region.
Thank You to Our Valued 2026 Leadership Conference Sponsors
We extend our sincere appreciation to the sponsors who are helping make the 2026 Paragon Leadership Conference possible. Their continued partnership, support, and commitment to the aviation community play an important role in creating meaningful experiences, valuable connections, and opportunities for collaboration across the Paragon Network®.
GOLD SPONSOR
![SPILL USA_Navy Logo[24]](https://www.paragonaviationgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SPILL-USA_Navy-Logo24-scaled.png "SPILL USA_Navy Logo[24]"){kind=logo}
SILVER SPONSOR
WELCOME RECEPTION SPONSOR
BREAKFAST SPONSOR
LUNCH SPONSOR
TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR
Elevate your brand at the 2026 Paragon Leadership Conference
Position your company in front of key decision-makers in the FBO industry by sponsoring the Paragon Leadership Conference 2026.
This exclusive event offers strategic visibility and unique opportunities to showcase your solutions to influential executives and general managers driving innovation across the Paragon Network.
Take a look back at memorable moments from past Leadership Conferences. From collaborative sessions to candid connections, these highlights showcase the energy, insight, and camaraderie that define the Paragon experience.
Get inspired—and excited—for what’s to come.
This year’s Paragon Leadership Conference is more than just a gathering—it’s a unique opportunity for FBO executives and general managers to collaborate, exchange insights, and gain strategies that drive long-term success. Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of your operation and strengthen your leadership impact.
We look forward to seeing you in Denver!
