What’s you name?
Eric Robert Bolt
Where are you located?
Hartford County, CT
If you could describe what you do for a living on your own terms, what would you say?
I’m a man of many hats, just as any good entrepreneur should be. Aircraft Broker, Pilot and Marketing Executive would be the big three. However, the generic term “entrepreneur” might sum it up better
Aside from your given title, would you say there are any other titles or hats you wear in this position?
Being an entrepreneur and your own boss, it’s inevitable that you are the Marketing and Sales Team, the IT Department, Accounting and overall, the manager of all of those roles.
Is this what you always wanted to be when you grew up?
Ever since I was a little boy, following my father and mother around and through airports across the world, I always knew that aviation would be my passion. That being said, I never expected to be brokering airplanes for people. I figured I would be flying for an airline or some large corporation. To be honest I didn’t know it was such an attainable job. Looking back however, I truly enjoy flying around for my own business and being my own boss.
Can you put into words your career history to date?
Hectic. I have had so many jobs since I was 16, Everything from Audio Visual Technician to Zip line Guide, Freestyle Ski Instructor to a Police dispatcher. I’ve enjoyed trying different jobs over the years, but it’s safe to say my passion is Aviation.
If there was ever a time where you weren’t working for yourself, how did you make the leap from working for someone to working for yourself?
There were many times where I was a part of a larger organization and not my own boss and I’ve really appreciated the opportunities in the past. Having different jobs and working for different companies and bosses really gave me a good insight into the business world. I’ve learned so much from different business models, management styles and corporate structures, and try to utilize what I’ve learned in my own business practices.
Was it an easy transition?
I wouldn’t say it was easy. At a job where you have a boss and a more “structured” position, someone sets your hours, your pay rate your projects, etc. Being an entrepreneur changes all of that. YOU set your hours, YOU prioritize your projects, YOU have to make it work, so you can take a pay check home at the end of day. Overall I’ve enjoyed the change of pace, however, somethings have been easier than others.
Coming back to the present, (haha) what is your morning routine before you start the day?
Morning routine? What’s that? Anyone who knows me realizes I am the farthest thing from a morning person. I usually wake up around 7:30, feed my two rabbits, all of the fish, take a shower, get dressed and attempt to be on the road by 7:45. It’s a pretty hectic 15 minutes, but in my opinion it’s worth the extra sleep.
Describe what you do between stepping into your work space and then calling it a wrap at the end of the day (Basically, your average work day):
Every-day is different, which is what I like most about my job. Most days consist of handling all of my marketing outlets, following up with clients, reaching out to new potential clients and/or flying all over the Northeast to meet with customers.
What is your favourite part of the day?
My favorite part of the day is usually getting home and reflecting on my day. Work is fun, but not working is even better!
How do you define internal and external success in all that you do?
Personally, I strive for both internal and external success in all that I do. My personal business goals come from all the external work I do with clients and customers.
What has been the biggest success so far and why?
My greatest success is meeting my amazing clients and learning their stories about how they got into aviation. Making a sale is great and all, but having a solid client base who will offer return business is amazing.
With all that success there’s bound to be some overwhelming moments, how do you overcome the bumps along the way?
My father, who is just retiring from 42 years at Pratt & Whitney, has coined a phrase to which I live by. “Stay calm, move forward.” So simple yet so true. Just keep on keeping on and everything will work out for the best.
Ok, so you’re sitting at a cafe across the table from your biggest career inspiration, who is it and why?
My biggest inspiration is my father. I have never met a more dedicated, hardworking professional, that cares so deeply about the company he works for and the people he works with. He is loved by everyone he has every worked with, and his accomplishments are nothing short of incredible. My father will always be my inspiration and I hope to be half as successful as he has been.
Now, someone new to the career field is sitting across the table from you, what advice do you give them?
The same advice I use myself when there are tough times or bumps in the road. “Stay calm, move forward.” You will not get anywhere in this business unless you keep at it. Keep making calls, firing off emails and meeting people. In this business, opportunity comes from hard work and persistence.
Would you go back and do any of it differently or just the same?
I’m sure some minor things I would change, however, I have no regrets. The good times have been amazing, and the bad times have been a learning experience, but through it all it has made me a better person, a better professional and a better aircraft broker and pilot.
So if that little kid you used to be before looked at you now, do you think they’d be excited to grow up?
Of course! I’ve always wanted to work on and with airplanes and that’s exactly what I get to do, everyday.
What do you want to do next?
Sell a large jet. That’s my goal. Everything up to this point has been large business prop planes, or small single and twin personal aircrafts. I’m greatly looking forward to reaching this goal in my career.
What is your favourite saying/inspirational quote?
“There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots.” – Harry Copland
No truer words could be said in the aviation industry. Be safe and you will be in the industry a long time, take chances and bad things can and will happen. This quote reminds me to be safe while flying and in the worst case, landing is always a better option that continuing and getting into trouble.