2008
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CropJet Aviation, LLC - Twin Falls
Before starting his business, George Parker III spent seven years in 19 flying jobs in 14 states working on over 20 types of crops to learn the business of aerial application. In 2005, he moved to Idaho and started his business with one airplane, which he used to contract with another operator to provide pilot and aircraft services. After three seasons, George realized it was time to expand. He said, "Although 16,000 hours of flying under power lines teaches a guy a lot about life, it can still leave you lacking in the business world.”
For business assistance, George turned to the Small Business Development Center at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. Bryan Matsuoka and Jerry Mottern helped George analyze financials and prepare a solid business plan. In the spring of 2008, George received an SBA-guaranteed loan to purchase a complete two-location operation in Gooding. Crop Jet Aviation LLC was now a full-fledged aerial application business, complete with trucks, hangars, loading sites and employees.
The business grew by 20 percent in its first year. In the summer of 2009, they expect to be a three aircraft operation with four loading trucks and nine summer employees working out of eight locations across the Magic Valley. “I can assure you that Bryan, Jerry and the whole crew at the SBDC will be fully involved in getting us through our future upgrades and changes. Having them help me take off on my own was one of the best business decisions I ever made.”
Crop Jet Aviation LLC provides aerial application, or crop dusting, services to agricultural producers throughout southern Idaho, from Fairfield to Mountain Home to Hazelton. They also provide range and pasture application services to aid in the control of noxious weeds and for post-fire rehabilitation.
