06/ 17/ 2004
Nathan McKelvey, CEO
www.charterauction.com
Quincy, Mass.
Next time you're looking to book travel on a private jet, Charter Auction.com might be just the service you need. Founded by Nathan McKelvey in 1999, the Quincy, Mass.-based business was the first private jet charter auction Web site on the market. Not only does the company help clients find the most affordable private jet travel, they also work with Aviation Research Group, an independent aircraft rating service, to provide extensive safety research on the operator, the aircraft and the pilots.
On being a small-business owner: For McKelvey, owning a business gives him wings to take off in any direction he wants. "The best thing about being in business for yourself is having the freedom to make decisions about the direction of the business," he says.
On technology: "It shapes our entire business model," says McKelvey. "The technology matches trip requests to aircraft availabilities in real time and that provides both our customers and our operators the best chance at getting the transportation and travel legs they want.
"Our biggest challenge is making sure what we expect happen actually happens when we implement new technology."
Communication is key to making sure new technology is implemented effectively, he says.
