Acquisition: Plummer-Tiehm Auto Group

As the owners of one of the largest Cadillac Buick Chevrolet Pontiac GMC dealerships in the country, Dennis Plummer and Mike Tiehm are seasoned tradesmen in the purchase of used vehicles. But when it came to the purchase of the corporation’s first jet, the pair decided to enlist the assistance of an independent party.

"It was the best move we could have made," says Plummer, an experienced pilot. "Axis Jet's services were invaluable. Matt Bosco was extremely knowledgeable."

Plummer-Tiehm's aircraft search began with the selection of make and model. A Citation 550 was determined for the best fit for the company's mission - primarily trips throughout the West Coast. After an extensive aircraft evaluation, the search included a cross-country trip for on-site inspection of three aircraft - two of which were over-represented. The final negotiations included an in-depth pre-buy which ended up saving Plummer-Tiehm thousands of dollars through the process.

"Matt's service was invaluable," adds Plummer. "I learned that an airplane can eat up much more money than the expense of an acquisition fee. You're just being short-sighted if you don't do it. We are a very, very satisfied customer."

Brokerage Services

Dr. Stanley Ruggles, a Sacramento-based nephrologist, knew who to call when he was ready to sell his King Air. The Axis Jet team had played a key role in the purchase and sale of his previous two airplanes.

"Over the years, I've experienced many different sales experiences," says Ruggles, an aviator and avid collector of Italian sports cars. "The people at Axis Jet are consistently professional, experienced and market savvy. They are always a pleasure to work with." Ruggles' King Air C90B was on the market less than 45 days. Axis Jet's relationship with dealers across the country and a pulse on the market helped expedite the sale of this aircraft, so Ruggles could move on to his next acquisition.

Management Services

As founder and VP of Product Development and Engineering of Phone.com from 1996 to 2000, Laursen took an interest in flying. He earned his pilot's license and purchased a Beech Bonanza the same year. Today, as a founder and VP of Product Development for Scalent, an emerging leader in utility computing technology, Laursen owns a King Air C90B which he uses to commute to his office in San Francisco from his home in the Sierra foothills.

"Flying my Bonanza helped me realize that time-savings benefits of flying," Laursen said. "With a move out of the city, the King Air was the next logical step - with flexibility for my other out-of-state travel needs."

"Axis Jet's management services allow me the time to focus on my business and my family, instead of dealing with the details of my aircraft. This way, I can always relax and enjoy the pleasure of flying my airplane."