Meet Will Smith
Founder and CEO
of Will Smith Aviation
Based mostly in Tampa
By Evan Parag
Ascend to your vacation spot with ease onboard a Will Smith Aviation non-public constitution. Captain Will Smith is the proud proprietor of Tampa Bay’s premier non-public jet supply. Alongside together with his enterprise ventures all through the years, Smith has at all times had a mission behind the imaginative and prescient. Giving again to these much less lucky throughout the group is an honor that Smith holds near his coronary heart.
Beginning Will’s Manner Basis alongside his spouse Ericka, and COO of Will Smith Aviation has been an enormous catalyst within the companies philanthropic efforts.
In our interview, Smith was wanting to share the small print of his 1st Inaugural Wings, Wheels, & Hearts Gala. He exclaimed “The occasion was held inside a hangar at Sheltair Aviation and boasted an expensive environment of jets and excessive finish autos together with dwell music, drinks and an unimaginable dinner. A night loved amongst patrons emerged a hit. Proceeds of public sale and occasion went in the direction of absolutely furnishing a households dwelling who had a been devastated by the latest hurricanes.”
An creator and mentor, Smith gives perception from his life to help within the journey of these with a troubling previous, but who’re searching for a profitable future. Smith’s books make clear his personal trials and tribulations in addition to how one can overcome adversity, acquiring your goals.
Boasting the roast, Smith additionally runs a espresso firm referred to as “Captain’s Mix” and is proud to supply one thing as daring and dependable because the pilots who impressed it.
Just lately, Tampa Bay METRO caught up with Will to speak about enterprise and charity work, risk of growth, and the way he makes an impression past the local people.
METRO: What impressed your profession within the aviation business?
Captain Will Smith: I used to be driving dwelling from my job on the time and noticed a billboard that learn “Discover Your Freedom In Flight.” Found navy expertise wasn’t a needed prerequisite and from then on, I labored at getting my pilot’s license.
METRO: How did you select Tampa as the placement to offer this service?
WS: Transferring right here in 1994, I at all times felt like Tampa was dwelling. From restaurant administration to pest management companies, I had at all times had a enterprise tied to the realm. In 2010, I had gotten again into aviation with Seaside Pilot Providers evolving into Will Smith Aviation.
METRO: Are there any plans for increasing Will Smith Aviation?
WS: Sure, now we have a possibility to create a satellite tv for pc location in Panama Metropolis to assist serve shoppers in Southern United States. Locations like Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Keep tuned!
METRO: Your 1st inaugural Wings, Wheels, & Hearts fundraiser took flight. How did it go and the place’s its impression felt? What made you begin this charity?
WS: We began Will’s Manner Basis in 2021. The first Annual Wings, Wheels & Hearts Gala was a hit! Set in a Sheltair hangar, the night goal was to boost cash whereas having an absolute blast. We did that and extra. Aspect notice: Additionally, We did simply get again from a mission with Gray Bull Rescue to Haiti to select up some orphaned ladies to avoid wasting them from the unthinkable.
METRO: The place’s your favourite place to unwind and luxuriate in Tampa?
WS: Wherever that has peace and tranquility. Whether or not that’s unwinding at a waterfront restaurant or at a neighborhood golf course, not even a care about what’s on the rating card. There’s one thing serene about meditating outdoor in Florida. M
For extra data on Will Smith,
his basis and how one can get entangled,
go to www.willsmithaviation.com.
