K. Hunter Weiss serves as President of Welsch Aviation, Inc., operating out of their Washington D.C. location, where he utilizes his extensive knowledge and vast experience to put the skills he has mastered through four decades of experience in executive aircraft brokerage to work for every client. After growing up in an aviation family and obtaining a degree in Business Management, Hunter began his career at Welsch Aviation in 1987 at their Washington D.C. location as a Sales Associate. In 1989, he was recruited by Midcoast Aviation (now Jet Aviation) to start and direct a sales office in Little Rock, Arkansas as Manager of Aircraft Sales. He subsequently became the Manager of Completion and Avionics Sales for Midcoast Aviation in St. Louis, Missouri.
Hunter returned to Welsch Aviation in 1991, where he continued to acquire and market jet aircraft on behalf of clients and broaden Welsch Aviation’s customer base. Hunter believes in the importance of a ‘Hands On’ approach to sales, so he consistently meets directly with clients, does his own physical inspection of aircraft and logbooks before a sale or acquisition and personally oversees prepurchase inspections and final delivery of customer aircraft. He is well known and well respected in the industry for his honesty, professionalism and knowledge.
Now, after 24 years as a Partner with Jim Welsch, Jr., Hunter is currently the President of Welsch Aviation. In addition to continuing with his stellar record in aircraft sales and keeping up with and expanding his strong and loyal client base, Hunter takes responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Welsch Aviation. He is committed to perpetuating the philosophy and integrity of Welsch Aviation, since he feels that is what differentiates them from many in the industry. These strengths have enabled them to provide unparalleled service to clients worldwide for over seven decades, expand their offices throughout the United States, and provide billions of dollars in sales for their clients.
Hunter was a founding board member of the National Aircraft Resale Association (NARA) and is a current active 50-year member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). He has volunteered for over 10 years as a Board Member for the Greater Washington Business Aviation Association (GWBAA) chairing the Membership Committee and initiating, developing and chairing the annual Open House and Aircraft Display which helps fund the association enabling some of the philanthropic activities of the association.
Hunter was previously involved with a local Boy Scout Troop as an Eagle Board of Review Counselor. He has served on the Customer Advisory Board of FJY Financial, a financial planning and investment management company. His hobbies include participating in driving events as a member of the Porsche Club of America, cycling, boating and spending time with his wife Michele, and their two children.
Edward Vesely is a Senior Director of Sales with Welsch Aviation, heading up their Houston location. Beginning as a sales demonstration pilot for Mitsubishi Aircraft, he has been involved in the sale and acquisition of executive aircraft for over 30 years.
Mr. Vesely brings a unique blend of experience to the company. He is an Airline Transport licensed pilot with a B.S. degree in business and economics, combining a solid aviation and financial background for this international operation. As a former investment broker and aircraft manufacturer’s rep, Vesely is as comfortable in the cockpit as he is in the boardroom.
Mr. Vesely has been a pilot for over 40 years, obtaining a private license at age 17, commercial at 18, CFI at 21 and ATR by age 23. He has accumulated over 7000 hours of flying experience and holds numerous type ratings. In addition, he is a certified airframe and power plant (A&P) mechanic.
He continues to be involved in general aviation as the owner of a 1940 Piper J-3 Cub, a Beech Bonanza and SNJ-5. As well as being pleasure craft and business tools, both aircraft also serve Mr. Vesely in benefiting the community’s charitable organizations. The J-3 Cub provides rides for the “Young Eagles” mentor program sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Bonanza flies terminally ill patients to and from medical treatment for Angel Flight and Air Life Line. As a member of the Commemorative Air Force, Mr. Vesely’s SNJ-5 is a model for bringing to life WW II’s valuable historical lessons. He is also a CAF volunteer pilot for the world’s only flying Curtiss SB2C Helldiver.
Mr. Vesely is an active member of the following organizations: National Business Aircraft Association, Professional Aircraft Maintenance Association, Houston Aviation Advisory Council, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, Antique Aircraft Association, Cub Club, Commemorative Air Force, American Bonanza Society, and L’Aero Club de France (Paris). Additionally he is on the board of directors for Southwest Schools.
Carole Paul has been the Director of Marketing for Welsch Aviation since 1995 and has been involved in the aircraft brokerage business since 1980.
Ms. Paul has been a licensed pilot since 1970, obtaining commercial, instrument, CFI, CFII and multi-engine ratings prior to graduating college with a degree in education. She has accumulated over 3000 hours of flying experience.
Her aviation career began as a professional flight instructor and Part 135 multi-engine charter pilot.
Ms. Paul subsequently became the first female hire in Cessna Aircraft Company’s sales force, heading up their Great Lakes Region as a Cessna Pilot Center Specialist.
Ms. Paul’s heart continues to be with general aviation community. Along with her pilot husband, she is the owner of a 1940 Piper J-3 Cub, and Beech Bonanza. She is a member of the Commemorative Air Force, National Business Aircraft Association, Greater Houston Business Association, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, Bonanza Society and Cub Club.
Robert Hart is a senior member of Welsch Aviation. Mr. Hart joined Welsch Aviation in 1983 to help form a multi-billion dollar sales trifecta with Jim Welsch Jr. and Ken Weiss. With his affinity for Gulfstream aircraft, and 10 years as manager of FlightSafety International’s Savannah Gulfstream Learning Center, Mr. Hart has successfully brokered over 150 Gulfstream GII’s, GIII’s, GIV’s, GV’s and G550’s to many of the World’s most admired companies and individuals. Adapting to an ever-changing marketplace, he maintains current and extensive knowledge about the latest product introductions from Gulfstream, including their flagship G-650. Mr. Hart’s expertise does not end with Gulfstreams; he is well versed with Challengers, Globals, Citations, LearJets, Hawkers and the Boeing BBJ.
Kristin joined Welsch Aviation in 1992 and worked continuously along side Jim Welsch in the New York office in a variety of responsibilities. She modernized the office’s in-depth market research and analysis program, oversaw advertising and marketing of aircraft as well as assisted Jim in finalizing aircraft transactions. Her skill set and experience will benefit Welsch Aviation as they move into their seventh decade of professional representation of fine aircraft.