AIRPORT: All about the customers

I am a junior at Auburn University pursuing an Aviation Management degree who grew up in Hayden and spent the majority of my leisure time at the Coeur d’Alene Airport. As my education progresses, it appears the B.S. in marketing with a minor in aviation management Airport Director Kjergaard obtained from Minnesota State University has let him down.

Although the curriculum at both universities is very similar, I learned some things in the Management Foundations course which it seems his professors never bothered to teach. One is customer satisfaction should be a high priority, but this doesn’t seem to be a concern of his. I’m only 22 years old, but I still question if he was taught this very basic management aspect.

Fortunately for me, Auburn University has amazing, thoughtful, and hands-on professors. To share with you a glimpse of what I have learned in my aviation management courses, one is that respect is a very prominent aspect of your job. This includes, but is not limited to, having open, honest and flexible relationships with your customer base, such as communicating with the hangar owners. Another thing I believe Minnesota State University failed to teach Mr. Kjergaard is establishing connections, which would greatly benefit his career in the aviation world.

If Mr. Kjergaard considers taking this advice and talking with the hangar owners, he’ll find the aviation community of the Coeur d’Alene Airport is full of the most amazing and inspiring individuals. The tenants deserve respect, as they have put their hearts into our local airport. Additionally, as you may have already learned, they will not stand for being disrespected.

SAMANTHA MOTT

Hayden/Auburn, Ala.