Culture Archives

What Appreciation Looks Like in Melbourne

Bryan Shaw

25 February 2026

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Categories: STS Aviation Group, STS Aviation News, STS Aviation Services, STS Culture, STS Employee Tales

STS Aviation Group is a global organization.

Executive leadership. Sales professionals. Engineers. Mechanics. Recruiters. Finance teams. Line maintenance technicians. Warehousing. Support staff operating across multiple time zones.

Scale matters.

But culture is not built in boardrooms or on conference calls. It is built on hangar floors, in offices, on ramps and in warehouses. By real people doing serious work.

This week, as Employee Appreciation Day approaches, we are spotlighting the team at STS Aviation Services in Melbourne, Florida.

Not with a banner.

With names.

Employee Spotlight

Sean O’Malley shows up with steady energy that strengthens his team.

Rachel Williamson contributes in ways her teammates describe as invaluable.

Devin Oum stepped up on New Year’s Day, an observed holiday at the Melbourne facility, to support the release and redelivery of a JetBlue aircraft. Time. Expertise. Commitment. No hesitation.

Bryan Little handled six different customer groups and twenty one reps and engineers tied to the ERJ 170 Prototype. Professional with every one of them. Detail intact.

Edgardo Rivera-Estevez filled in as a supervisor, worked extra days and late hours, mentored less experienced avionics technicians, and delivered on tasks and paperwork with consistency.

Mikkiaylia Cannon supported Operations with off shift help that keeps maintenance moving. Flights. Transportation. Lodging. Roster changes. Systems integration. Accuracy.

Dhruv Kashyap is described as a true professional. Positive attitude. Always willing to help.

Cindy Lecount delivers high quality work, controls costs, completes special projects, and communicates with calm professionalism across departments.

Bryand Saucedo makes a measurable difference through positive attitude and teamwork.

Arelis Rodriguez consistently demonstrates the company’s core values. Team first mindset. Strong workmanship. Composite repairs executed on short notice with exceptional quality.

2025 SOAR Token Winners

And then there are the many professionals recognized this past year:

Abner Pagan
Akeem McDonald
Alfonso Guerra
Alfredo Aranda
Alison Carver
Andrew Loew
Angelica Aranda
Anneliese Aurand
Arelis Rodriguez
Ariel Amarante
Armenio Diaz
Brandon Goodwin
Bryan Little
Carlos Ortiz
Charles MacDonald
Christian Bunsoy
Christopher Morris
Cleveland Turner
Corey Kusz
Cristian Cubillos
Daniel Martinez Soto
Dennis Ort
Devin Oum
Diego Sanchez
Edelmar Velazquez Coutin
Efrain Laboy
Eric Fetterly
Eric Smithwick
Eslys Vasquez
Gerald Matias
Gregory Bourey
Jamie Wamsley
Jeaniece Garcia
Jesse Bellopede
Jesus Ochoa Rojas
Jesus Portillo
Jhony Cherenfant
John Roldan
Jon Crotz
Joseph (Pat) White
Joshua Miller
Karen Tedder
Kaitlyn Wright
Katherine Bittler
Kevin Cubillos
Kyle Poliquin
Landon Blankenship
Latreasa Jay
Lena Selvag
Louis Riffe
Marcus Vittitoe
Mariusz Nalepa
Mary Williamson
Martha Ayala Galvis
Matthew Meyer
Melissa Cunningham
Miguel Lezama Malave
Mikkiaylia Cannon
Monald “Monty” Slade
Monica Johnson
Nichole Storkson
Noah Holzinger
Paul Grimm
Raimundo Ramos Cardenas
Richard “Rick” Delaney
Robert Provine
Robin Havelow
Rodolfo Brito Zapata
Thomas Schramm
Tracey Boatwright
Vanessa Armstrong
Victor Badillo-Cuadrado
Victor Vega Berrios
Vincent Black
Vincent Glovna
Virgilio Sangual
Wendal Somero
XuanOanh Richards

Employee Appreciation Day is Friday, March 6th.

In Melbourne, appreciation looks like this.

A list of names.

A record of effort.

A standard carried in the details.

The Work That No One Sees

Bryan Shaw

23 February 2026

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Categories: STS Aviation Group, STS Culture, STS New Main, STS News Grid

Today, we celebrate Employee Appreciation Day.

It’s a simple idea. Pause. Say thank you. Recognize the people who keep the machine moving.

But here’s the truth.

At a company like STS Aviation Group, appreciation cannot be reduced to cupcakes in the break room or a catered lunch on a Friday afternoon. It has to run deeper than that. Because the work runs deeper than that.

Aircraft do not fix themselves.

Hangars do not hum to life on their own.

Engines are not repaired by slogans. Contracts are not won by logos. Dispatch reliability does not improve because we post something nice on LinkedIn.

It improves because somewhere in Birmingham, Melbourne, Dubai, Dublin, or any of the dozens of locations we operate, a technician decides to do the job the right way. Even when no one is watching.

It improves because a recruiter refuses to cut corners and instead finds the right person, not just a warm body.

It improves because someone in finance double checks the numbers. Because someone in materials tracks down a critical part at 2 a.m. Because a leader stays late to make sure their team has what they need.

That is the work.

And most of it goes unseen.

When an aircraft pushes back from the gate on time, passengers do not think about the hands that signed off the paperwork. They do not picture the grease under a mechanic’s fingernails or the engineer staring at a schematic for the third time that night.

They just take off.

That is the paradox of excellence. When we do our jobs well, it looks easy. Invisible, even.

Employee Appreciation Day gives us a moment to make the invisible visible.

STS Aviation Group is not defined by its global footprint or the number of stations it operates. It is defined by its people. By the men and women who show up every day in environments that demand precision, discipline, and accountability.

This is not glamorous work.

It is exacting. It is regulated. It is often exhausting.

And it matters.

So on March 6th, as locations around the world host their events and bring teams together, I hope we do more than hand out appreciation. I hope we mean it.

Look around your station. Your office. Your hangar floor.

The person next to you is carrying more than a job description. They are carrying a standard. A reputation. A promise to every customer who trusts us with their aircraft.

That deserves recognition.

To every technician, engineer, recruiter, planner, materials specialist, accountant, and support professional across STS, thank you.

Not because a date on the calendar tells us to say it.

But because the work you do, day in and day out, is the reason this company stands where it stands.

That is worth celebrating.

STS Aviation Group Recognized with 2024 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation

Bryan Shaw

3 February 2025

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Categories: STS Aviation Group, STS Aviation Group Awards

A Commitment to Employee Well-Being

At STS Aviation Group, we believe that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce. That’s why we are honored to announce that Cigna Healthcare has awarded us the 2024 Silver Level Healthy Workforce Designation for our commitment to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee health and well-being.

This recognition reflects the effort we have put into developing programs that support physical, mental, and emotional health, ensuring our team members have the resources they need to thrive—both at work and in life.

What This Recognition Means

Cigna Healthcare’s Healthy Workforce Designation evaluates organizations based on their leadership and culture, program execution, policies, and accommodations. Companies that receive this distinction demonstrate a strong commitment to creating a positive, health-focused work environment.

Kristina Johnson, HR Generalist & Benefits at STS Aviation Group, shares why this recognition is so meaningful:

“At STS Aviation Group, employee health is our top priority. We understand the important role well-being plays in an organization’s success and how healthy employees contribute to a more productive, satisfied workforce. We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to fostering a workplace where people can thrive.”

Why Employee Vitality Matters

Vitality is more than just physical health. It’s about having the strength, energy, and resilience to perform at your best. According to research from the Evernorth Vitality Index, individuals with higher vitality experience:

Better mental and physical health
Higher levels of job satisfaction
Stronger workplace performance

However, research also shows that less than one in five U.S. adults report high levels of vitality, making workplace wellness programs more critical than ever.

Building a Culture of Well-Being

At STS Aviation Group, we are committed to helping our employees prioritize their health through initiatives that support work-life balance, mental health awareness, and physical wellness. We understand that a workforce that feels supported is not only happier but also more engaged, motivated, and productive.

As Kari Knight Stevens, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at The Cigna Group, states:

“Higher vitality is linked to a more motivated, connected, and productive workforce. Employers that foster vitality will fuel a healthier workplace and drive business and economic growth.”

Looking Ahead

Earning Cigna’s Healthy Workforce Designation is a milestone that validates our ongoing efforts to make STS Aviation Group a health-conscious and employee-focused organization. As we move forward, we remain committed to enhancing our well-being programs, fostering a culture of health, and ensuring our employees have the tools they need to succeed.

To learn more about career opportunities and our employee-first approach, visit STS Aviation Group.

The Culture of Excellence at STS Aviation Services in Melbourne, Florida

Bryan Shaw

11 December 2024

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Categories: STS Aviation Group, STS Aviation News, STS Aviation Services, STS Culture

At STS Aviation Services in Melbourne, Florida, our success isn’t just about the aircraft we maintain or the cutting-edge services we provide; it’s about the incredible people who make it all possible. Behind every repair, every modification, and every innovative solution is a team of dedicated professionals who embody our cultural values of PRIDE: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, and Enthusiasm.

A Workplace That Values People

We believe that a thriving work culture begins with valuing and caring for our team. At our 120,000 sq. ft. facility at the Orlando/Melbourne International Airport, our employees are more than just skilled professionals; they’re part of a family. From avionics experts and sheet metal specialists to WiFi installation gurus and maintenance technicians, each member of our team contributes to a shared vision of excellence.

We understand that a supportive environment fosters success. That’s why we invest in our people, ensuring they have the resources, training, and encouragement to excel. Our commitment to our team extends beyond the workplace, creating a culture where employees feel respected, empowered, and inspired to bring their best every day.

Guided by PRIDE

Our cultural values of PRIDE guide everything we do, shaping the way we work and how we interact with one another. Professionalism drives us to maintain the highest standards in every task. Respect ensures that every team member’s voice is valued. Integrity builds trust with our clients and within our team. Dependability ensures that we deliver on our promises, and Enthusiasm fuels the passion we bring to every challenge.

These values don’t just define our workplace… they define our identity. They inspire collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence that sets STS Aviation Services apart as one of the leading Aircraft MRO providers in the world.

An Entrepreneurial Spirit

At STS Aviation Services, we believe in fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among our employees. This spirit of innovation drives our team to think creatively, solve complex problems, and continuously improve. It’s this mindset that has helped us become a global leader in aircraft repair and modification services, earning the trust of commercial operators worldwide.

From cutting-edge WiFi installations to major structural repairs, our Melbourne facility exemplifies what happens when expertise meets ingenuity. With on-site Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs), state-of-the-art technology, and a team that thrives on tackling challenges, we consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Why Work at STS Aviation Services?

If you’re looking for more than just a job—if you want to be part of a team that values your contributions, invests in your growth, and celebrates your success—STS Aviation Services in Melbourne is the place for you. Here, you’ll find a workplace that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and a sense of purpose. You’ll work alongside industry leaders, using advanced tools and techniques to make a tangible impact in the aviation world.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your career, STS Aviation Services offers opportunities to grow, contribute, and thrive in an environment where culture and expertise go hand in hand. Together, we’re not just maintaining aircraft; we’re setting the standard for what’s possible in aviation.

Join us in Melbourne, Florida, and become part of a team where your work matters, your voice is heard, and your potential is limitless.

Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence: Honoring the Heart of STS Component Solutions and STS Air-Pro

Bryan Shaw

4 December 2024

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Categories: STS Aviation Group, STS Component Solutions, STS Culture

Ten years—an entire decade. In our fast-paced, ever-evolving industry, reaching a 10-year work anniversary is not just a milestone; it’s a testament to commitment, perseverance, and the unique bond that ties employees to an organization. At STS Component Solutions and STS Air-Pro, we’re privileged to celebrate the incredible achievements of 14 individuals who have dedicated the past decade to shaping our company’s success.

This blog is a tribute to Jerry Duchene, Michael Tabaczynski, Paul Aristide, Omur Keskin, Liz Rosado, Shane Clowdus, Thomas Bourbonniere, Misael Arce, Eric James, Richard James, Frank Hechavarria, Brian Wilson, David Burgett, and Victor Benitez. These remarkable individuals embody the culture, values, and spirit of STS Aviation Group.

A Culture That Feels Like Home

At STS Aviation Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture that feels less like a workplace and more like a family. From our headquarters to our global offices, every member of our team is encouraged to think like an entrepreneur, collaborate like a family member, and contribute with PRIDE. This is not just a business strategy; it’s a philosophy that ensures everyone feels valued and empowered to make a difference.

Our global workforce thrives because of this shared sense of purpose and belonging. Employees are not just numbers; they are the architects of our achievements, the dreamers behind our innovations, and the engine driving our growth. For those who stay with us for 10 years and beyond, their impact is immeasurable.

Recognizing Dedication and Impact

To the 14 individuals we celebrate today, your journey with STS Aviation Group is nothing short of inspiring. Each of you has brought unique talents, skills, and perspectives to our organization. Whether you’ve solved critical supply chain challenges, built lasting relationships with our clients, or helped keep aircraft flying safely and efficiently, your work has been instrumental in our success.

You’ve shaped more than just our bottom line; you’ve helped shaped our identity. You’ve weathered industry shifts, tackled challenges head-on, and proven time and again that STS Aviation Group is a force to be reckoned with… all because of employees like you.

The Importance of Retaining Rock Star Talent

In today’s competitive market, retaining top talent is crucial. And it’s not just about keeping great employees; it’s about creating an environment where they can thrive. At STS, we believe in fostering a sense of community that goes beyond the office. We celebrate milestones, support personal growth, and recognize the hard work that often goes unnoticed in day-to-day operations.

The entrepreneurial spirit we encourage allows our team members to innovate and grow. The family-like atmosphere ensures everyone feels supported. Our shared PRIDE—Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence—guides everything we do. And our sense of community reminds us that when one of us succeeds, we all succeed.

Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Legacy

As we honor Jerry, Michael, Paul, Omur, Liz, Shane, Thomas, Misael, Eric, Richard, Frank, Brian, David, and Victor, we also reflect on the legacy they’re helping to build. Their hard work and dedication are the foundation of the current and future success of STS Aviation Group. With their contributions, we’ve grown stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

As we look to the future, it’s employees like these who remind us why we do what we do. They inspire us to dream bigger, innovate further, and always stay grounded in our values.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To the honorees: Thank you. Thank you for your commitment, your creativity, and your countless contributions over the past 10 years. Thank you for believing in STS Aviation Group and for being an integral part of our story.

Here’s to celebrating you today, honoring your achievements, and looking forward to the incredible milestones you’ll continue to reach. From all of us at STS Aviation Group, thank you for being the heart and soul of our organization. We are better because of you.

Cheers to the next decade of excellence.