David Querio, President and CEO of Ascent Aviation Services, shares the strategic and operational insights that have defined his ascent from aircraft technician to the helm of one of the nation’s leading aircraft maintenance, modification, and storage providers. As the 2024 recipient of the Vistage Member Excellence Award, Querio reflects on scaling through untapped markets, maintaining quality under pressure, and cultivating a culture of resilience in a high-stakes industry.
Strategic Adaptability in High-Growth Environments
Querio emphasizes the importance of adaptability, both in business processes and organizational culture. As Ascent Aviation expanded rapidly, particularly during a period when the company grew its aircraft storage portfolio from 80 to 480 aircraft in just 60 days, flexibility became a strategic imperative. Within that window, the company onboarded and trained 300 new technicians, effectively doubling its technical workforce. This scale-up presented a cultural inflection point, requiring the integration of diverse work philosophies while reinforcing Ascent’s core values of compliance, transparency, and collaboration.
Reflection: Are your current processes and cultural norms resilient enough to scale effectively?
Unlocking Market Value Through Underserved Segments
A pivotal growth driver for Ascent Aviation has been its strategic focus on leasing companies—an underserved yet rapidly expanding segment within aviation. Recognizing early that over 60% of commercial aircraft are now owned by leasing entities, Querio pursued relationships directly with lessors. Persistent outreach, including multiple annual visits to key markets, led to significant traction. Today, Ascent services more than 60 leasing firms worldwide, establishing itself as a trusted partner through its commitment to schedule adherence, service quality, and executive accessibility.
Reflection: Are there untapped or underserved markets in your sector that present scalable opportunities?
Preserving Culture While Scaling Operations
Rapid growth can dilute core values if not carefully managed. Querio underscores the need to proactively sustain culture through organizational expansion. Integration of new personnel requires intentional reinforcement of purpose, strategy, and core principles to maintain alignment across departments.
Reflection: Are your values clearly communicated and consistently upheld during times of organizational change?
Prioritizing Safety, Quality, and Customer Trust
Operating in an industry where error is not an option, Querio maintains that every aircraft released from Ascent must meet a personal benchmark: Would he trust it with his own family aboard? This standard of excellence permeates the company’s quality assurance and safety culture. Querio’s early career experience with a fatal aircraft incident cemented his lifelong commitment to operational integrity and safety leadership.
Reflection: Does your organization embed quality and safety deeply enough to earn client trust at all levels?
Leadership Grounded in Experience and Mentorship
Querio’s leadership journey, which began as a data entry clerk before transitioning into aircraft maintenance and executive leadership, is rooted in continuous learning and mentorship. He credits his development to leaders who provided guidance and candid feedback. His leadership style emphasizes humility, hands-on engagement, and a belief in leading by example—qualities that resonate strongly with both employees and clients.
Reflection: Are you leveraging mentorship and direct engagement to build credibility and inspire your team?
Direct Access and Transparent Communication
Ascent’s reputation among leasing clients is not solely based on operational capability—it also stems from its executive accessibility. Querio and his leadership team are readily available to resolve issues, respond to concerns, and provide honest, timely updates. This responsiveness reinforces client confidence and sets Ascent apart in an increasingly commoditized service landscape.
Reflection: Does your organization provide clients with access to leadership that fosters trust and partnership?
Leveraging Peer Networks and Outside Perspectives
Querio credits his participation in a CEO peer advisory group as instrumental in shaping his leadership approach. The group provides a confidential space to exchange insights, confront challenges, and test assumptions. Peer networks have offered both strategic clarity and emotional support, particularly during intense periods of growth.
Reflection: Who challenges your thinking and helps you see beyond your immediate organizational context?
Operational Agility and Long-Term Vision
Querio’s ability to toggle between short-term execution and long-term planning has enabled Ascent to sustain growth and maintain its competitive edge. He highlights the importance of asking “what if” and “why”—two questions that drive innovation, uncover inefficiencies, and ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
A recent multi-year contract to convert passenger aircraft into freighters has secured a long-term workload for the company, enabling organizational stability and long-term planning.
Reflection: Are you dedicating time to vision-setting beyond operational demands?
Final Reflections: Passion, Perspective, and Purpose
Even after four decades in aviation, Querio remains passionate about aircraft and deeply committed to his team. His leadership philosophy blends technical knowledge, emotional intelligence, and strategic foresight. He encourages leaders to remain intellectually curious, continuously improve, and invest in others.
Advice for Leaders:
- Listen actively and stay open to new ideas.
- Surround yourself with mentors and peers who offer candid feedback.
- Be transparent with your team, especially during adversity.
- Remain deeply engaged with both your frontline employees and clients.
- Align strategy with execution while preserving core values.
- Prioritize giving back—through mentorship, time, and service.
Querio’s leadership narrative offers a compelling example of how resilience, humility, and clarity of purpose can drive transformation—not just within a business, but across an entire industry.
About the Author: Harry (Hemant Kaushik), Elite Business Consultant & Global Advisor
Harry (Hemant Kaushik) is a globally recognized American business consultant and advisor, known for his strategic expertise and high-impact consultancy. He specializes in advising and coaching elite individuals, including business tycoons, world leaders, and top corporate CEO’s and business leaders. His expertise has been sought by Presidents, Prime Ministers, influential politicians, CEOs, and industry leaders worldwide.
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Global Advisors and Business Consultants by PWC International, Harry has transformed the lives of thousands of CEO’s and business leaders across more than 100 countries with his unparalleled guidance. He has also been honored as one of the Top 10 Life and Business Strategists, shaping the success of global business leaders and visionaries.
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