
A&P Aircraft Maintenance
Mike Bellenir, a professional pilot, aviation enthusiast, and airplane mechanic, learned that the owner of a general aviation aircraft repair business at Islip MacArthur Airport on Long Island was planning to sell the business. He discussed the development with Amer Jan, is longtime friend and also a pilot and aviation enthusiast. They decided to form a partnership to purchase the repair shop. Amer, using his experience as a finance professional, reached out to a former colleague, Eileen Vazquez-Thornton, a VP at Flushing Bank, to discuss the acquisition and obtain financing.
Comprehensive financial projections were among the items required, and Eileen referred Amer to Pace University SBDC for assistance. Working with Pace SBDC Business Advisors Rawle Brown and Eeshani Juthani, Amer was able to complete the forecasts and convince the underwriters at Flushing Bank that this was a viable business transaction.
Mike and Amer closed on the acquisition in May 2026 and have plans to grow the repair shop and continue to serve the aviation community of Long Island. Amer mentioned 'We would not have been able to do this without the assistance of the Pace SBDC.
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