Alex Bridgeman is joined by Alvin Wong and Jordan Huibers on Think Like an Owner, exploring their long-standing partnership, the focused search that led them to Advanced Aircrew Academy, and the lessons they've carried into running the company. They walk through the origins of their collaboration, how a shared passion for aviation shaped their search thesis, and the discipline required to pursue only the opportunities that truly aligned with their experience and values. They also reflect on the emotional highs and lows of stepping away from a business they loved, only to return months later with deeper conviction and ultimately close the acquisition. Their discussion highlights themes of curiosity, humility, relationship building, and maniacal focus as tools that helped them through both the search and their first year as CEOs.
They discuss: • How Alvin and Jordan developed their industry-focused search thesis and complementary roles within it • The emotional and practical challenges of walking away from an LOI and what ultimately brought them back • Lessons from navigating remote-team dynamics during their first year of ownership • The importance of curiosity, people-orientation, and focus as competitive advantages • Guidance for future searchers on prioritizing effectiveness over efficiency
Links:
Advanced Aircrew Academy - https://www.aircrewacademy.com/
Alvin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvinwongto/
Jordan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanhuibers/
Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/
Topics:
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:04:55) - The origin of Alvin and Jordan's relationship
(00:08:16) - The Search and circling in on an industry focus
(00:23:15) - The first few months on the ground post-close
(00:30:47) - How the Search community helped Alvin and Jordan
(00:33:46) - Taking a people-oriented approach to the business
(00:36:51) - Advice for the listeners
