Celebrating 40: In Conversation with the Palm Beach Team

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Jet Aviation Palm Beach, we sat down with Senior Manager and GM FBO Services, Steven Schrammel, along with some long-standing PBI team members, to reflect on the site’s history and evolution over the last four decades.

Steven Schrammel, Senior Manager and GM FBO Services

What does celebrating 40 years in Palm Beach mean to you and the team here? 

Celebrating 40 years is an incredible milestone that speaks volumes about the legacy, dedication, and passion that have shaped this FBO. For our team, it’s a moment of pride and reflection and an opportunity to honor those who built our foundation. It is also about celebrating the teamwork and customer commitment that continues to fuel our success every day.

“Celebrating 40 years is an incredible milestone that speaks volumes about the legacy, dedication, and passion that have shaped this FBO. For our team, it’s a moment of pride and reflection and an opportunity to honor those who built our foundation.”

Can you share some of the biggest milestones of this FBO?  

We’ve seen several key accomplishments from upgrading our facilities, achieving outstanding customer satisfaction scores, and completing safety certifications (IS-BAH Stage 2). Each milestone reflects our continuous drive for excellence and innovation. 

How does the Palm Beach team deliver on our brand promise? ​ 

Palm Beach embodies our brand promise by consistently offering excellent customer service, personalized attention, and a seamless experience for every customer. Our attention to detail and our proactive approach ensures that every arrival and departure reflects the highest standards of safety, service, and operational excellence. 

What is the customer experience like here and what is unique about our team here? 

The customer experience here is elevated by our team’s authenticity, responsiveness, and professionalism. What sets us apart is our culture. Our teams genuinely care. Whether it’s a quick turn or overnight stay, our people go above and beyond to ensure every client feels welcomed and valued. 

What has been your favorite memory thus far? ​  

One of my favorite memories is seeing the team come together during a hurricane preparedness drill. It wasn’t just about checking boxes, it was about watching the communication, precision, and unity in action. It reminded me how committed this team is, not just to each other but to every aircraft and customer under our care. 

How do you see the future of this FBO upfolding in the next decade? 

Looking ahead, I see us continuing to lead by focusing on our customers – offering them choices that meet their evolving needs. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of the industry, while preserving the personal touch that’s always defined us. 

What message would you like to share with the employees and customers as you celebrate this milestone? 

To our employees, thank you. Your dedication, professionalism, and passion are the heartbeat of everything we do. And thank you to our customers for trusting us with your journey. As we celebrate 40 years, we look forward to the next chapter, together. 

Debbie Morris, Customer Service Agent

How did you join the team in Palm Beach?  

I walked in one summer afternoon and said, “are you folks hiring?” I wanted to move to Florida from Pennsylvania, as my sister was living in Tampa. Tampa’s aviation industry wasn’t as established during the time, so I came over to Palm Beach. I was hired 28 years ago. I started working at the front desk for three years, and then through the service excellence training program, one day, they asked me if I wanted to join a fleet.  

As a crew member, I got to travel and see the world for six years. It was beautiful, fabulous – a blast. Then, I worked on some charter flights before going back to a customer service role at the front desk. It was like coming back home again. 

I’ve been here ever since, and in Hangar Six since its opening.  

Can you share your perspective on the early days of Jet Aviation Palm Beach? 

Palm Beach is unique. The story is so different than anywhere else. Our original lobby had this Mediterranean, European feel. It was special and it still is. Jet Aviation Palm Beach was standing for 12 years before I joined the company.

How would you describe the team culture here? 

It’s a community here. There’s a positive, supportive environment and a collaborative culture. We thrive on each other’s enthusiasm. We support each other through everything, and that’s what’s special about a team like Palm Beach.  

“It’s a community here. There’s a positive, supportive environment, and a collaborative culture. We thrive on each other’s enthusiasm.”

Can you share your experience working in Hangar Six? 

When we heard this building was going up, everybody was curious about what it would be like to work there, as it’s very active at the FBO. They had each of us come over and try it out. I found it to be very rewarding over here. I have a beautiful connection with our customers. 

Looking back at your career here, what moment are you most proud of? 

After almost every flight, I might get a text from the crew: “thank you, Debbie, for everything. It went smoothly. We couldn’t have done it without you.” That makes it all worthwhile. It really does.  

Noreen Ohnmacht, Manager Customer Service, and Katherine McCollum, Supervisor Customer Service

Tell me about your journeys at Jet Aviation Palm Beach

Noreen: It’s been 21 years now. I came here seasonally in 2005. Before that, I worked for an airline for 25 years. My manager had already joined Jet Aviation at the time, and he encouraged me to join as well. I was offered a full-time role thereafter.

Katherine: I have worked here twice. I began my journey at Jet Aviation in 1993 on the line when I was 18. It was my very first job. I found the ad in a newspaper, came in, filled out the paper application, and got hired the same day. Later, I moved into customer service. I stayed for seven years, then left when my husband went to school in Miami in 2000, before coming back in 2006. I have been here ever since.  

Why do you choose Jet Aviation? 

Noreen: For me, it’s the relationships we have built with our customers over the years. We know their families and their pets. When they come back for the season, they hug us. It feels like a family. 

Katherine: Because of the people. Even when things are challenging, you still enjoy coming in to work because of your co-workers. 

What is a favorite memory of yours? 

Noreen: There are events that bring us together as a team. These happen to be some of my favorite memories. These events created community. They were special times, and we look forward to many more to come.      

Katherine: The chili cook-offs, tenant barbecues, and Make-a-Wish events with Santa and the sheriff’s helicopter. Those brought everyone together.   

As we celebrate 40 years of Palm Beach, we thank all who have helped shape our journey, past and present. It is their dedication and passion that has built the foundation of our success.  We look forward to the many years, memories, and achievements ahead!