In this video, Steve Varsano recounts the surprising phone call from Flexjet Chairman Ken Ricci informing him that he had been selected as a honoree for the Living Legends of Aviation Award. Two months later he travels with Ken to Salzburg, Austria, where the award ceremony takes place amid an air show, music, and celebratory drinks. During the ceremony Ken introduces Steve, praising his integrity and impact on the aviation industry, and Steve receives a Lifetime Aviation Award. In his acceptance speech Steve reflects on his 40‑year jet‑sales career, the emotional highs and lows, the creation of a London showroom, and the diverse, high‑stakes negotiations he’s handled. He highlights the growing power of social media—his company now has over four million followers—and announces a planned initiative to give away hundreds of private pilot courses worldwide via social media. Steve attributes many of his major life decisions, including the choice of London for his showroom, to the love of his partner, Lisa Changiz, and thanks Ken Ricci, Flexjet, and the audience before returning to London to continue his work.
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2 months ago, I was sitting at my desk when I got a phone call. It was Flexjet Chairman Ken Rickey. Congratulations, you've been selected to be an honoree for the Living Legends of Aviation Award. Oh my— I was shocked. This is the last thing I was expecting to hear on a Tuesday afternoon. Yeah, my God, I'm amazed. The Living Legends of Aviation Award is a prestigious honor given to people who have greatly contributed to the aviation industry. And now, I was part of that. 2 months later, I was on a Flexjet to Salzburg, Austria. We landed and went straight to the event. Hello said, and out to the lake where we were greeted by a band floating on the water. I then sat down and shared a drink with Ken.
More champagne.
It's always good to see old friends. We then enjoyed an air show. Followed by dinner and more music, drinks, and time with colleagues. And that was night 1 completed. The next evening, we were back, this time with Ken. Photos, then drinks, and now time for the awards ceremony to start. As each person went up to the podium, I couldn't help but think to myself, how the fuck did I end up here? 40 years ago, I started selling jets. In my career, I've had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Shut that thing off, okay? But I never expected to end up here today. And before I knew it, It was time. Ken gave an introduction before I walked up on the stage.
He's one of the hardest working individuals I know. Also, you have to know that in the jet sales business, your word is the foundation of all transactions, and Steve's word is above reproach. His journey is a testament to the power of following one's passions, something I believe in wholeheartedly. His visionary approach and unwavering commitment have transformed our aviation industry. I'm proud to present him with a Lifetime Aviation Award.
My heart beating fast as every eye in the room was on me. I accepted the award and gave my speech. Thank you, Ken.
This is incredible, and I'm super, super humble. I owe thanks to a lot of people, but just quickly, I really want to thank the marketing genius who came up with the title Living Legends of Aviation.
Thank you very much. Before going back to selling jets and creating the showroom idea that I did in London. By that time, I dealt with all kinds of very smart and very tough people that taught me the meaning of emotional endurance.
We regularly negotiate with politicians, corporate executives, billionaires, lawyers, pilots, drug dealers, mafia bosses, and sometimes someone whose titles overlap. However, on the other hand, There's social media, and I'm sure that some of you here tonight might laugh at the idea of using social media in our industry, but don't underestimate its power. Today our company has over 4 million followers, and this hasn't just brought us some additional business, but more importantly, it's reaching and inspiring millions of young kids to learn about our industry and to explore aviation as a possible career path. Actually, one I want to launch an initiative to give away hundreds of private pilot flight courses worldwide over social media. If anybody here is interested in participating, please let me know. And finally, people often ask me why I chose London for the showroom since I'm obviously American. I assure you it wasn't the weather. The real reason was the same reason that most of us guys in the room, even though you don't want to admit it, make most of our major decisions in our life, and that is a woman. And for me, it's the love of my life here, Lisa Changiz, who's sitting right there. This is an incredible honor. Thank you very much.
And before I knew it, I was back on my table sipping champagne like nothing had happened. The event then continued late into the night with more drinking, socializing, and celebrations. The next morning, we got onto a jet back to London. I was still in somewhat of a state of disbelief. The whole experience felt like a dream. I was glad to have my other half, Lisa, by my side the entire time. But now, back to London and back to work. I would like to thank every one of you watching, as without you, this would never be possible. And here's a personal shout out to Ken Rickey of FlexChat. Really, what a guy, what an entrepreneur. Thank you for this opportunity and this award. Thanks for watching, and see you soon.
