Spotlight on Success: Q&A with Nick Ammons, Veteran and CEO of Job Aire Group

Q: Nick, what inspired you to pursue your career goals?

As a kid, I wanted to join the Secret Service. To get there, I knew I’d need military and law enforcement experience, along with a degree, to even get my resume considered. So, I joined the military as a police officer and then earned a criminal justice degree. Everyone told me combat experience was also necessary, so I reenlisted and went to combat.

Q: How did you transition from military service to the business world?

After getting injured in combat, I had to figure out my next steps. I started working with small government contractors because I didn’t have a big name or extensive connections at the time. I worked hard, proved myself, and eventually built a reputation that led to roles at larger companies like MAG Aerospace. That success earned me an appointment at the White House and, later, an opportunity with Gap Solutions.

Q: What role did the Library of Congress play in your career journey?

A mentor assigned me to spend one day a week for two years studying U.S. agency histories, jurisdictions, and charters in the Library of Congress. At the time, I thought, “How is this going to help me? I’m not a lawyer.” But that knowledge turned out to be invaluable. It gave me insight that few others have, which has helped in treaty negotiations and understanding immigration policies.

Q: How did you end up running a staffing firm?

In January 2022, I was approached to run a staffing firm. Initially, I thought, “Why me? I don’t have experience in staffing.” But I took the chance, and we’ve seen tremendous growth. When I started, we had 144 employees. As of today, we’ve grown to 550 employees, with a goal of reaching 700 by year’s end and 1,100 by 2027.

Q: What does Job Aire Group do?

At its core, we address a labor shortage in the aviation industry. We hire skilled laborers from Mexico through legal, temporary work visas under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). These workers fill essential roles in aviation repair and overhaul facilities, helping keep planes flying and goods moving.

Q: What’s your role with the American Society of Mexico?

I’m the only former Senior Executive Service (SES) appointee from the U.S. government volunteering on the board. My job is to provide insight into U.S. policies and support Mexico in shaping the narrative around the USMCA treaty. The treaty is currently only being utilized at about 10% of its potential, even though it represents $367 billion of the U.S. GDP.

Q: What are the future plans for Job Aire Group?

We’ve experienced rapid growth, including a recent acquisition that added 100 employees. We’re on track to pay off half of the acquisition debt within 18 months and are planning another acquisition soon. All of this growth is being accomplished while staying private.

Q: Where can people learn more about Job Aire Group?

You can visit our website, follow JAG on LinkedIn, or connect with me on LinkedIn to learn more about our work and growth.

Q: Any closing thoughts?

I don’t believe in accidental success - it’s all about hard work. Every step in my career, even the unexpected ones, built the experience I needed to lead today.