Jake Menker
THE MISSION: “I’m Your Guy”
Private aviation is full of noise.
Endless offers. Constant outreach. Everyone pitching their version of the “best” solution.
At Jet Merchants, our product is advocacy. Jake sits on the same side of the table as his clients—as an advisor, advocate, and go-to resource for anything private aviation. Whether a client is flying a few times per year or managing a $1M+ annual travel budget, his role is simple: help them make the right decisions, every time.
In Jake’s words, “I’m your guy.” That mindset defines how he works with every client.
Charter. Jet cards. Fractional. Ownership. Hybrid strategies. There is no one-size-fits-all—those suggesting otherwise are usually selling a product, not solving a problem.
Having worked with 750+ clients and influenced more than $100M in private aviation spend, Jake understands the real value isn’t access—it’s clarity.
When clients work with Jake, they’re not navigating the space alone. They have someone in their corner cutting through the noise, aligning options to their priorities, and ensuring they get the most out of every dollar and every flight.
The Journey: Built, Not Given
Jake didn’t land in private aviation by accident—he worked his way into it.
He began in B2B field sales with Grainger, learning early that business isn’t about products—it’s about people. He later launched and operated his own motorcycle dealership, gaining firsthand experience in entrepreneurship, customer experience, and true accountability.
His path then took him to Nashville, where he managed operations at ACME Feed & Seed, leading large teams in a fast-paced environment where things rarely went according to plan. There, he reinforced a core belief: when things go wrong—and they will—the strength of your team and relationships determines the outcome.
In 2022, Jake moved to New York City to pursue a lifelong passion for aviation, joining Wheels Up as an Aviation Account Manager and quickly earning a promotion to Senior Aviation Account Manager. He advised clients across the full spectrum of private travel—from occasional flyers to high-volume corporate users.
This path was intentional.
Aviation has been a lifelong passion—long before it became his profession. Today, his background across sales, entrepreneurship, and operations gives him a well-rounded perspective grounded in both business and client needs.
Our team presented in person and virtual “Private Aviation 101” sessions to the following wealth groups:
Bernstein
Bessemer Trust
Edward Jones
Goldman Sachs
JP Morgan Chase
Merrill Lynch/BofA
Morgan Stanley
Northern Trust
Northwestern Mutual
RBC
Rockefeller Family Office
Stifel
Tiger 21
Truist
UBS
The REALITY: Where This Industry Misses
Jet cards, memberships, fractional programs—they all have their place. But most providers are incentivized to keep clients within their ecosystem, regardless of whether it’s the best long-term fit.
That’s where issues arise.
Jake’s role is to step in, zoom out, and get it right.
No bias. No agenda. Just the best move for the client.
Sometimes that’s one solution.
More often, it’s a mix.
HOW HE OPERATES: Old School, Done Right
Jake keeps things simple.
He does what he says he’s going to do.
He answers the phone.
He tells the truth—even when it’s not the easiest answer.
He treats clients like people he genuinely cares about—because he does.
That means being responsive, thorough, and making sure clients fully understand what they’re committing to before making a decision. In an industry filled with fine print, clarity comes first.
When urgency is required—as it often is in private aviation—he delivers. Last-minute trips, changes, and recoveries are where experience and responsiveness matter most.
EXECUTION: Where It Counts
Even when clients are flying through external programs—jet cards, fractional ownership, or memberships—Jake serves as an added layer of support and advocacy.
THE PERSON: Off the Clock
Jake lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and keeps a full life outside of work.
He spends a lot of time outdoors—hiking, camping, and backpacking as a way to reset. He’s completed multi-day trips through Patagonia and the Cascade Mountains and looks for any excuse to get back out there.
He’s traveled to 20+ countries and recently spent time living in Rio de Janeiro. Lately, he’s been focused on learning Portuguese and Spanish to better connect with different cultures.
Originally from Columbus, Jake graduated from Miami University and is the youngest of three brothers. He’s a proud uncle and keeps family close—something that carries into how he builds relationships with clients.
"At its core, business is about people. Who you trust. Who shows up when it matters."
Private aviation is complex, fragmented, and often driven by sales—not solutions. At The Jet Merchants, our advisors operate differently. We don’t push products. We guide decisions, structure solutions, and execute on behalf of our clients across charter, jet cards, fractional, and ownership.
If you’re flying private—or thinking about it—and want to make sure you’re getting it right, start with a conversation. No pitch. No pressure. Just a straight answer on what makes sense for you.