EXPERT ADVISOR
Throughout the years, I’ve earned a reputation for being an effective FBO Manager and Corporate Hangar Developer. The interests of my clients are always my first priority, and I go above and beyond to make sure they get the results they need. Whether you’re about to launch a new project, need advice on expanding your business, or would like a timely tip on matters big or small - I’m your go-to source.
Loyal, intuitive, and success-focused are just a few of the words that best describe Jim Rutherford. With over five decades of experience in aviation and FBO operations, Jim serves his clients as a consultant, owner’s representative, and developer with JRutherford Ventures, LLC. Throughout his career, Jim has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense, get-things-done professional who decisively cuts through the clutter and achieves results. He is equally skilled in client relationships, where he intuitively anticipates the wants, needs, and desires of clients, continuously providing them with the highest levels of excellence in every aspect of a project. Because of his proven track record of success in FBO operations, management, and technical expertise, Jim has earned the respect of the industry and the high-end clientele he serves.
Jim is a native of Hamilton, Massachusetts and a lifelong resident of Half Moon Bay, California. He was raised in an aviation environment. His father served as an FAA Examiner, and his brother is a retired FAA Air Traffic Controller. Both he and his brother were no strangers to the Beechcraft line of aircraft and would formation fly new aircraft from the Beechcraft factory in Wichita and Liberal, Kansas to Beverly Airport (BVY), where their family owned Omni Beechcraft. With a commercial pilot’s license in hand, Jim continued to pursue his aviation career and relocated to California at age 21, where he expanded his FBO career with Butler Aviation - San Francisco International Airport. He took on the toughest challenges and learned every aspect of the corporate FBO business.
After advancing to manager status with Butler Aviation, Jim moved on to join the San Jose Jet Center in Silicon Valley. His acquired business development skills grew the company’s reputation and profitability, which led to a remarkable sale of the business in 2008. As Executive Vice President and Shareowner in the business, Jim positioned the organization as one of the industry’s largest and most reputable FBOs in the country. He is also an awarded and recognized professional with the National Business Aviation Association, the National Air Transportation Association, Professional Pilot Magazine, and Aviation International News.
Jim is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics. He is a licensed FAA commercial pilot and California real estate professional. Jim is also a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
In his free time, Jim enjoys fishing, mountain biking, and coastal hiking. He is a loving husband, devoted father of three, and grandfather of six. He is also a pet parent to two pugs.
