International Jet Interiors specializes in creating unique and custom interiors that reflect its clients’ sense of style.

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International Jet Interiors (IJI) is one of North America’s leading centers for the modification and refurbishment of private and corporate jet aircraft. It specializes in creating unique and custom interiors that reflect its clients’ sense of style, needs and investment strategy, President Eric Roth says.

Employing 19 people, the company serves customers worldwide from Islip MacArthur Airport on Long Island, N.Y. Roth spoke with U.S. Business Review about the company’s culture, challenges and recent developments.

U.S. Business Review: Tell us a little about the company’s corporate culture.
Eric Roth: I started IJI in 1986 and have personally hand-selected a team of dedicated and passionate artisans, craftsman and technicians. Our interviews are very intense, and I continue to judge an applicant’s personality and character before I identify their level of skill and work history. By doing so, I have created a corporate culture that shares a similar mind set, which, in turn, fosters respect and a general appreciation between all IJI team members. I am fortunate to work with some of the most talented and hard-working people in our industry.

USBR: What is your leadership style?
ER: I believe in very strong leadership and limited management. There is a difference. In my opinion, too many organizations manage, but very few actually lead. By leading, I set examples of what I expect from my employees every day. I teach my employees skill sets that not only benefit the company, but also ideas and ways of improving their personal lives, as well. It takes a lot more effort to lead than it does to manage, but the dividends pay off with higher returns. I believe in the Chinese proverb that says: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

USBR: Describe IJI’s investment efforts.
ER: Investment in our organization is an inherent part of our business plan. I continually invest in training, IT and equipment. Certainly, updated IT equipment such as computers, software and other business equipment create a more efficient environment, but it is the continuous training and education of our employees that creates the efficiency investment with the greatest yield. By actively involving our employees in discussions and decisions, I have found that we make better and quicker decisions that will benefit our clients,  as well as our organization.

(For example), I do not work in our finish department, so when it came time to research and purchase a new environment-controlled spray booth, I had a meeting with the employees that work in this department.

They had far more knowledge and expertise in this area than I did. By doing so, we were able to identify which type of equipment we really wanted to meet our specific needs. Further, there was an additional benefit. Because of their direct involvement in the decision-making process, they felt a sense of personal recognition and empowerment – they know that their contribution is respected and makes a difference.

USBR: How has the recent expansion benefited the company?
ER: We expanded our in-house services about two years ago to include designing, engineering and installing cabin management, entertainment and electrical systems. Prior to that point, we had subcontracted these systems. By performing this work in-house, we have 100 percent control over all aspects – systems design, pricing, installation (and) scheduling – of the project work scope, allowing us to save our clients both time and money while providing an improved product and greater client experience than ever before.

USBR: What is in store for IJI?
ER: We have become more aggressive than in years prior as we continue to investigate current and future opportunities and relationships. We recently signed an agreement with the foremost (very light jet) manufacturer to represent them in the Northeast.

Additionally, we have developed strong relationships with two of the four leading aircraft manufacturers to support them in meeting their demand. I foresee the demand for the expertise we offer at International Jet Interiors to increase substantially, which will undoubtedly create new and exciting opportunities.