About JSSI

We are a team of passionate professionals, keeping customers flying through superior service, shaped by a culture of collaboration, innovation and integrity, striving for excellence in the aviation industry.

Our Story

For over 30 years, Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), has been the leading independent provider of maintenance support and financial services to the business aviation industry.

JSSI offers Hourly Cost Maintenance (HCM) Programs to manage the often unpredictable costs of operating virtually all makes and models of aircraft, engines and auxiliary power units (APUs). The company is responsible for maintaining in excess of 2,000 business jets, turboprops, regional jets and helicopters across the globe and serves customers through its unique infrastructure of expert technical advisors. JSSI leverages this extensive technical knowledge, maintenance buying power and data to support every stage of the aircraft life cycle, from aircraft acquisition to disassembling and parting out the aircraft.

JSSI Maintenance Programs stabilize aircraft maintenance budgets, enhance residual value, and provide peace of mind to aircraft owners and operators of virtually all makes and models of aircraft, engines and auxiliary power units (APUs).

JSSI Parts & Leasing provides aircraft parts, leasing and supply chain solutions. From a single bolt to a complete engine, customers gain access to an inventory of over 50,000 aircraft parts, engines and APUs and a global vendor network to source assets for anything that flies.

JSSI Maintenance Software comprises Traxxall and SierraTrax to provide software-as-a-service (“SaaS”) solutions for aircraft maintenance tracking, parts inventory management services, and cloud-based software to enhance the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) workflow.

JSSI Advisory Services utilizes JSSI’s technical expertise and global network to deliver desktop appraisals by ASA-accredited appraisers, asset inspections, technical advice and maintenance event management.

JSSI Conklin & de Decker enables aircraft owners and operators to make more informed decisions. More than 35 years of objective and impartial data powers digital tools to analyze aircraft ownership options with the most accurate performance and comparison data available, and review critical U.S. state tax information.

In 2020, JSSI was recognized as a US Best Managed Company.

Growth & Innovation Milestones

1989
JSSI is founded.

Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), was formed in 1989 to provide hourly cost maintenance programs for in-service business jets.

2008
JSSI is acquired.

The company is acquired by RH Book Enterprises and 1848 Capital Partners, LLC, in 2008.

2014
JSSI launches JSSI Parts.

JSSI Parts capitalizes on decades of data and the global reach and buying power of JSSI to build a vast parts inventory to better serve existing clients and support new customers.

2017
JSSI launches JSSI Advisory Services.

JSSI Advisory Services offers a new range of consulting services driven by JSSI’s global network of Technical Advisors and more than 30 years of operational data.

2018
JSSI acquires Conklin & de Decker.

Combining the vast data set of the industry leader in aviation research with 30 years of JSSI maintenance data enables JSSI to provide the business aviation market with an entirely new level of information and transparency.

2020
JSSI is named a US Best Managed Company.
The US Best Managed Companies program recognizes successful private companies by shining a light on how well they are run, what they have achieved, and the contributions they make to their industries, people and communities.
 
2020
JSSI announces recapitalization partnership with GTCR.
JSSI begins an exciting new chapter and embarks on a new phase of growth in partnership with GTCR, a premier private equity company with a proven track record of successful investments in the business aviation sector.
2021
JSSI acquires SierraTrax.
JSSI adds maintenance tracking software to its suite of digital services, blending insight from industry leader SierraTrax with 30+ years of operating cost data to help owners and operators manage their aircraft more efficiently.
2021
JSSI acquires Traxxall.
JSSI accelerates its digital strategy and SaaS business by combining Traxxall’s industry-leading maintenance tracking software with its core products, adding further value for aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance facilities.
2022
JSSI launches JSSI Maintenance Software.
JSSI launches JSSI Maintenance Software to unite the company’s growing portfolio of technology-enabled maintenance products and deliver enhanced value to customers.
2022
Genstar Capital Joins GTCR as Investor in JSSI

Genstar partners with JSSI's management team to support the company's next phase of growth.

Growth & Innovation Milestones

1989
JSSI is founded.

Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), was formed in 1989 to provide hourly cost maintenance programs for in-service business jets.

1999
JSSI introduces Tip-to-Tail® coverage.
JSSI launches its signature Tip-to-Tail® program to cover all airframe, engine, and APU maintenance costs.
2008
JSSI is acquired.

The company is acquired by RH Book Enterprises and 1848 Capital Partners, LLC, in 2008.

2013
JSSI enrolls VistaJet fleet.

VistaJet and JSSI reach deal for record-setting enrollment of 50 Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft and BR710 engines.

2014
JSSI launches JSSI Parts.

JSSI Parts capitalizes on decades of data and the global reach and buying power of JSSI to build a vast parts inventory to better serve existing clients and support new customers.

2017
JSSI launches JSSI Advisory Services.

JSSI Advisory Services offers a new range of consulting services driven by JSSI’s global network of Technical Advisors and more than 30 years of operational data.

2018
JSSI acquires Conklin & de Decker.

Combining the vast data set of the industry leader in aviation research with 30 years of JSSI maintenance data enables JSSI to provide the business aviation market with an entirely new level of information and transparency.

2020
JSSI is named a US Best Managed Company.
The US Best Managed Companies program recognizes successful private companies by shining a light on how well they are run, what they have achieved, and the contributions they make to their industries, people and communities.
 
2020
JSSI announces recapitalization partnership with GTCR.
JSSI begins an exciting new chapter and embarks on a new phase of growth in partnership with GTCR, a premier private equity company with a proven track record of successful investments in the business aviation sector.
2021
JSSI acquires SierraTrax.
JSSI adds maintenance tracking software to its suite of digital services, blending insight from industry leader SierraTrax with 30+ years of operating cost data to help owners and operators manage their aircraft more efficiently.
2021
JSSI acquires Traxxall.
JSSI accelerates its digital strategy and SaaS business by combining Traxxall’s industry-leading maintenance tracking software with its core products, adding further value for aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance facilities.
2022
JSSI launches JSSI Maintenance Software.
JSSI launches JSSI Maintenance Software to unite the company’s growing portfolio of technology-enabled maintenance products and deliver enhanced value to customers.

Our Leadership

Neil Book

Position: Chairman & CEO

As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Neil provides leadership and direction to the entire organization.

Prior to joining JSSI in 2012, Neil served as Vice President of Mobility for Juniper Networks, directing its mobile security business unit. His role at Juniper began in 2010, in connection with their acquisition of SMobile Systems, where he had served as President and Chief Executive Officer. Neil began his career at AT&T where he held various management positions. Neil is a graduate of the University of Delaware, class of 1999.

Neil Book

Chairman & CEO

Tim Elberfeld

Position: Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer, Tim Elberfeld is responsible for all aspects of Finance & Accounting at JSSI. Additionally, Tim oversees the Information Technology organization.

Prior to joining JSSI, Tim spent 10 years at TransUnion, a global information and financial services company publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange. During his tenure at TransUnion, Tim served in a range of progressive roles, including Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Africa Region in Johannesburg, South Africa. Tim began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he spent 12 years in the Transaction Services group. At PwC, he led cross-border engagements for clients in their execution of complex acquisitions, divestitures and carve-outs. During his time at PwC, Tim completed a multi-year secondment in Zurich, Switzerland, where he supported clients on both inbound and outbound deals across Europe. Tim received an undergraduate degree in accounting from Anderson University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Tim Elberfeld

Chief Financial Officer

Francisco Zozaya M.

Position: Chief Revenue Officer

As Chief Revenue Officer, Francisco provides leadership to the global business development organization. Additionally, he oversees the suite of Conklin & de Decker digital and consulting solutions.

Prior to joining JSSI, Francisco served as Pre-Owned Director at Aerolineas Ejecutivas, managing its pre-owned aircraft sales and acquisitions business unit. He facilitated several key industry alliances and memberships for Latin America’s largest business aviation company and has established an extensive network with the global broker community, financial institutions, OEMs and MROs. Francisco graduated from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City as an industrial engineer.

Francisco Zozaya M.

Chief Revenue Officer

Ben Hockenberg

Position: President, JSSI Parts & Leasing

As President of JSSI Parts & Leasing, Ben Hockenberg provides strategic guidance and overall leadership to the aircraft parts and leasing organization. Additionally, Ben has responsibility for the company’s maintenance event and insurance claims management service offerings and leads JSSI’s aircraft finance activities.

In his role prior to joining JSSI Parts & Leasing, Ben was focused on investing in the aerospace sector. He has worked in investment banking, private equity, and credit investing at Deutsche Bank, The Pritzker Organization, Venor Capital, and Greenbriar Asset Management. He holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan.

Ben Hockenberg

President, JSSI Parts & Leasing

Ken Goodman

Position: Chief Underwriting Officer

As Chief Underwriting Officer and President of JSSI’s captive insurance company, Ken provides leadership to the organization’s pricing, asset management and insurance efforts worldwide. Prior to this role, Ken served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer for over six years.

Prior to joining JSSI, Ken spent over seven years with NetJets, a $5 billion subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, as their Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), leading their FP&A and Maintenance Finance teams. This role included all financial analysis and contract negotiations support for aircraft acquisitions and aircraft maintenance agreements. Ken’s career began as a Financial Analyst at American Airlines, where he spent more than six years in a variety of roles. Subsequently, he spent eight years with L Brands, a $10 billion publicly-traded specialty retailer that includes the Victoria’s Secret, PINK, and Bath & Body Works brands. Ken received his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Rochester, and his M.B.A. finance degree from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Ken Goodman

Chief Underwriting Officer

Serdar Yorgancigil

Position: Chief Information Officer

As Chief Information Officer, Serdar Yorgancigil is responsible for all information and digital technology initiatives at JSSI.

Prior to joining JSSI, Serdar spent 15 years at AAR, a provider of global aviation services to the commercial and governmental aviation sectors. Serdar held a variety of progressive technology roles at AAR, including Head of Digital Enablement, where he led application development, data management and integration teams. He is a graduate of Istanbul University with a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering. Serdar is a member of the Chicago Chief Data Officers (CDO) governing body and received an executive certificate in management leadership from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Serdar Yorgancigil

Chief Information Officer

Paul Rahe

Position: Senior Vice President & General Counsel

Paul Rahe joined JSSI as Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel in August 2011 and became General Counsel in 2016. Paul is responsible for all aspects of the company’s legal affairs, including client and vendor relationships, strategic transactions, corporate governance and general corporate matters, and also serves as the company’s Compliance Officer.

Prior to joining JSSI, Paul was Managing Director, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary for PrivateBancorp, Inc. (now CIBC Bancorp USA) and The PrivateBank and Trust Company (now CIBC U.S.). From 1999 to 2009, Paul practiced law with Schiff Hardin LLP in Chicago, where he represented a broad range of private and public companies, including private equity firms and their portfolio companies, in merger and acquisition transactions, the issuance of securities, corporate governance and other general corporate matters. Paul was previously an associate in the Indianapolis, Indiana, office of Baker Daniels (now Faegre Drinker) from 1996 to 1999. Paul graduated from Indiana University in (1993) and from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1996.

Paul Rahe

Senior Vice President & General Counsel

Tim Ferrell

Position: Senior Vice President, Technical Services

Tim Ferrell leads JSSI’s team of Technical Advisors and Product Line Specialists, providing global support for Hourly Cost Maintenance Program and JSSI Advisory Services clients. He has over 20 years of aviation maintenance experience as an engineer and aircraft maintenance technician. 

A longtime JSSI employee, Tim has held the positions of Technical Advisor, Regional Tech Manager and Director of Engine Programs. Passionate about the JSSI brand, Tim supports many crossdepartmental initiatives that create industryleading product offerings. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical technology from Purdue University and is a FAAlicensed A&P Technician. 

Tim Ferrell

Senior Vice President, Technical Services

George Kleros

Position: Senior Vice President, JSSI Advisory Services

George Kleros is responsible for operational oversight of JSSI Advisory Services, including the appraisal, asset inspection and maintenance event management products. He has over 30 years of aviation maintenance experience in areas including management, field support services and appraisals for business jet aircraft.

George was previously Eastern Region Customer Service Manager for Rolls-Royce North America and, prior to that position, was the Technical Support Manager with JSSI for almost a decade. George also held a field support position with Textron Flight Services and was the Director of Maintenance for an air carrier fleet. He also held the position of President for an aircraft maintenance company with multiple satellite facilities supporting charter operations, flight schools, and retail maintenance. George currently serves on the maintenance airworthiness committee for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, is a board member of the Westchester Aircraft Maintenance Association, and serves on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Aviation Maintenance Science Industry Advisory Board. George holds an FAA rating for Powerplant and Airframe, with additional privileges as a holder of an Inspectors Authorization. He is an accredited Senior Appraiser through the American Society of Appraisers in the Machinery and Technical Specialties discipline with a specialty in aviation.

George Kleros

Senior Vice President, JSSI Advisory Services

Jim Sellers

Position: Chief Commercial Officer, JSSI Parts & Leasing

As Chief Commercial Officer, Jim Sellers is responsible for driving the parts trading and aircraft acquisition businesses, including all teardown, part-out and leasing initiatives.

Prior to being named Chief Commercial Officer, Jim co-founded JSSI Parts & Leasing and was instrumental in its early success across every facet of the business. He has an extensive background in aviation with a focus on the buying and selling of parts, including roles at Prime Air, a HEICO Aerospace Company; Chase Aerospace; and AAR Corporation. Jim holds an MBA from Elmhurst College and a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University.

Jim Sellers

Chief Commercial Officer, JSSI Parts & Leasing

Mark Steinbeck

Position: Chief Commercial Officer, JSSI Maintenance Software

As Chief Commercial Officer, Mark Steinbeck is responsible for leading the sales and marketing initiatives for the JSSI Maintenance Software products.

Prior to JSSI’s acquisition of Traxxall in 2021, Mark served as the President of Traxxall.  In that role, Mark led the business development initiatives, while also providing strategic direction and leadership to the Traxxall organization.  Before joining Traxxall, Mark held the position of Director of Sales for a Part 135 aircraft management company where he was responsible for the aircraft management sales and charter sales teams.  Mark began his career at Avtrak where he held various management positions in the customer support and sales organizations.  Mark graduated from Regis University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  

Mark Steinbeck

Chief Commercial Officer, JSSI Maintenance Software

Associations

Corporate Citizenship

We are proud to be good neighbors and participate in events and programs that support our company strategy around the world.

The Global FoodBanking Network​

The Global FoodBanking Network’s (GFN) mission is to nourish the world’s hungry through uniting and advancing food banks.

Learn more

Feeding America

Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, supporting food banks, pantries, and meal programs with food, funds, and advocacy.

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West Michigan Aviation Academy Foundation​

With a curriculum rich in aviation, STEAM, and robotics, WMAA provides a unique opportunity for students to focus on high-growth employment fields during their education.

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Autism Speaks​

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

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Ronald McDonald House Charities​

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and families in the region.

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Pat Tillman Foundation

The Pat Tillman Foundation provides scholarships, professional development opportunities and a network to empower military service members, veterans and spouses.

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Making Dreams Soar

JSSI supported Shaesta Waiz’s record-breaking solo flight around the world with a mission to encourage women to pursue STEM and aviation-related degrees.

 

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Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides academic scholarships to children of United States Marines and Navy Corpsmen.

 

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Promoting STEM Education Through Aviation​

The annual GAMA Build A Plane Aviation Design Challenge promotes science, technology, engineering, and math knowledge among high-school students.

 

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Providing Lifelong Benefits to Students

It Takes a Village Chicago (ITAV) provides physical education facilities, resources and tools to students at inner city schools.

 

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The Robert John Kleros Memorial Endowed Scholarship

This annual program was established by JSSI to benefit students pursuing careers in aircraft maintenance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Each recipient is selected on the merit of their passion for aviation, leadership qualities, and sense of determination.

 

Find out more about this year’s recipient.