Fabian Bello
CEO at Journey Aviation
Fabian Bello is CEO and founding member of Journey Aviation, one of the world’s top Gulfstream operators. Under his leadership, the company has demonstrated notable growth since its inception in January of 2014, exceeding $150 million USD in total revenue within its first 5 years in business, while establishing itself as an industry preferred quality operator. While in the aviation industry, Mr. Bello has held various positions, such as executive vice-president and president/CEO of an international division, as well as president/CEO of other related aviation companies. Most notably, Mr. Bello is known for managing the introduction of Deer Jet’s BBJ’s and ACJ fleet into the Middle East, catapulting the company’s penetration into the international markets. Prior to entering the aviation industry, Mr. Bello worked in the logistics industry, working for a top worldwide logistics company with over $3 billion USD yearly turnover. In addition to his extensive business knowledge, Mr. Bello has vast experience working with and uniting diverse cultures worldwide; particularly Hispanic, European, Asian and of Arabic regions. He has an innate ability of bringing and keeping individuals working together in pursuit of a common goal. Getting things done effectively, efficiently and with the buy-in of all related parties is one of the strongest attributes to his management style. Mr. Bello was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to Miami, Florida at the age of three. He was raised in South Florida and attended the University of Miami where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing in preparation for his management career.
Who is your hero? (In business, life, or both.)
My Dad. After struggling to get out of Cuba, he made it to the US without $1 to his name. Despite never being a White Collard worker while in the states, he managed to achieve the American Dream as an ordinary Blue Collard employee. His commitment to his family, his job and his diligent planning for his and our future is commendable. He taught me more than any CEO or business leader has and witnessed how if you plan accordingly and make good decisions, a lot of good is possible in this great Country of ours.
What’s the single best piece of business advice that helped shape who you are as an entrepreneur today, and why?
When things don’t work out the way you think they should in the moment, be grateful. More times than not, the subsequent outcome is usually more favourable than what you wanted to begin with. Behind every possible disappointment I could’ve had, a better alternative arose that lead me to where I am at today.
What’s the biggest mistake you ever made in your business, and what did you learn from it that others can learn from too?
I let a massive contract slide without any repercussions to the entity who broke it. Hindsight, I should’ve fought for what was agreed and settled, rather than letting it all go.
What do you do during the first hour of your business day and why?