As a young boy, Tyler Grimes watched �鶹��Ƶ seaplanes take off and land from Lake Union Park. He never imagined that 20-plus years later, he’d be watching those same planes as �鶹��Ƶ’s Lake Union Manager.

“It’s just wild to have come full circle and realize this is where I actually watched them take off as a boy,” Tyler said. 

Born and raised in Spokane, Tyler always wanted to move to Seattle but the path to the Emerald City wasn’t a straight shot. Tyler worked a diverse array of jobs, including backup mascot for the Spokane Chiefs (he was Boomer the Breakdancing Bear) and lead singer for The Gutters, an aspiring punk rock band. 

After earning his Bachelor in Music Journalism from Eastern Washington University, he dabbled with freelance writing. Alas, his collection of framed rejection letters from Rolling Stone lead him to pursue a different career path in the hospitality industry. 

For 15-plus years, Tyler worked his way from entry level jobs in the hospitality industry, starting as a front desk clerk and eventually becoming the Hotel Manager at Silver Cloud. As the Lake Union Manager, Tyler pulls from his background in the hospitality industry to prioritize a positive customer experience.

“You’ll always find me walking around the building straightening up and checking in with staff to make sure everyone has what they need. I have spent a lot of my career working with housekeeping every day, so visual appearance and customer experience is always a top priority,” Tyler said. 

Ironically, some of Tyler’s work you’ll likely never see as a customer.

“We have our lovely geese friends who like to visit the dock overnight during the off season. In addition to the new wolf statues, we put a motion sensor noise and light flasher down on the pylon that barks like a dog when they land on the dock,” Tyler explained. “We love the geese, but we also want our customers to have a clean dock. This is a win-win.” 

Outside of work, Tyler is passionate about spending time with his chosen family, including a weekly bonfire and barbecue on Friday nights. And while he hasn’t pitched Rolling Stone in quite some time, he has continued to write, recording stories from his hotel days that may one day turn into a memoir — Stories of a Hotelier.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT TYLER

• Originally From: Spokane
• Birthplace: West Seattle
• Age: 37
• Education: Bachelors in Music Journalism from Eastern Washington University
• First Job at �鶹��Ƶ: Lake Union Manager 

Favorite �鶹��Ƶ Destination: Rosario. I love that little inlet and how gorgeous that resort is. It’s one of my favorites to fly into. 

Meet More Members of the �鶹��Ƶ Family

Meet A&P Mechanic Jason Wills

Customer Service Agents Douglas Wurster & Vance Conway

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It’s unlikely you’ve ever met Jimmy Delagardelle, but as the Shop Foreman at �鶹��Ƶ he plays an integral role in keeping the Maintenance Department running smoothly.

“My job is to help the flow of operations in any way I can,” explains Jimmy. 

Keeping work flowing smoothly can include just about anything. On any given day, Jimmy can be found guiding the repositioning of seaplanes, answering technical questions for mechanics, and stepping in to help with repairs and replacement of parts as needed.

With a background in automotive maintenance and construction, Jimmy first went to work in �鶹��Ƶ’s engine shop disassembling and cleaning engines. After gaining experience he began overhauling cylinders as an engine repairman.

In addition to the daily organization of labor, Jimmy often assists with both routine aircraft maintenance and special projects. Recently, he participated in a project to develop a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the DHC-2 MKIII de Havilland Turbo Beaver (turbo prop). The STC allowed for the installation of Aerocet 6650 amphibious floats.

The 6650 floats were originally designed for the Quest KODIAK and had to be adapted to the Turbo Beaver. This required custom wiring, plumbing for the hydraulics, and new attachment struts. The Kenmore crew worked with an engineering firm for the structural aspects of the project.

“Seeing projects come to fruition. That’s one of the things I like best. Those are really special projects, because at the end you get to see something fly away and feel pretty good about it.”

Jimmy also enjoys the interaction with employees and customers. “This is a pretty special place. You don’t work somewhere for 13-plus years if it’s not,” he says. 

Outside of work, Jimmy is an avid gardener and fisherman. He and his wife grow an impressive selection of veggies, which their dog Zelda has been known to help harvest (and enjoy). On hot summer days, he’ll likely be found on the water fishing or enjoying a cruise in his boat.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT JIMMY

• Age: 42
• Birthplace: North Seattle
• Current Residence: Everett
• Years with Kenmore: 13 Years
• First Job at Kenmore: Engine Disassembly 
• Current Position: Shop Foreman
• A&P License: 2016

Meet More Members of the �鶹��Ƶ Family

Beth Thompson

Douglas Wurster & Vance Conway

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Theater. Cosplay. Comic books. Cats. Toolboxes. Woodworking. Nothing is off-limits for Beth Thompson — even sports. Which, as a self-proclaimed unathletic individual, she’s still dabbled in.

 “Anytime someone said, ‘Women can’t do that,’ I’d say, ‘Watch me,’” she said.

It’s a good mentality to have for a woman in a male dominated industry. According to the , just 2.6 percent of aircraft mechanics are female. 

Beth earned a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Theater Arts from Gonzaga University, before realizing she didn’t want to be an electrical engineer. Going back to school, she earned her Associates in Aviation Maintenance Technology from South Seattle Community College. 

“Our very first quarter we had a tour of �鶹��Ƶ and I said, ‘This is where I want to work.’ And my last quarter, I got a job here as a part-time admin,” Beth said. 

Graduating from South Seattle CC one quarter later, Beth was promoted to aircraft mechanic. But unlike most of Kenmore’s maintenance crew, you’ll rarely find her working on a de Havilland Beaver or Otter. She’s based out of Paine Field, the homebase for �鶹��Ƶ’s land-based maintenance. The two-hanger shop focuses on Cessna Caravan inspections, maintenance, and repair — a specialty they have been honing. 

Beth excels as an aircraft mechanic because she loves precision and having a clear set of guidelines.

“When I first decided to become a mechanic, I had to pick between if I wanted to go into cars or airplanes. Someone explained to me that when you’re a car mechanic, the first thing you do is pop the hood, go in and try to figure out what’s wrong. And then you open the book. When you’re an aircraft mechanic, the first thing you do is go to the manual. That’s why I picked aircraft. I like having rules and things laid out for you.”

— Beth

Aside from avionics, the mechanics at Kenmore’s Paine Field location work on the whole plane, a fact that Beth loves. In fact, her favorite task is working on flight controls. “I like (flight controls) because I get to work on the entire plane. You’re working on the yoke (or controls). And then you go into the wings or tail for where the actual flight controls are located,” Beth explained. 

QUICK FACTS ABOUT BETH

• Age: 34
• Years Working for Kenmore: 8
• First Job at Kenmore: Part-Time Admin Assistant
• Birthplace: Boise, Idaho
• Current Residence: Seattle, WA
• Education: Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Minor in Theater Arts from Gonzaga. Associates in Aviation Maintenance Technology from South Seattle Community College.
• Favorite Scenic Tour: Volcano Tour

Meet More Members of the �鶹��Ƶ Family

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Joining the �鶹��Ƶ family wasn’t the original plan. The husband-duo simply had their sights set on moving to Orcas Island — a life-long dream for Douglas Wurster who vacationed in the Salish Sea as a young boy.

“We would sail around the San Juans with one of my dad’s college mates from Yale and his family during summer break,” recalls Douglas. “The kids would sleep on Jones Island and the adults would stay on the boat. Coming from Wisconsin with the mosquitos and the humidity and the long winters, I always wondered why everyone didn’t live here. So I said, one day, I was going to.”

With his husband, Vance Conway, nearing retirement as an air traffic controller in Portland, Oregon, the couple bought a plot of land on Orcas. As a landscape architect, Douglas began designing the home just days after they had purchased the property in 2015. Soon after moving, he also began looking for a way to meet fellow islanders. “I saw Kenmore had an opening at the Eastsound Airport. The next thing I knew, I was in training,” says Douglas.

Vance moved to the island shortly after and also began looking for a job or a volunteer opportunity. Kenmore had another Customer Service Agent opening at the Orcas Island Airport. It was the perfect fit. 

“I grew up loving aviation. As a youngster, I’d bike to PDX just to watch airplanes,” recalls Vance.

As Customer Service Agents, the two men handle check-in, arrivals, and departures. They answer phones, field questions, and help passengers with bookings.

“One of the things that’s amazing about Kenmore is that they really live out the motto, ‘Do the right thing.’ And being here mostly on our own, it means a lot that they believe in us to do that. There aren’t many companies like that,” says Vance.

They have also become Orcas Island experts. They can tell you where to find the best fries on the island (Lower Tavern), the best easy-access sunset (North Beach Public Access), and where to go for a hike (just let them know your difficulty level).

What do you love most about Orcas Island?

There’s a true sense of small-town America here, in all the best ways. When I first moved here, my car broke down by Doe Bay. There was no cell service and I was just stuck. Over the course of an hour, 10 cars drove past. Every single person, from old guys to young high school kids, stopped to ask if I needed help. Where else do you get that?

Douglas Wurster

Eastsound Customer Service Agent

I wanted to go somewhere where I could commune with nature. And you can really do that here. It (Orcas Island) is really unique because you have a bit of everything. The hills. The lakes. The waterfront. The other islands. Plus, you have a smaller crowd. It really has everything.

Vance Conway

Eastsound Customer Service Agent

More About Douglas Wurster

• Occupation: Customer Service Agent
• Birthplace: Wisconsin
• Grew Up In: Wisconsin
• Current Residence: Orcas Island
• Years Working for Kenmore: 2
• Education: Bachelor in Russian History & Economics, and Associates Bachelor in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin

More About Vance Conway

• Occupation: Customer Service Agent
• Birthplace: Madras, India 
• Grew Up In: Vancouver, Wash.
• Current Residence: Orcas Island
• Years Working for Kenmore: 2
• Education: Bachelor’s in International Studies & Russian from the University of Washington 
• Languages (of varying degrees):  Russian, Spanish, German, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Swedish

More Members of the �鶹��Ƶ Family

A&P Mechanic Jason Wills

Flight Instructor & Pilot Ava Karr

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Flying wasn’t always the plan. Initially, it was a means to an end. Ava Karr wanted a job where she could travel. A job that allowed her to take adventures.

“I looked at different jobs in the travel industry. Being a pilot seemed like the best opportunity. And I love it. I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s the most amazing career,” said Ava.

Twenty-two years old, Ava is a �鶹��Ƶ Flight Instructor and will start training to ‘fly the line’ (fly Kenmore’s regularly scheduled and charter flights in de Havilland Beavers and de Havilland Otters) this spring. Originally from Wisconsin, she moved to the Seattle area in 2022 to join the �鶹��Ƶ family. “It’s absolutely beautiful here. I love the mountains. Now when I go home I’m so shocked at how little elevation gain there is,” said Ava.

As to adventuring, Ava is getting her fill. “There are just so many beautiful places to visit here,” she said. Among her favorites during training flights are the mountain lakes. “Flying someplace you can only reach by seaplane or on foot is fantastic. The scenery flying up there. The lakes themselves. It’s just beautiful,” Ava explained.

As a flight instructor, Ava works with students taking Introductory Flight Classes, earning their Seaplane Rating, and recurrency training. The introductory flight classes are particularly unique, as no pilot’s license is needed. “We do all the technical stuff. The stuff that takes experience. Students just do the fun parts. They experience take-off and landing. They get to take the controls up in the air. It’s pretty special,” Ava explained.

But it’s the Seaplane Rating that Kenmore is so well-known for. And not too long ago, Ava helped train arguably her favorite student to date — her dad. “After I got all my certifications, my dad got his private’s license. So a few months after I started here, he came and did his seaplane rating. It was super fun,” Ava remembered.

Does she ever miss flying wheels? Not really. “Seaplane flying is just such a freeing way to fly. It’s liberating to fly to remote destinations you can’t reach otherwise. It’s just the coolest job,” Ava beamed. 

And as to training to fly the line — don’t be surprised if you see Ava still working with students. She loves the training and the Piper Super Cub.

“It’s super maneuverable and a really comfortable airplane to fly. It feels like you’re wearing a glove. Everything is right there. The throttle’s on the left side. The pedals are right there. The stick. It’s just simple and fun,” explained Ava.

When she’s not flying, Ava can often be found checking out those remote destinations on foot. Hiking is one of her favorite past times, along with her newfound green thumb. “I’ve started to garden in my backyard. Mostly edible stuff. I like to grow what I can eat,” she said. 

QUICK FACTS ABOUT AVA

• Age: 22
• Private Pilot’s License: 2019
• Commercial Pilot’s License: 2020
• Years Working for Kenmore: 1
• First Job at Kenmore: Flight Instructor
• Birthplace: Northern Wisconsin
• Residence: Ballard, WA
• Education: Associate Degree in Aviation Science from Northwestern Michigan College + Bachelor in Communication from the University of Minnesota Crookston

Ava’s Favorite Training Flight Destination

Cutts Island. It’s a state park a little past Tacoma and it’s awesome. Last time I went, there were about 40 seals on the beach. They all ended up in the water, bobbing away. It’s just incredible to see all the wildlife up there.

Meet More Members of the �鶹��Ƶ Family

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Twenty-four-year-old Maddie Kutzera is a certified A&P mechanic at �鶹��Ƶ, specializing in customer maintenance. She has a quick (yet quiet) wit, stunning smile, and an eye for detail. She’s also an advocate of achieving goals and dreams, through relentless hard work and tenacity. Which is a good — because women make up just 2.62 percent of the nation’s aircraft mechanics. And Maddie has big dreams.

In spring of 2022, she earned her Bachelors in Aviation Management with a Specialization in Maintenance from Central Washington University (while working full-time at �鶹��Ƶ). She has her eyes set on being a director of maintenance — and will work harder than anyone to achieve her dream. She hopes that Kenmore will one day provide her an opportunity to begin to grow in to these dreams.

“We have a really good group here. It’s like a family,” said Maddie. Plus, she loves her job.

“I’m not someone who can sit behind a desk all day, that wouldn’t grant me any sort of satisfaction at the end of the day when I lay my head on my pillow,” said Maddie.

It’s a reality she learned on her first day at �鶹��Ƶ in 2017. A recent high school graduate, she was taking avionics classes at Everett Community College when she took a position as a Customer Service Representative. She was spotted by avionics, and the same day she started, she was moved to the maintenance department.

“I asked to go check out the planes during my lunch. Paul (Hagland) saw me and asked if I wanted to help. Paul could tell I was rather mechanically inclined, so I went to be his helper while I finished my avionics certifications,” explained Maddie.

Today, she is one of Kenmore’s very sought after Customer Maintenance Specialists. Maddie’s primary responsibility is conducting and directing annual inspections as well as being a heavy participant in the rebuild team. Often these are planes that private plane owners bring in for inspections, which the customer specialist crew has never seen before and will never see again. A diligent eye for detail is required as the crew completes a thorough evaluation, comparing the plane’s paperwork with the plane itself.

“When we get a customer airplane we’ve never seen before we have to completely re-evaluate all of the legalities within the paperwork and modifications within the aircraft in order to ensure before we begin our inspection we are starting on a well understood playing field.”

It’s this culture for meticulous detail that has earned �鶹��Ƶ its reputation for quality service and safety. “We make sure we look at everything,” said Maddie.

Outside of work and school Maddie loves to go hiking out in the mountains, rock climbing, working on cars, and wood working. Maddie also has three Australian Sheperds that keeps her hands full during any opportunity they can.

Quick Facts About Maddie

Occupation: A&P Mechanic

Education: Bachelors in Aviation Management with a Specialization in Maintenance from Central Washington University, Certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic earned along with her associated degree from South Seattle Community College, Certified carbon fiber and fiberglass manufacturer and several Avionics licenses from Everett Community College.

Age: 24

Birthplace: Kenmore, WA

Residence: Kenmore, WA

Years with Kenmore: 5

First Job at Kenmore: Customer Service Representative

A Memorable day at Kenmore

“Finishing a customer annual and getting it ready to come go into the lake, when the owners child ran up and gave me a big hug and said how excited she was that she can ride in her dad’s airplane again.”

Meet More Members of the �鶹��Ƶ Family

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Husband-wife duo — Kenmore aIR Captain Brian Flegel and Line Crew Lead Jaazia C Moran Flegel — are passionate adventures. As a pair, they have trained and performed as both trapeze and acrobatic artists. They’ve spent a summer commercial fishing in Alaska and four summers woodland firefighting.

It was there, creating firebreaks and protecting the forest, that Brian’s passion for seaplanes was ignited. He learned to fly at Walla Walla University, but it was on an uphill firebreak that his own personal spark was ignited. During breaks, the couple watched as firebombers (seaplanes equipped to dump water) swooped just above the flames and released their loads.

“It’s one of the most memorable moments to be in your engine and see that plane come in flying low and let the water go,” explained Jaazia.

While working as a flight instructor

in Hermiston, Oregon, Brian earned
his seaplane rating at �鶹��Ƶ. “And then I just started bugging Quinn endlessly for a job,” said Brian. (Quinn Dillon was a flight instructor at the time and is now Assistant Chief Pilot.)

Brian’s persistence paid off. He became a flight instructor in 2019 and by February 2020, he was flying the line as a �鶹��Ƶ pilot. Today he is certified to fly Kenmore’s entire seaplane fleet.

But he wasn’t the only one making waves. He and Jaazia moved to Seattle together and she joined the line crew at Lake Union. At the time, she was finishing her degree in Studio Art from Whitman College.

“The job was perfect. I love being outside and working with my hands. It was about a 6-hour shift where I was doing things. Then I’d be done and I could study,” said Jaazia.

Promoted to the head of line crew in October of 2021, Jaazia’s working days are a bit longer now — but just as hands-on. And while Brain has never forgotten about firebombing and Jaazia is always up for another project that involves building things, the couple has found a comfortable slice of home at the north end of Lake Washington. “This is an incredible place to work and an incredible place to call home,” said Brian.

Jaazia C. Moran Flegel

Occupation: Line Crew Lead
Age: 25
Birthplace: Tacoma, WA
Current Residence: Shoreline, WA
Years Working at Kenmore: 1

Brian Flegel

Occupation: Captain
Age: 28
Birthplace: Madras, OR
Current Residence: Shoreline, WA
Years Working at Kenmore: 4

Favorite Place to Fly: Deer Harbor

“The greenery. The shimmering water. It’s just a lovely place to fly with a beautiful dock and they have really good ice cream,” said Brian.

Meet More Members of the �鶹��Ƶ Family

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