![]()
Sheltair has announced that its founder and chairman, Jerry Holland, passed away on November 18th at the age of 90.
His family described him as a simple man with a big vision. Before opening Sheltair, he launched a construction business in 1963. Sheltair states he rooted the company in principles of integrity and service and fostered a family-first culture in the company.
Holland purchased his first set of hangars at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) in 1983 and broke ground on Sheltair's flagship FBO in 1986. The second Sheltair FBO opened later in the same decade. The company now spans nearly five million sq. ft. of real estate, with 16 locations across four states and 500 team members employed.
He stepped away from daily operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, entrusting his daughter, Lisa Holland, as president and CEO.
"We are proud of all that Sheltair has accomplished, and much of that success is due to the strong foundation my father established," said Lisa Holland. "My father always dreamed bigger and was relentless in making those dreams a reality. It's why we enjoy the success we're blessed to have today."
RELATED STORIES:
Pat Epps, leader of the Glacier Girl recovery, flies west at 91
Sergei Sikorsky, son of Sikorsky Aircraft founder, dies at 100 years old
Last WWII Ace fighter pilot in America dies at 103 years old
Funeral arrangements will be kept private for just members of the family, but a public celebration of life is expected to be held soon.
"My Grandpa was so much more than the founder of Sheltair; he was a visionary, a leader, and above all, the heart and soul of our company," said Kai Seymour, Sheltair growth strategy manager and Jerry's eldest grandson. "He built Sheltair from the ground up, guided by a relentless passion for aviation, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and a profound respect for every person who walked through our doors. What he created was not just an aviation business; it was a family. To me personally, he was my greatest inspiration. His work ethic, shaping this company into the leading force it is today, his humility, and his belief in people have shaped the person I am today. As we mourn this tremendous loss, I find strength in knowing that his legacy will live on in each of us and in every part of Sheltair. It's a legacy I am proud to carry forward with the same spirit, values, and vision he instilled from the very beginning."