Unmatched Experience.
Undivided Attention.
At West Elk, we blend acute market insight with a family office ethos—personalized, selective, and aligned with your values.
With a boutique, client-focused approach rooted in trust, transparency, and long-term relationships, we offer guidance in buying, selling, operating, and sourcing aircraft.
Whether you’re upgrading a fleet or entering private aviation for the first time, we navigate the complexities with discretion, precision, and the judgment of a trusted advisor.
Aviation Advisory. Intelligent. Intentional.
We advise with clarity, act with purpose, and lead with precision—resulting in client success.
Troy Lawson
Managing Partner
With 25 years of leadership in aircraft sales, operations, and aviation department management, Troy brings deep operational expertise to client engagements. His 20-year Air Force career, logging 7,500 hours as Enlisted Aircrew, instilled a disciplined, outcome-driven approach to complex aviation operations.
Nearly two decades in OEM sales and marketing of both new and pre-owned aircraft provide Troy with rare insight into both the transactional and ownership sides of the business. His ability to integrate technical, financial, and operational considerations allows him to advise clients across the full lifecycle of aircraft ownership—from initial acquisition through long-term ownership and fleet transition.
Troy's experience spans both corporate platforms and bespoke ownership structures, providing clients with nuanced, market-savvy guidance. As an IADA Certified Aircraft Broker and Duncan Aviation Advisory Board member, he leverages a robust industry network and real-time market fluency to protect client interests at every stage.
Jonathan Gardner
Principal, Aircraft Investments
Jonathan brings over 15 years of experience in business aviation, with a background that spans aircraft brokerage, fleet planning, and strategic market intelligence. His work with top-tier brokerage firms and OEM-aligned organizations has shaped a data-driven, advisory-first approach grounded in market depth and operational awareness.
At West Elk, Jonathan leads client advisory, acquisition strategy, and market research—delivering precise pricing guidance, forward-looking market insights, and disciplined analysis built to withstand institutional scrutiny. He supports clients through complex transactions, portfolio management, and long-term capital planning.
Respected for his responsiveness, clarity, and discretion, Jonathan serves both private and institutional clients as a trusted long-term advisor. His ability to translate shifting market signals into clear, actionable strategies ensures every client decision meets West Elk’s standards for rigor and results.
Colby Creger
Managing Director, Aircraft Transactions
Colby brings a decade of business aviation experience to West Elk Aviation, shaped by direct exposure to OEM sales, aircraft management, charter strategy, and the pre-owned market. His perspective is grounded in transactional discipline and informed by real market participation, allowing him to guide clients through complex aviation decisions with clarity and structure.
Colby spent five years with a leading aircraft manufacturer, progressing from pre-owned market analysis into a Regional Sales Director role overseeing new jet and turboprop sales across a five-state territory. In that capacity, he developed a comprehensive understanding of aircraft positioning, capital allocation, and buyer psychology — experience that informs his advisory approach today.
Prior to joining West Elk, Colby served as Vice President of Sales for a national aviation company, where he led business development and transaction execution across a multi-location Midwest region. His work spanned acquisition strategy, deal structuring, and long-term client relationship management.
George Hanson
Analyst, Aircraft Investments
George brings more than five years of experience in the automotive industry, where he developed a strong foundation in client service, market analysis, and transaction support. Working in an environment where responsiveness, attention to detail, and consistent follow through are essential, he built a reputation for delivering a high standard of customer experience while helping clients navigate complex purchasing decisions.
At West Elk Aviation, George contributes to the firm’s advisory process through detailed market research, analysis of aircraft values and industry trends, and the development of the firm’s proprietary market intelligence resources. His work helps ensure that clients evaluating aircraft acquisitions, dispositions, and broader ownership decisions benefit from clear, well supported insights grounded in current market conditions.
George distinguishes himself through an relentless work ethic and a service mindset that aligns with West Elk Aviation’s belief that every interaction with a client should be thoughtful, disciplined, and value focused. His role supports the firm’s expanding market intelligence capabilities while ensuring clients receive the same level of preparation and care across every stage of the advisory process.
