DENTON
November 2018
Business
CHRONICLE
www.dentonbusinesschronicle.com
Charting LEFT — A pilot at US Aviation Academy sits in the cockpit of a plane Monday afternoon at Denton Enterprise Airport.
a new course
BELOW — Bryce Heath, left, guides Nandun Perera as he pours oil into an aircraft engine at US Aviation Academy. Photos by Jake King
US Aviation looks to shake up industry with loan program By Julia Falcon
U
S Aviation Academy, located at Denton Enterprise Airport, is introducing a fast-paced program. In nine months, students will earn all of their licenses and ratings, including commercial single-engine and multi-engine, certified flight instructor, CFI-instrument, and multi-engine instructor. With the program, US Aviation is offering a new option for payment — student loans. The all-in, fixed cost for the program, including check rides and supplies, is $74,495. Students can finance the full cost of the nine-month program and living costs with student loans.
US Aviation’s lending partner offers deferred repayment, so students do not begin payments until six months after they have completed the program and begin working as flight instructors. The CEO of US Aviation, Mike Sykes, said the process of getting lenders took over a year, including finding the right person at the right bank that would be open to a discussion. “There is still a tremendous need for pilots, and forecast to be more, according to Boeing,” Sykes said. “We see it as a good option for a person to pursue and consider. Now we have a way to make it a reality for more folks.” US AVIATION | CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Small companies eye Amazon-like deals By Joyce M. Rosenberg | AP
By Jenna Duncan | Staff Writer Buc-ee’s is here. The renowned travel center opened to a lot of fanfare at the end of October, and is open 24/7 for any beef jerky cravings. The doors are officially open: Sweetwater Grill & Tavern is back. The eatery first opened in 1996 but was re-established last week. Squash enchiladas are back at 115 S. Elm St. from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight
Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. After 41 years, Glen’s Pawn Shop & Music Store closed its doors on West University Drive. Owner Glen McBride decided it was time to retire right before his 65th birthday. Marshalls now has a Denton location, 2604 W. University. The discount retailer’s sister store T.J. Maxx has had a loyal following in Denton, and now DUNCAN | CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
NEW YORK — A company doesn’t need to be as big as Amazon to get a good deal on real estate. Whether a small business wants to buy or rent, it may have leverage with landlords or local governments to get breaks on rent or taxes. It’s especially doable if a company can be a drawing card that helps boost local commerce or has significant job creation plans. The key is often to look for real estate in an area that needs an economic boost. Even the smallest and newest businesses may be able to negotiate, says Seth Kaplowitz, who teaches real estate courses at San Diego State University. For example, a young doctor or dentist willing to start a practice in an area that needs more medical or dental services may be able to get financial help in buying and/or setting up an office. Small businesses can also band together and negotiate as a bloc, Kaplowitz says. “They can say, ‘this is what we’re bringing to the downtown. What can you do to help us?’” he says. Amazon, which plans headquarters in New York’s Long Island City section
TNS file photo
Amazon flexed its muscle to get favorable real estate deals. and Arlington, Virginia, each employing 25,000 people, won a promise from New York officials for at least $2.8 billion in tax credits and grants and expects $573 million in breaks from Virginia. Amazon, which is moving into a formerly industrial boat basin in New York, pledged money to fund job training programs for public housing residents, provide space for a new school and pay into a city fund that will be used for projects that benefit the community. When businesses that cater to consumers are looking to rent, they can get favorable leasing terms and help with
renovations and repairs if they have an attractive or unique brand that’s likely to draw shoppers or other businesses to a neighborhood or small shopping center. A retailer or service provider who offers “something nobody else has in the neighborhood” will appeal to a landlord, Kaplowitz says. Owners are also likely to get a better deal in a neighborhood that’s depressed but showing signs of turning around. If businesses are willing to rent in a building that’s sat empty for some time, landlords are likely to make more concessions.