Our Team
We love our people! J|D gathers elite professionals from varied disciplines and cultures to enrich our insights in the global aviation industry. Experience the wealth of knowledge and innovation that only diverse perspectives can offer.
Brad Jacobsen
Managing Partner
Chief Operating Officer
Brad Jacobsen, engineer, co-founder & COO of J|D has over 35 years of aviation capital program planning and development expertise. His extensive background includes strategic, technical, operational, and financial analyses for various airports and airlines, ranging from large international hubs to medium and small-scale facilities. Brad has served as Principal-in-Charge for project and program planning and implementation assignments at many airports around the country including DTW, LAWA, ORD, MSY, overseeing critical aspects of planning and implementation. Additionally, he’s managed the firm’s roles as Airline Liaison/Technical Representative at key airports and directs project management for major clients including Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and American Express.
Through these efforts, Brad has helped his clients establish and realize a vision for the successful planning, development, and efficient operations of airport facilities. Brad’s management philosophy emphasizes public service, communication, consensus building, and timely issue resolution, ensuring the successful realization of airport development plans.
His guiding motto in life is to “Live a Good Story,” and outside of work, Brad cherishes moments with his family, relishing home-cooked meals, curling up with a book by the fireplace, college football-Saturday’s, splitting wood with his dad and engaging in activities like pickleball with friends.
Q & A with Brad
What is the best part of your job?
The best part undoubtedly revolves around the people – whether it’s identifying talent, nurturing people through training, fostering retention, or empowering individuals through promotions. Developing talent and providing opportunities is rewarding.
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Croatia stands out for its charm, ambiance, beautiful scenery, and warm friendly people. The food was incredible, and I was travelling with good friends.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
A firefighter, or something in public service.
What’s something that you’ve always wanted to try or learn?
I’d love to learn how to fly and become a pilot.
If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?
I’d choose invisibility. You would get an incredible amount of information, and information is useful!
When did you know the company was going to make it?
In 2013/14 we went through our 2nd downsizing, and we grew back incredibly fast. That’s when I realized it may ebb and flow, but it was not going to fail.
