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.
Greg Wellman
Vice President
Planning
Greg is an experienced project manager with a passion to improve the air travel experience. He has worked on numerous airport projects, most notably on complex landside access projects. Specific large airport client engagements include Chicago Airport System, ATL, BOS, DFW, IAH, LAX, MIA, ONT, PHL, PHX, and SAN.
Q & A with Greg
Why Aviation?
I’ve always known I wanted to be involved in aviation management and flight. I’ve been drawn to it ever since I was a kid. Back then there was an Observation Deck at O’Hare. On Sunday’s, my dad and I would watch planes take off and as a teen I’d go with friends, and we’d sit under the runway approach lights and watch the planes. There’s a scene in Wayne’s World where they are doing exactly that. I’ve gotten all my flight ratings from single engine to fixed wing pilot. I’ve mostly flown twin engine aircraft, though sometimes I fly a helicopter. I’ve piloted a hot air ballon and the McDonalds McBlimp. It was so big and moved so slowly it was a bit tricky to fly, there’d be a 7 second delay after you adjusted the controls before the blimp would adjust.
How did you come to work at J|D?
I’ve known Brad and Darryl for a long time. We’d worked together in the past. I saw a promotional video of interviews that was created for the J|D 20th Anniversary party, and the way they were describing things resonated very well with how I think about the ideal work environment and company. I thought I need to work for these guys, I want to be on that team! So, I started the convo with Kurt Schwager and Matt Johnson, and it evolved from there.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
It’s also the most interesting. It’s the challenge of understanding everything that is going on with a program particularly from the viewpoint of the owner. And figuring out the best steps of how to setup the right type of engagement with all the key players.
What advice would you give someone starting out in this industry?
It’s really important to know yourself very well. Make sure you are always learning and looking for new ways to be valuable to others, your fellow coworker and clients.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like to travel, relax, kick back and enjoy nature. I also enjoy building projects. For the last 15 years, I’ve had a side business designing and building an eco-retreat using straw bale, timber framing, and living roofs.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Building mud huts.
What’s something that you’ve always wanted to try or learn?
I’ve always wanted to fly a glider, haven’t done that yet. How cool to be in an airplane that has no engine yet can soar through the sky.
What or who has been your biggest influence?
My Dad. He was a schoolteacher and had his summers free. He built a house by himself. He was always doing things by himself, and he always had me helping on some sort of building project.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I love a barrel aged old fashioned. I have a charred barrel I use for aging whiskeys for 30 days. We sell them at our inn and lounge.
