How an Aviation Business Navigated Turbulence and is Planning for the Future

Aero-Mach Labs faced a tough question: How do you determine the value and modernize a business focused on legacy aviation instruments? That, combined with a need for updated estate planning and equity gifting, and the challenges were clear.

This case study highlights the business valuation, estate planning, succession and strategic growth planning journey of Aero-Mach Labs, a Wichita-based aviation and aircraft instrument repair and manufacturing business led by husband-and-wife team Jeff and Gina Carnley. Known for remanufacturing aircraft parts, Aero-Mach Labs has grown through acquisitions and maintained strong annual returns.

With gifting and future legacy in mind, the Carnleys engaged Adams Brown for support. What began as a simple tax filing engagement evolved into a powerful partnership. Together, they’ve crafted a roadmap for adaptability, expansion and success, showcasing the impact of collaboration in a rapidly changing world.

Download the case study or see below to learn how Aero Mach Labs is using their business valuation as a tool for growth, planning and leadership continuity.

A Legacy Up in the Air: How Aero-Mach Labs Navigated the Turbulence of Change

  • Industry: Aviation / Aircraft Instrument Repair & Manufacturing
  • Location: Wichita, Kansas
  • Ownership: Family-owned by Jeff and Gina Carnley (see pictured on the right) and Jeff’s mother, Dianne Bolain
  • Challenge: Needed a clear understanding of business value to support estate planning, succession, and strategic growth.
  • Solution: Comprehensive business valuation and ongoing strategic planning partnership with Adams Brown.
  • Results: Gained financial clarity and confidence to make informed decisions, enabling growth and long-term sustainability.

The aviation industry thrives on reinvention, but few businesses can say they specialize in keeping older, yet still essential, aircraft instruments in operation. Aero-Mach Labs, a family-run enterprise, has mastered this niche for decades. Their expertise in maintaining and restoring analog components ensures reliability for these planes designed for long lifespans and still in active use. With strategic guidance from Adams Brown, what began as a simple tax filing engagement evolved into a powerful partnership. Together, they’ve crafted a roadmap for adaptability, expansion and success, showcasing the impact of collaboration in a rapidly changing world.

The Challenge

Aero-Mach Labs faced a tough question: How do you determine the value and modernize a business focused on legacy aviation instruments? That, combined with a need for updated estate planning and equity gifting, and the challenges were clear. Enter Adams Brown, which brought clarity and confidence to AeroMach’s strategic planning, charting a solid path for growth. Here’s where the story truly takes off.

“Being in the legacy aviation business, it’s hard to benchmark our value since what we do is so unique. We needed clarity to guide our path forward.” – Jeff Carnley, Owner

A Clear Vision for Strategic Growth

The first order of business was to pin down a precise valuation of Aero-Mach Labs’ worth. No easy feat, considering the company’s business model includes instrument repairs, proprietary parts manufacturing and contract manufacturing for other companies. Additionally, its sister company, Aero-Mach Wilco cuts steel for aircraft.

What started as a plan to sort out estate details quickly morphed into something bigger. Adams Brown didn’t just run the numbers; they became strategic advisors. Or, as Gina Carnley, Jeff’s partner in business and life, puts it, “The valuation didn’t just give us numbers; it gave us confidence to move forward with decisions that strengthen our business.”

For Aero-Mach Labs, this newfound confidence took the form of anticipating industry shifts and strategically positioning the company for growth. Among those strategies? Acquiring complementary businesses and exploring expansion opportunities.

Navigating with Greater Precision

One of the more surprising benefits Adams Brown provided was something you won’t find on their website but might call “outsider perspective therapy.” By offering external validation and data-driven clarity, they extinguished much of the guesswork that plagues family-run operations.

Before this newfound clarity, Jeff acknowledges, their approach rarely went beyond basic financial reports. Reviewing trends? Benchmarking? Those were luxuries they seldom afforded themselves. Today, that kind of analysis forms the backbone of their expansion plans.

“The partnership gives us the tools to sharpen our strategy and leverage our strengths to fund future growth. It’s business-speak for, “We’re not just flying; we’re navigating with greater precision.”

Services That Deliver Results
  • Business Valuation: Clarity on company worth to drive smart estate planning, succession and growth strategies.
  • Tax Expertise: Stress-free compliance and peace of mind.
  • Strategic Advisory: Tailored planning to stay ahead in a shifting market.
  • Growth Planning: Sharp financial structuring for confident investments and expansion.
  • Regular Reviews: Quarterly insights to stay focused, agile, and future-ready.

Solution Summary

  • Enhanced clarity of company value
  • Identified opportunities for investments and expansion
  • Fostered a proactive approach to long-term growth

The Impact
Now, armed with modernized financial insight and a solid valuation, Aero-Mach Labs isn’t just surviving in a shrinking market; it’s charting new courses. A growing financial confidence is evident in tangible moves like facility expansions and hiring plans.

And in a happy plot twist, Aero-Mach Labs has started absorbing additional market share as a handful of competitors retire.

“The biggest takeaway is having someone in our corner who provides insights and confidence to make big, strategic decisions,” adds Jeff.

Looking Ahead
The sky’s the limit (pardon the pun) regarding the future. Aero-Mach Labs has plans to acquire new product lines and businesses that align with its niche. There’s also a focus on training the next generation of analog instrument whisperers while continuing to sneak peeks at the digital playbook for inspiration.

“We’re focused on leveraging this partnership to innovate within our niche and set a sustainable course for the future,” Gina emphasizes.

For Aero-Mach Labs, the story is a refreshing reminder that even the murkiest skies can clear up with a dash of foresight and the right financial co-pilot. With Adams Brown as a trusted advisor, Aero-Mach Labs is ensuring its legacy while unlocking new opportunities for growth and long-term success.

Download the full case study.