BIOGRAPHIES
About Me
Kevin Griffin is from Midlothian, Texas and grew up with a history rich in farming and ranching.
Kevin crossed paths with Tom Kelly in Pampa, Texas in 2009 through Kevin’s aviation business. The two men discussed cattle and Kevin told Tom about his plan to raise American Wagyu cattle. Tom became interested in converting his commercial cattle at the Gearhart Ranch and a new partnership was formed.
In 2009 Tom and Kevin began raising Wagyu beef locally at the Hi-View Ranch in Midlothian, Texas, and the Gearhart Ranch in Fort Davis, Texas.
After starting the meat business Wagyu Excelente Meats, LLC in 2013, Tom and Kevin grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of quality options available as well as the lack of traceability when processing beef. In 2017, they purchased the old Brookshire Brothers meat processing plant and began renovations. The newly renovated, state of the art facility opened for business in April 2018 with Kevin Griffin as the General Manager. Production has steadily increased to over 500 head per week.
About Me
Mr. Michael Dixon, MidTex Aviation, LLC, Aviation Manager and owner of Mike’s Helicopter Services, LLC grew up in a small town in south-central Missouri. He began his aviation enthusiasm young and frequented his local airport starting at age 7 with his friend and his friend’s father who owned a small maintenance shop on the field. He always knew he wanted to be involved in aviation and attended A&P school and gained his associated degree from Linn State Technical College. His performance in his associates degree earned him scholarships enough to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona where he earned his BS in Aeronautics and BS in Helicopter Operations and Safety along with his Rotorcraft/Helicopter CPL/CFI.
Mr. Dixon taught A&P school for several years and was the department chair of aviation sciences at Linn State Technical College before beginning work with Enstrom Helicopter Corporation as a Technical Representative and shortly thereafter became the Managing Director of Support Programs and Liaison to the Chinese ownership group Chongqing General Aviation Group.
Mr. Dixon traveled for many years providing maintenance training and flight training to Enstrom Helicopter customers around the world including countries such as Peru, Venezuela, Japan, China, Czech Republic, Estonia, South Africa, Botswana, and many more.<br>Mr. Dixon left Enstrom Helicopter Corporation in 2018 and started his own business in 2020 after a two year sabbatical involving commercial helicopter operations throughout the USA. It was shortly after Mr. Dixon began Mike’s Helicopter Services, LLC where he met Mr. Kevin Griffin and began working on new and exciting aviation business ventures. The two have now worked together for over two years and are continuing programs throughout the aviation industries.
About Me
Mr. Lantz was brought up in Aviation as his father was an avid aviator and lent Mr. Lantz the “Flying Bug” early in life. Beginning his flight career in 1975 he has served as Captain, First Officer, Flight Engineer/Check Engineer, Flight Test Experimental, and has extensive experience in general aviation as an A&P/I.A. for over 38 years.
Mr. Lant’z passion for aviation has lead him to found and develop several aviation businesses over the years including Kenmar Aviation Services and LMW Partners/Southern Star Aviation/Nova Avionics. During his business development Mr. Lantz also has found the time to become a commercial helicopter pilot and LTA free air balloon pilot. His passion for all things aviation is elating and we are proud to have him on the MidTex Aviation team.
About Me
Mr. Vernon Mitchell, while completing school at Mountain View College and obtaining his Airframe and Powerplant ratings simultaneously completed his CPL and CFIs in the late 1990’s. Mr. Vernon Mitchell began his professional flying career as a flight instructor in 1998 with Howell’s Aircraft Services located in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Since beginning his career Mr. Mitchell has freelanced as an instructor pilot, corporate pilot, and has performed as PIC and SIC on multiple type rated aircraft. Currently, Mr. Mitchell is co-owner and partner of Southern Star Aviation, a full service FBO and maintenance facility located at the Midway Regional Airport (KJWY).
