We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Hyatt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Falcon AeroLab to fill a void in K-12 education. Colorado has been #1 per capita in Aerospace jobs 18 of the past 20 years. We import most of our labor from other states for these important jobs. It’s time to inspire, educate, and train Colorado students for these great Colorado jobs.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I was a combat ready fighter pilot most of my U.S. Air Force career. I combined my passion for aviation with my duty to serve our nation as needed. My family and I lived overseas nine years in defense of our country. Later, after commanding a front line fighter squadron, I served as an advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense. I finished my Air Force career as the Director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the USAF Academy. There I learned that I cared just as much about the character of our future citizens as their STEM credentials.

I’ve dedicated my last chapter of life to helping young people become “college, career and community ready”. My greatest joy is “passing the baton” well to the next generation in this relay race called life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d give them an insiders tour of the USAF Academy. This would include Polaris Hall, where the Center for Character and Leadership Development is located, and also the historic USAF Academy Chapel. Visiting the Broadmoor is a top place to tour and eat. The Polaris Hotel is also one of my favorite locations. You can fly F-16 fighter aircraft simulators and a Boeing 737 flight simulator there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As a graduate of the USAF Academy and a career officer in the U.S. Air Force, I owe my success to the many incredible women and men I’ve been fortunate to serve with in the Air Force and beyond.

Website: falconaerolab.org

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