John Gillespie
Flying Colours Corp.
Beginning his career as a pilot when he was just 16, John quickly saw the potential in selling planes. Growing up in Ottawa, he then worked as a Sales Manager at Cessna Aircraft until 1975 when he purchased Trent Air Flight School and moved to Peterborough. In 1978, John bought Flying Colours and developed Rapid Air at Peterborough Airport. What started as a minor maintenance and paint business grew to be a leading international aviation services company and a preferred completion center for Bombardier. The company now has over 430 employees worldwide, with the majority located in Peterborough.
Truly a family business, all of John’s children are involved in the company, from Executive Vice President, to marketing and sales. Plus, John credits his success to his team of carefully selected craftsman, who he sees as family, ensuring he listens to their needs as much as he listens to customers
John encourages young entrepreneurs to “always focus on what you can do, not what you can’t do, claiming if you focus on all the reasons not to do something you will never move forward”. He also says, to “surround yourself with good people, those you can trust and help you develop.” And to “enjoy what you do, because if you’re enjoying it, your stakeholders will too.”
John continues to run his company with the support of his wife, Beth, and children, Eric, Sean, Kate, and Lisa. He hopes to be remembered for providing opportunities to the community, whether by supporting local charities and sports teams or employing community members and helping them be the best they can be.