Alexander Aviation's story is one of commitment and success in a competitive industry. Jim Graber first fell in love with aviation during his years at Ohio State University, where he served as a staff flight instructor and president of the flying club. He spent the mid-70's in Ohio as an underwriter and agent before his move to Orlando, where he founded Alexander Aviation in 1978. His first office
was borrowed from his friend and fellow insurance professional, Roland Alexander. Flying his Grumman Yankee, N9496L, Jim was known to visit up to ten Florida airports in a single day meeting with pilots and aviation business owners. Though the golden age of general aviation was winding down in the 80's, Alexander Aviation continued to grow. Jim wrote one of the first airplane insurance policies with Phoenix Aviation Managers in 1984, and by 1985 Alexander was writing coverage throughout the Southeastern US. Remaining an active pilot, Jim was able to visit his clients efficiently, while many of his competitors stopped flying. It was also during this period that Alexander Aviation relocated to Apopka near Orlando North Airport, which is now Orlando Apopka Airport (X04). By 1990, Alexander Aviation had a staff of six, a convienient location and business throughout the eastern United States. In 1991 Jim began designing custom agency management software that improved the agency's efficiency and customer service. In 1993, Jim's son Jeff first became involved with aircraft insurance, though in a different way. As a computer programmer, Jeff was contracted by AIG Aviation and it was through this indirect meeting of aircraft, insurance and technology that Jeff first began to consider a career in the aviation insurance industry. N8EK: Alexander Aviation's Corporate Aircraft Since 2006
The 21st century started a period of explosive growth for Alexander Aviation when the agency became licensed in all 50 states for the first time. Jeff joined the team permanently in 2003 followed by Josh Dietrick in 2004. Always moving forward, Alexander Aviation implemented digital document processing in 2006 and continues to pioneer new ways to use the Internet to provide value to our customers. Still flying, Jim divides his time between the office and his vacation home in Franklin, North Carolina. In keeping with his original principles, both Josh and Jeff are active pilots, committed to serving Alexander's extensive clientele nationwide. On August 1st, 2008, just after the company's 30th anniversary, Alexander Aviation began a new chapter of its history when Josh Dietrick and Jeff Graber entered into a purchase agreement with Jim. Today, Jeff and Josh are equal managing partners who are taking the agency to a new level. Alexander Aviation is headed for a bright future and, thanks to energy, knowledge and enthusiasm, our course to the future remains "Cleared As Filed."