Derek has nurtured a lifelong passion for aviation, a love that was kindled by his father and grandfather. His grandfather, an engineer and mechanic, had a fervor for building, flying, and occasionally crashing model aircraft. His father, an ultralight pilot, also shared this deep-seated enthusiasm, often involving Derek in his own adventures with model and ultralight aircraft. These early experiences, especially those mornings spent with his face pressed against the glass of the Oneida County Airport FBO watching his father take flying lessons, cemented Derek’s desire to pursue a career in aviation.
In 2010, Derek obtained his FAA A&P license, marking the beginning of a dedicated 14-year journey in the aviation industry. His career began as an aircraft technician for a regional airline, where he honed his technical skills. He then played a pivotal role in developing and expanding a small family-owned aircraft maintenance business, eventually taking on the responsibilities of Director of Maintenance.
Seeking broader horizons, Derek transitioned to a Department of Defense contractor position where he worked for 5 years, serving in several roles. His most notable achievement during this period was his work as an Aircraft Inspector and Site Lead for a combat search and rescue asset in East Africa. Over 3.5 years, he executed more than 600 sorties, a role he regards with immense pride. During this time, Derek achieved his IA, FCC GROL, and Ship Radar endorsement, and attended numerous aviation professional training courses. More recently, Derek served as Director of Maintenance for a large FBO and FAA 145 CRS, further broadening his expertise in the field.
Throughout his diverse career, Derek has remained dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and reliability in aircraft maintenance. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to the ARQ MX team and customers.
Casey brings more than 12 years of experience in the avionics industry to his position at ARQ. He holds a degree in Avionics Technology from Wichita State University Tech, located in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. Being from the “Air Capital of the World”, combined with a strong interest in electronics, avionics was a natural choice for his career.
Casey specializes in the installation and troubleshooting of leading brands including Garmin, Avidyne, Bendix/King, Honeywell, and S-Tec across a diverse range of aircraft. He is an expert in customizing aircraft panels to retrofit state-of-the-art avionics systems.
Throughout his career, Casey has worked with reputable companies such as Ametek and Bevan Aviation. Recently relocating to North Carolina, he is excited to apply his skills and expertise to the ARQ clientele.
Bringing more than 11 years of office management and administrative experience to the ARQ team, Denise is equally as passionate about aviation as the rest of the team. She started her aviation career as a customer service representative for an FBO in McAllen, TX. It wasn’t until after moving to Charlotte, NC, that her calling shifted to the maintenance admin side of the business. Currently, Denise specializes in parts procurement and distribution for ARQ, in addition to managing many other aspects of the business admin.
Denise is originally from Michigan, and most of her family—including her two grown sons—still live there. So, she travels back as often as possible…although the beaches here in Wilmington have definitely captured her heart. In her spare time, she also enjoys walking, hiking, jewelry-making, painting, and drawing.
Born and raised in Oswego, Illinois, Jared was unsure what path to take after graduating from high school. But when his brother-in-law, an FAA licensed A&P mechanic, let Jared shadow him at work one summer day, Jared was hooked.
At 18, Jared joined the United States Marine Corps, where he was privileged to work on the CH-53E and CH-53K – an aircraft that he considers the greatest helicopter to ever lift something heavy. He spent 3½ years on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, deploying with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, before completing his service at MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
After earning his FAA A&P license, Jared launched his civilian career in general aviation where he has honed his expertise across a wide range of aircraft, ultimately finding his specialty in avionics. From full panel and autopilot installations to audio systems and complex software integrations, he brings precision, dedication, and enthusiasm to every project.
Today, Jared continues to build on his Marine Corps foundation, combining discipline and technical skill with a genuine love for aviation – making him an invaluable part of the ARQ Aviation MX team and a trusted hand for customers who expect the very best.
Marcus was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, where aviation was a constant presence in his life. His father spent nearly 30 years at Gulfstream Aerospace, his grandfather flew aircraft in Africa, and his uncle served as a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot. Inspired by this family legacy, Marcus developed his own passion for aviation through flying with his father at the Savannah Aviation Flying Club and attending airshows—including multiple trips to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
He began flight training while still in high school and later pursued his passion through Liberty University’s Aviation Maintenance Program. In 2024, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance and Welding, earning his FAA A&P license. He launched his career at a general aviation shop in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he gained experience working on Cirrus, Piper, Mooney, Beechcraft, and Cessna aircraft.
In 2025, following his marriage, Marcus relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, and joined the ARQ Aviation MX team. Today, he continues to advance his skills and is committed to delivering the highest standards of safety, precision, and quality in aircraft maintenance.
Patrick began his aviation career in 2018 when he joined the United States Air Force, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and other family members who served before him. He worked as an Aircraft Crew Chief, primarily on RC-135s, and quickly discovered a passion for hands-on work and the aviation industry. Over the course of his service, he completed four deployments, often working around the clock to keep his aircraft mission-ready, and served as lead crew chief during his final deployment.
In 2024, Patrick earned his FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, and the following year he separated from the Air Force to continue his career in civilian aviation.
Born in Georgia and raised in Pittsburgh, Patrick often visited family in Georgia and made frequent trips to Wilmington, North Carolina, a place he grew to love. After completing his military service, he chose Wilmington as his permanent home.
Shawn developed a love for maintenance at age nine when he helped his dad replace a blown head gasket on a Chevy Luv. To further his interest in the maintenance field, Shawn studied small engine repair and automotive technology in high school, earning his Michigan state certifications for automotive repair at the age of 16. In his senior year of high school, Shawn took independent study and taught the automotive technology class alongside the shop instructor.
Seeking a career that would allow him to perform maintenance with the utmost attention to detail and safety, Shawn pursued aviation maintenance. He attended a 3-year program at the Stratford School of Aviation Maintenance, graduating at the top of his class in 2000.
Starting as a heavy check mechanic for the regional air carrier Mesaba Airlines, Shawn quickly moved into the sheet metal and structures field, where he worked with Kalitta Air performing major repairs on aircraft such as the Boeing 747s and 727s. While at Kalitta, he also modified several DC-10s for aerial firefighting for 10 Tanker. Shawn eventually became the lead mechanic at Kalitta’s back shop, teaching the fundamental and practical sheet metal and structural repair skills to new aviation personnel.
During his adventures, Shawn also worked in corporate aviation at facilities such as Flight Services Group, Executive Jet Management, and Pentastart Aviation, where attention to detail and safety were paramount.
Hoping to escape the snow of the North, Shawn came to Wilmington, North Carolina and entered the general aviation field obtaining his IA rating to further enhance his abilities. Shawn brings over 26 years of experience in heavy maintenance, sheet metal and structures, inspections, and education to the ARQ team, prioritizing safety and attention to detail.
Mitch is an accomplished Aviation Electronics Technician who served in the United States Navy from 2020 to 2025. Throughout his service, he built a strong reputation for technical expertise, leadership, and mission-focused performance in high-tempo operational environments.
Specializing in organizational-level maintenance, Mitch developed advanced proficiency in avionics systems, radar and navigation technology, fiber optics, and complex electronic troubleshooting. His ability to diagnose, repair, and calibrate communications, electronic warfare, data link, and tactical display systems ensured sustained aircraft readiness and operational effectiveness.
During his two deployments aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), which included Operations Inherent Resolve and Prosperity Guardian, Mitch played a pivotal role in the completion of 2,154 maintenance actions totaling more than 5,204 maintenance man-hours. His expertise directly contributed to the safe execution of 2,461 mishap-free flight hours and the successful completion of 409 sorties in demanding operational conditions. His technical precision and relentless work ethic were instrumental in sustaining combat-ready aircraft and enabling mission success throughout both deployments.
Having lived in Wilmington for over 15 years, Mitch has returned home following his five years of Navy service to continue his aviation career.
Whether afloat or ashore, he maintains the highest safety and compliance standards while performing aircraft maintenance. His technical acumen, leadership, and dedication to excellence underscore a career defined by operational impact and unwavering professionalism.