AXiNsider by Airport Experience® News

...and how a personal pain point led to the creation of a virtual restaurant in an airport. This episode is sponsored by Tastes on the Fly. For more information on how to bring their experiences to your airport, click here .

...and a unique baggage handling service available to travelers.

...and the value of an exercise program and exercise destination in an airport.

Growing up, Jeff Taylor has been linked to aviation and the airport. This interest, which became a passion, grew to be a profession as he rose through the ranks from intern to working in properties for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. There were several stops along the way, beginning with an interest in a particular career, that would eventually influence how he would handle his current role....

...and providing travelers with a helping hand during their airport journey.

...and the transformation of video games from home entertainment to passenger amenity.

...and orienting the thinking around moving to a new city, learning a industry and servicing the communication needs of a rapidly evolving airport.   This episode is sponsored by ROAM Fitness. To elevate your wellness program, email info@roamfitness.com .

Like many, Leanne Andress had a career path in an entirely different industry. Like many who found their way to airports, she pivoted and, 10 years later, has found her calling. During her tenure she has seen FLL grow and evolve. And in the midst of all the growth and evolution she has broadened her skillset and been exposed to  many new experiences. This is the latest in our series Ones To Watch.

...and where we were, where we are and where we will be in terms of robotics in the airport space.

As a gift to the subscribers and to the entire industry, this episode is solely about answering listener submitted questions. It's meant to be fun, light and enjoyable and a great change of pace. If you have a question that you would like answered, email ramon@airportxnews.com.

…and how the history and trends in the convenience store industry could be an inspiration to airports.

…and how airports should be more ‘intentional’ in bringing in small and minority owned businesses by being an essential resource for them with initiatives such as SEA’s Investment Incentive Program. This episode is sponsored by At Your Gate. Learn how you can make shopping and dining much more convenient for your travelers by going to atyourgate.com .

...and a deep dive into the work that's been done, being done and will be done at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. This episode is sponsored by Jabbrbox. For more information go to jabbrbox.com . 

...and a new initiative at DFW that will impact the current operators at the airport and could possibly even be model for other airports to follow.   This episode is sponsored by Plaza Premium Group. For more information visit plazapremiumgroup.com .  

Jenny Ly's exposure to the airport world was with a baggage handler, where she served as an intern during college. It seemed like an odd fit for someone, who at the time, was seeking a degree in tourism and hospitality. But Jenny would make her way to a full-time position with the airport and eventually to the properties team at a time when new food and retail made their way to the airport. This e...

...and a conversation about the experiences they are continuing to elevate in order to meet traveler and consumer demand. This episode is sponsored by Minute Suites. Learn how to bring their units to your airport by visiting  minutesuites.com .

Routes to a non-traditional environment like airports are hardly ever traditional. Randy Hazelton's journey, with a degree in Management Information Systems and an MBA in Microeconomics, began in the corporate world working for renowned Fortune 500 companies. One day he caught the entrepreneurship bug and abruptly left his job to form H&H Hospitality and start a restaurant in the Atlanta area.  Th...

Frederic Estes is the latest in his family in a long line of entrepreneurs which began with his great uncle began a business in Des Moines, IA. Years later, his uncle and father then expanded the business to Minnesota where they would also operate a number of Hallmark stores. It was at this time when Estes Gifts and News opened in Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in 1987, utilizing their...

Erin Zwiercan has grown up in a family who have been South Philadelphia restaurateurs. Eventually, she took that mindset and experience into the airport space where she learned, on the job, the work and effort needed to thrive.  November is Small Business Month and so for the entire month we will feature various small businesses in airports. This entire series is sponsored by global retailer WHSmi...

...and the expansion and transition of a premier U.S. born electronics retailer to the position of a global brand.

Like many, Roz Mallet did not begin her career in non-traditional hospitality. She did not even have a traditional background one would think necessary for hospitality, possessing degrees in psychology and education. However, she did begin her career in hospitality in the traditional sense as an hourly employee. Fast forward many years later, Roz developed a very lengthy resume decorated with exec...

Howard Eng has compiled a long list of memories and experiences during every stop in his storied career. It began in his youth when aspirations of becoming a pilot went unfulfilled. But he maintained his connection to aviation by expanding into airports as an administrative trainee with Transport Canada upon graduating from university.  From that point onward, Howard went on to Edmonton Internatio...

Manuel Soto began working at the family’s airport business when he was in college and continued on to adulthood. After many years, he decided to take all that he learned and experienced and branch out on his own. And so, Skyline Concessions was born and with it, a high degree of risk in addition to doubts and second-guessing. But thanks to perseverance, Manuel and Skyline Concessions continued on...

Sarah Levy Imberman started her career going to school for culinary, making chocolate candies and desserts first in her mom's kitchen and then eventually growing it into her own business. The Chicagoan literally had a sweet beginning to her career, meeting celebrities and partaking in baking competitions on Food Network. Sarah then took her talents to the airport space partnering with SSP America....

Abby Carey rose through the Port of Portland first in public affairs then to customer relations and eventually to her current position as concessions development manager for Portland International Airport. The sum of her experiences at all levels of the Port gave her valuable exposure to how the airport operates as a member and extension of the community. In this episode of Ones To Watch, get to k...