Community business leaders, non-profit organization executives, long-time clients, aircraft owners and other associates gathered recently at Palomar Airport to join with Henry Schubach, president and founder of Schubach Aviation, in celebrating the company’s 20^th anniversary.

Co-hosted by Riviera magazine, the event was staged at Schubach Aviation’s 40,000-square-foot hangar, which was transformed into an upscale space complete with an elaborate white bar as the centerpiece, surrounded by modern lounge areas. Approximately 220 guests attended the elegant reception.

“It meant the world to us, and me personally, to have our long-time clients and friends there to commemorate our 20^th anniversary milestone,” said Schubach.  “We wouldn’t be where we are today without them.  Today we’re in a good position to further expand our fleet and range of charter services, and we look forward to serving both old and new clients in the years to come.”

Guests were invited to board several luxury aircraft surrounding the event site, including a Gulfstream IV-SP, Hawker 800XP, and a Citation II.  A slick, black Lamborghini, Bentley GTC, Bentley Mulsanne, and a Rolls Royce Ghost were on view, courtesy of Symbolic Motors.

Snake Oil provided specialty cocktails and other beverages.  Campine Catering provided elegant tray-passed hors d’oeuvres. Cupcakes Squared was the dessert caterer.  EuroBar hosted an espresso bar featuring organic coffee, cappuccino and espresso.  Mark Lessman, who regularly entertains at Mille Fleur Restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe, was the featured saxophone jazz musician.

The highlight of the evening was a surprise 12-minute video, featuring interviews of Schubach Aviation’s friends and clients who expressed their congratulations and gratitude to Henry Schubach and his employees for their outstanding service throughout the company’s 20 years.  Mike Arms, president of Helen Woodward Animal Center, and Charger football star Quentin Jammer, president of the Jammer Family Foundation, thanked Schubach for his company’s generous monetary and volunteer contributions and its ongoing support of the San Diego community.

Most heartwarming was an account of one client who, with the help of Schubach, was able to travel quickly from the East Coast upon news of his mother’s grave illness so he could be with his mom during her final hours.  Another customer relayed how Schubach had enabled him and his team to fly aid into New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and help with the rescue efforts there.

As one client put it, “Congratulations from one old Air Force pilot to another, who I taught to fly,” joked Bill Gershen, CEO/President of Vanguard Industries and a Rancho Santa Fe resident. “All kidding aside, I want to thank you, Henry, for the many years of very safe and efficient travel.  I commend you on your 20 years of excellent service.”

Last August, Schubach Aviation moved to its new 45,000-square-foot headquarters at Palomar Airport so that it could accommodate larger aircraft and anticipated growth.  Currently sales are 15% higher this year over the same time last year. Its fleet of private aircraft includes a newly added G-IV SP, two wide-bodied Bombardier Challenger 601s, a Hawker 800XP, a Citation II, CJ1 and a factory-new CJ3. The company plans to add two new aircraft within the next month.

Beaver & Pam Theodosakis with Beau Jurgens

Mike Dawson, Jeannie Ranglas and Christina Gomez

Jolane Crawford and Bill Gershen

Solomon & Rachel Short

Schubach Hangar

Schubach General Manager Dan Hulen

Douglas Allred, Jolane Crawford, Henry Schubach