Entrepreneurship
From Youth Pastor to Million Dollar Jet Broker: Tom Lelyo Shares Secrets To His Success

Tom Lelyo is an Executive Sales Agent for the #1 Jet Brokerage in the world by volume*; a company that helps connect both buyers and sellers in the private jet industry. Over the last few years, Tom has built a name for himself as the number one man to go when looking to buy or sell a private jet. A testament to his success, he has 10X’d his income from $40k a year in just three years. While part of his success is due to his relentless work ethic, he also has the perfect balance of charisma and knowledge to take his client’s experience to the next level.
Before starting his career as a jet broker, Lelyo lived a fulfilling life with his wife and five kids. A family man and a youth minister, he was passionate about sharing his faith and helping others to find deeper meaning and purpose in life. However, after over a decade of serving in his local church as a youth and music leader, he found himself looking for the next chapter in his career. “My work was fulfilling, but I realized that I was not able to provide the kind of life I wanted to give my family. My favorite bible verse is John 10:10. I wanted to give my family a life of abundance.” Trusting in his faith and combining that passion for family and a fascination with aviation, the opportunity to sell million dollar jets was literally a god-send. Although it took a major step of faith to launch into his new career, it certainly paid off. In just a few short years, Lelyo has established himself as a top performer in a very competitive industry and he shows no signs of slowing down. Lelyo’s success can be broken down into three major points.
Knowledge
As a salesman, the best thing you can do is help your client to make an informed decision. Lelyo spends a large amount of time researching the jets that he sells so that he can give an informed consultation to his clients. “A lot of factors go into buying a jet: maintenance costs, downtime, special features and other things can make the difference between a satisfied client or one with buyer’s remorse. It’s not about finding a jet. It’s about finding the right jet.” While some salespeople are simply focused on making as much as they can, Lelyo makes sure that he puts the clients wants and goals above making an extra dollar. This commitment leads not only to satisfied clients, but also increases the probability of returning clients down the road.
Charisma
If you take a scroll through Tom’s social media or spend a few minutes with him on the phone, you will immediately notice his enthusiasm. Coupled with his easy-going smile, this is an integral part of his success. Whether representing a seller or introducing a buyer, he simultaneously is able to put his clients at ease and command their respect with his confident demeanor – certainly a desirable trait when making a $4,000,000 purchase. Lelyo credits his charisma to passion. “I really enjoy what I do. Helping someone to find their dream jet is about connecting families and making dreams come true. I love that.”
*according to June 2022 STAR report powered by JetNet/AvData
Results
Of course, knowledge and charm can only get you so far. The number one reason for Lelyo’s success is that he gets his clients results. He believes that getting your clients the results they want should be the number one goal of anyone with a career in sales. “Forget the money. If you focus on completely satisfying your clients, the money will follow.” That mentality has led him to close over 100 private jets sales and to exceed his clients expectations in the process – just in the last three years. This impressive track record has helped him to receive repeat clients, strong referrals and has established a strong name for himself in the industry.
What’s Next?
As Lelyo continues to build his personal brand and create a fulfilling experience for his clients, he is committed to providing continuous value for his clients and others looking to build a career in the industry. Part of that commitment is his creation of the “Ultimate Jet Guide.” Through this guide, he has compiled the knowledge and steps to buying the perfect jet. Whether you are a sales agent or a potential buyer, this guide is certain to help you through the process.
Tom’s Bio
Tom Lelyo (pronounced ‘LEL-YO’) helps clients find, buy and/or sell small-light jets in the private aviation marketplace. He has personally brokered almost 100 private jet sales transactions amounting to over $20M+ in gross sales. As a husband, father of five, and a licensed pilot, he values quality time in life. If you are interested in learning more about Tom, you can follow him on Instagram and find him on YouTube. If you are interested in purchasing or selling a jet, you can call/text him at 941-216-1246.
