Repositioning a 60-year-old distribution company - during COVID no less - is a Herculean effort. Considering that VSE Corporation’s market cap has gone from $300 million to $1.2 billion since 2019, the mission has been successful.

For the CEO tasked with this turnaround, there’s one key ingredient to this success - present leadership. In this post-COVID era of remote work, it’s easy for companies to take an out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach, but VSE does the opposite. Prioritizing the right things, identifying the underutilized gems, and putting effort into the foundation pays off.

How do you turn a 60-year-old company into a market leader? How is VSE Corporation approaching M&A? In this episode, CEO John Cuomo talks about his journey since taking over the company, why his mindset is one of  “writing a new volume of a book”, what sets them apart, and the secret to their success. By the way…  he’s also one of the most sought-after CEO’s in the industry!

The presence of a leader is important, even if it’s limited. I think it sends a big message, you connect in different ways and you get something different out of the business’ story. -John Cuomo

Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode 

-1+1 is greater than 2

When conducting M&A many companies are mainly focused on buying a great asset. Why does the VSE Corporation start with strategy and culture? 

-The whole power of presence

It’s easy to have a disconnect between the company’s leadership strategy and the people working the floor. How does VSE make sure the whole company is moving together in the right direction? 

-The easiest journeys don’t give you the best reward

Transforming a company is no easy feat. Why does John Cuomo liken it to tearing a house down to the studs, rebuilding it, and ending up with the best home on the block?

Guest Bio

John Cuomo is the President and CEO of VSE Corporation. Appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2019,  he brings 21 years of experience in distribution and the aftermarket services industry. John previously served as Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Distribution Services Inc. Prior to Boeing's 2018 acquisition of the Aerospace Solutions Group of KLX Inc., John served as its President and General Manager (since 2014). From 2000 to 2014, John served in multiple roles and functions at B/E Aerospace (parent company of KLX, Inc. until 2014), including Vice President & General Manager and Senior Vice President, Global Sales, Marketing & Business Development. Prior to joining B/E Aerospace, John served as an attorney at a large multinational law firm practicing commercial law, mergers and acquisitions and litigation. Connect with John on LinkedIn. 

Learn More About Your Host:

Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, Craig is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well-known aircraft OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers.

Since 2009 Craig has personally concluded more than 150 executive searches in a variety of disciplines. As the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, AND run a business, Craig is uniquely positioned to build deep, lasting relationships with both executives and the boards and stakeholders they serve. This allows him to use a detailed, disciplined process that does more than pair the ideal candidate with the perfect opportunity and hit the business goals of the companies he serves.