Curtis Edenfield of Thrive Aviation Named Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Finalist in Pacific Southwest

Curtis Edenfield: Finalist for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Award

In a notable announcement made by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), Curtis Edenfield, the CEO and co-founder of Thrive Aviation, is among the esteemed finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Pacific Southwest Award. Celebrated for its 40th anniversary this year, this prestigious program highlights visionary entrepreneurs who are strategically transforming their industries and making sustainable contributions to the economy and society as a whole.

Curtis Edenfield’s journey with Thrive Aviation represents a remarkable story of passion, innovation, and relentless dedication. Since its inception in 2018, Thrive Aviation has evolved into a leading private aviation company, offering a range of services including on-demand charters, aircraft management, and jet card memberships. Under Edenfield’s stewardship, the company has rapidly expanded its fleet, which includes light, super-midsize, large cabin, and ultra-long-range jets. The company is hailed for its exceptional commitment to safety, service, and innovative solutions, delivering unparalleled travel experiences to clients across North America and around the globe.

The Importance of Recognition

Reflecting on this significant honor, Edenfield expressed, "Being named a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Pacific Southwest Region is an incredible honor. This recognition is a testament to the relentless dedication of our team, the loyalty of our clients, and our mission to redefine private aviation." His words resonate with the ethos of the company, emphasizing the collaborative effort from the team and the supportive trust of their client base.

A Drive for Innovation

Thrive Aviation’s rapid growth has not gone unnoticed. The company is a proud three-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list, earning recognition as one of the fastest-growing private enterprises in the United States. This accolade further solidifies Edenfield’s vision to build one of the most trusted on-demand private jet services in the nation. By consistently providing tailored travel experiences that prioritize both customer convenience and safety, Thrive Aviation has carved a unique niche in the competitive aviation market.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year program is designed not just to recognize financial performance but to honor entrepreneurs’ contributions to innovation and their community impact. The awards highlight founders who have cultivated their businesses from the ground up or have successfully scaled their companies through investment and visionary leadership. As part of this legacy, regional award winners will be officially announced in June during a grand celebration in San Diego, elevating them to lifetime members of an exclusive network of alumni from the Entrepreneur Of The Year program worldwide.

Looking Ahead

The winners of this regional competition will vie for national acclaim during the Strategic Growth Forum® in November, a highly-anticipated event that draws together the brightest minds from high-growth businesses across the country. The ultimate national winner will represent the United States at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition, showcasing their achievements on a global platform.

With sponsorship from notable organizations such as PNC Bank and Marsh McLennan Agency, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards foster a culture of collaboration and encouragement among business leaders.

In conclusion, Curtis Edenfield, through his leadership at Thrive Aviation, has demonstrated what it takes to disrupt and innovate within the aviation sector. His nomination not only reflects personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration to upcoming entrepreneurs who seek to leave a meaningful mark in their fields.

As Thrive Aviation continues to grow and evolve, underpinned by its core values of safety and service excellence, the industry will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how Curtis Edenfield's journey and vision unfold in the coming years.