#USA #Tampa #FlyUSA #Private Aviation #Barry Shevlin

FlyUSA Recognized Again on the Inc. 5000 List

FlyUSA has once more carved out a spot on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, marking its third consecutive appearance. This accolade highlights the fast-paced growth of the company in the competitive landscape of private aviation. Over the last three years, from 2022 to 2025, the company witnessed phenomenal revenue growth, skyrocketing from $22 million to $73 million. This surge is further complemented by a substantial increase in its workforce, client base, and managed aircraft fleet.

Leadership and Strategy Under Barry Shevlin

The driving force behind FlyUSA's remarkable journey is none other than its CEO, Barry Shevlin. Notably, this recognition is the 14th time a company he has led has made it to the Inc. 5000 list. Previously, he achieved similar success with Vology, underscoring his expertise in scaling businesses amid fluctuating economic conditions.

With FlyUSA ranking No. 45 nationally in 2024 after reporting an impressive 6,071% growth over three years, followed by a return at No. 419 in 2025 with a 966% growth rate, Shevlin's leadership has been pivotal. During this growth phase, FlyUSA expanded from a modest 25 employees to over 100, while its client network increased from around 800 to more than 2,000.

Learning from Economic Cycles

Throughout his career, Shevlin has navigated through various economic and technological shifts, including the dot-com bubble burst, the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current AI advancements. One prime takeaway from his experience is that as organizations grow, leaders must recognize that they cannot resolve every challenge alone. As he puts it, "Sometimes you find yourself jumping back in to fix things. The key is to jump in when things are broken, but fix the process, not the problem."

A Proven Growth Playbook

Shevlin's previous venture, Vology, serves as a case study where he successfully grew the company from approximately $1 million to $175 million in revenue. His deliberate choice to not participate in the economic downturn during the Great Recession—when Vology experienced growth while its industry faced a decline—further showcases his resilience.

Rather than pulling back during tough times, Shevlin's strategy was to ramp up investments in sales and marketing. His mindset during challenging phases is to seize opportunities for market share growth, even amidst adversity. To maintain alignment within his team during uncertain times, Shevlin initiated daily meetings, focusing on reinforcing positive developments and directing attention toward clients instead of the adverse economic climate.

Customer-Centric Innovations

With a keen focus on customer feedback, Shevlin transformed FlyUSA's service offerings. Although services like jet cards and fractional ownership were not initially part of the business model, Shevlin's recognition of customer demand warranted their inclusion. Listening to clients is at the forefront of his operations—"Ask a question and listen. Your customers are going to tell you what's important to them if you're paying attention."

Building for Sustainable Growth

As FlyUSA approaches a pivotal growth milestone, crossing both 100 employees and near $100 million in revenue, Shevlin understands the imperative to enhance operational processes. The informal systems that once sufficed with a small team are no longer adequate for its expanding scale. This critical understanding stems from his past experience scaling Vology from $17 million to $40 million in a single year—a move that necessitated reconfiguring organizational processes.

In preparation for sustained expansion, FlyUSA is developing FusionOS, a comprehensive platform designed to harmonize various departments like sales, marketing, flight operations, and finance while minimizing manual tasks.

FlyUSA's ambitions extend to managing 100 aircraft and achieving $500 million in annual revenue by 2032. Shevlin emphasizes, "The challenge is not proving we can grow. The challenge is building FlyUSA for the next level without losing the responsiveness, judgment, and customer focus that got us here."

Conclusion

FlyUSA's ascent in the ranks of private aviation is not merely a testament to its financial success but also a reflection of a visionary leadership approach rooted in agility, customer engagement, and operational excellence. The company's commitment to providing seamless aviation solutions continues to resonate with business leaders nationwide, ensuring they can fly with confidence, regardless of their travel demands. For more information about FlyUSA and its offerings, visit flyusa.com.