Kyle Patel is President and CEO of Bitlux, a global private aviation company that focuses heavily on logistics in the air and on the ground. He founded Bitlux in 2018 to offer unparalleled service and raise the bar for the industry’s ethical standards and business practices. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, he leads a team of 17 globally scattered professionals.

How did you get into airfreight/logistics?

In 2013, I applied to be someone’s assistant – who, unbeknownst to myself, was involved in private air logistics. After a few months, we found out that this person was stealing from the company, and I took his place.

What quote has most resonated with you?

“What is behind you, doesn’t matter” – Enzo Ferrari. As humans, we tend to carry a lot with us instead of just the lessons of the past, we like to carry the entire thing and relive it instead of living fresh experiences.

Plus, I do race cars as a hobby – so truly, if I’m in front, my line matters and it’s up to the rest to catch me.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“What is in your head determines what is in your hands” A lesson from my father – who picked it up from a book called Psycho-Cybernetics. The power of the human mind is beyond comprehension and rather inspiring. We can put ourselves where we want to be, most of the time, and private aviation is the fastest way to do it.

What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

Well, I do race cars as a hobby – which is extremely exciting. It is, by definition, an adventure of a career as a hobby.

If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why?

First, I’d love to sit with George Washington – out of the bravest men in history, our American Forefathers hold the title.

Second, Javier Milei – a modern conqueror of bureaucracy and inefficiency that has been built over several decades – regardless of political stance, making drastic changes to a large political complex takes some serious gall.

Third would likely be Leonidas – he ruled a group of people in Sparta that had a never-before-seen culture of combat superiority. Not just a warrior but a leader of a giant family – that promoted brotherhood from the smallest person to the oldest and most frail. I’ve not read about such comradery in other leaders.

What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?

I have very Southern tendencies. I enjoy large open spaces, woodworking, driving tractors and large machines, and tend to a few acres of my own and have some honeybees.

What hobby have you always wanted to try but never got around to?

I can safely say when it comes to hobbies that I want to try – I have none that I don’t do immediately. Life is short. I’m very blessed to be in a position where I have been able to pick up hobbies quickly, get into them the right way, and determine whether it is worth the journey to master.

If you have not pursued a career in airfreight, what other field would you have liked to go into?

I had two other businesses – one was a personal training and fitness training company. The other was a clothing brand. Both failed, however, I really enjoyed both, and I’d likely have stuck with the apparel brand – it had a great mission, incorporated philanthropy, and the image was very unique.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Truth-Vision. Our world has gotten so clouded with inflated, false, or omitted information that it can be very difficult to navigate. If I could, I’d absolutely love to see reality as it happened, along with the intent to provide a better place for the next generation.

What’s your proudest moment and your biggest regret?

Regrets – I have none. Ask me when I’m a few moments from death – but I believe that by that time, even if tomorrow, I did the best I could for the people I love and my little slice of industry.

Proudest moment? Currently, the payroll is approach US$1 million. I think it’s absolutely awesome to have a company that is able to pay team members that much money to improve their lives.

If there was a movie made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?

Jason Statham – except with hair and a tan.

Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?

The only way to win – and I mean win – is by maintaining a customer-focused approach. In all areas. The key question to ask, in every decision, even ancillary events, “is this going to improve our customer experience?” If the answer is no, it is a waste of time in my opinion.

How do you motivate your team?

Our team is great. One of the best things I feel like we’ve done is implement a code of conduct – both inside and outside of the office. We read this every week, we review implementation, and we hold one another accountable. Working with a group of people who see themselves as elite goes further than any dollar will.

What is the one item you can’t travel without?

Sweatpants.

Who is your role model?

Depending on the day, I have many. It’s actually a collection of people, small slices from each person, both professionally and personally.

What would your autobiography be called?

“From the depths of shallow living to life above the airliners.”

Cats or dogs?

We have both in our home.

Early riser or night owl?

 I work in logistics – we all work both, depends on the schedule.

What’s the best and worst purchase you’ve ever made?

They are both the same. Race cars and supercars. I absolutely love them to death, but when something goes wrong – it goes really wrong. Talk about voluntary heartache and overwhelming joy and bliss – you can go from one to the other in a split second – sprinkle some danger in there as well to make life really exciting.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My wife’s “Fiesta Bowls” – Jerk Chicken, brown rice, corn, jalapenos, black beans, some sour cream. It has all the nutrients of a sustained meal and provides energy, recovery, and stamina.

What’s your most used emoji? 

💪💪💪