Faryt Kalhil
Founder & CEO of Global Turbine Investments, LLC
Faryt Kalhil began his aviation journey in 1985 as a mechanic at AeroThrust Corporation. Starting in the trenches, he quickly broadened his technical skills. Within a few years, he earned certifications in machinist work, welding inspection, plasma spraying, electroplating, and non-destructive testing. He was not one to remain static; his focus remained on continuous development and contributing more value to his team.
Determined to deepen his expertise, Faryt earned his FAA certification as a Powerplant Mechanic. He also became an ISO 9000 Lead Auditor and qualified as a coach in quality management, auditing, and executive leadership. Each step was not simply a personal achievement, but part of a larger purpose—supporting and elevating those around him.
Career at AeroThrust
At AeroThrust, Faryt transitioned from technical roles into management positions. His combined understanding of systems and leadership became evident as he rolled out performance improvement systems and supplier development efforts. He played a key role in the implementation of high-performance systems, including Total Quality Management (TQM), Lean Manufacturing (LFS), World Class Manufacturing (WCM), and ISO 9000. These efforts led to noticeable improvements in internal processes.
By 2001, he had advanced to a strategic leadership level. Faryt was appointed Vice President of Quality and then President, taking the helm shortly after 9/11—one of the most challenging periods in aviation history.
Despite the turbulent climate, Faryt led a successful turnaround. Under his leadership, AeroThrust’s revenues rose from $32 million to over $107 million. He introduced new engine programs such as the CFM56 and helped the company secure more than $190 million in new business. Operational cycle times were reduced by 60%, and the company’s cultural transformation was a core part of this success.
Entrepreneurial Pursuits
After more than twenty years with AeroThrust, Faryt moved into entrepreneurship. In 2011, he acquired Millennium Engine Associates and founded Global Engine Maintenance (GEM). He built GEM from a company generating $1.2 million in annual revenue to one reaching $12.5 million in just two years. This momentum continued through 2019.
Part of this transformation involved relocating GEM to a modern facility in Doral, Florida. Faryt built the business around the CFM56 engine platform and focused on providing consistent quality and customer satisfaction. GEM quickly earned global recognition, becoming one of the top engine overhaul shops in the industry. Even after selling his interest in 2019, the culture of accountability and performance that Faryt instilled remained in place.
Expanding Global Turbine Investments
Faryt also founded Global Turbine Investments (GTI) in 2009. After stepping back from GEM, he expanded GTI’s operations significantly. The company focuses on aviation parts investment and engine asset management worldwide. Starting from a handful of transactions, GTI has grown into one of the most trusted names in aviation asset management. The company’s growth reflects Faryt’s ability to find opportunities in overlooked areas and assemble high-performance teams to pursue them.
SuccessU: Coaching and Development
Faryt is also the founder and CEO of SuccessU, a platform that combines coaching and software tools. Here, he merges his leadership experience with his commitment to personal development. SuccessU supports leaders interested in improving strategy, mindset, and sustainable growth. The platform offers structured coaching programs and curated resources designed for transformation.
Through SuccessU, Faryt works directly with executive leaders, focusing on how to shape company culture, improve performance, and develop strategic thinking. His coaching is informed by real-world experience, not just theory. He has coached professionals across Latin America and Europe, delivering Lean/Six Sigma programs in both Spanish and English. His strength lies in making complex systems understandable and guiding teams through transitions with clarity.
Faryt often explores topics such as personal power, subconscious reprogramming, neurogenesis, and intentional life design in his coaching and workshops. For him, coaching isn’t just about business—it’s about unlocking human potential and enabling individuals to live and lead with purpose.
Academic and Technical Foundations
Throughout his full-time career, Faryt pursued higher education with discipline. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, graduating first in his class with a 4.0 GPA in both programs. Before that, he completed two associate degrees in computer programming and data processing from Miami Dade College. These credentials provided him with a strong foundation in systems thinking and operational management.
In addition to his academic qualifications, Faryt holds technical licenses in electroplating, CNC machining, and as a Powerplant Mechanic. He is also a Certified Executive Coach, Certified Quality Manager, and ISO 9000 Lead Auditor. This rare mix of technical expertise and executive insight has defined his approach to business and leadership.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Faryt leads with focus, accountability, and clear expectations. He avoids surface-level fixes and prioritizes building systems that last. Whether leading a turnaround or launching a new venture, he holds himself and others to high standards.
He is calm under pressure and adapts easily across different cultural and business environments. This versatility has made him a respected figure not only in aviation but also in broader leadership and coaching circles. His leadership has always emphasized results, not recognition. He believes in doing what works—and adjusting quickly when it doesn’t.
Core Values and Motivation
What drives Faryt is a commitment to growth, learning, and meaningful contribution. He has never been motivated by attention or titles. Instead, he focuses on building value over time, to make a lasting difference.
Those who work with him describe him as hands-on, energized, and always present. He expects performance and supports others as they strive to deliver. His guiding principle is: “We do whatever it takes!”—not to suggest cutting corners, but to reflect a deep commitment to the goal and the process required to reach it.
Looking Ahead
Today, Faryt remains active through GTI while devoting time to coaching, mentoring, and speaking engagements. He divides his focus between business operations and helping other leaders reach their potential.
With a career built on consistent delivery, thoughtful leadership, and genuine care for others’ growth, Faryt Kalhil continues to develop companies and individuals for the long term. His preference for creating sustainable systems over seeking recognition is one of the reasons his work endures.
