Purdue as a brand name is a great help in opening doors. The technology degree provides a wide range of skills to utilize once inside those doors.
James Bloomer
Aviation Management '74
profile photo

James Bloomer

Aviation Management '74
President for Bloomer deVere Group Avia Inc.

After completing his education in aviation technology, Mark started his business aircraft sales career as a factory marketing representative at Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas.

After a dynamic sales career, Mark’s entrepreneurial aspirations resulted in the launch of Avtel International Inc. in May 1983. He saw the need for an impartial resource to guide a client through the business aircraft acquisition and sales process. As a pioneer offering highly personalized service to a select group of clients, Mark’s unassuming yet sophisticated style quickly earned him the trust and respect of clients he still supports today.

In 1988 Mark launched another aviation company—Avtel Services, a government services and airline maintenance company in Mojave, California. Over the next 10 years, Avtel Services grew to over 600 employees and $50 million in annual sales.

Eventually, Avtel became Bloomer deVere and Mark set his sights on developing a global market presence in the new and pre-owned aircraft market. Today, after 500 completed transactions, Mark has five busy offices, spanning from Los Angles to Monte Carlo that focus on marketing and acquisition services.

Mark is an airline transport-rated pilot, avid tennis player, and race kart driver. He and his wife, Lesley, reside in Santa Barbara, California, with their children, Tristan and Spencer.

This was originally written for the Distinguished Technology Alumni Awards in 2006.