TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Brandon Martini​

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Brandon Martini, COO and co-founder of Stratus Financial, LLC, has made a significant impact on the aviation finance industry with his strategic vision and expertise. An accomplished aviator with commercial pilot certificates and CFI/CFII/MEI instructor ratings, Brandon has been flying since 2014 and possesses a deep knowledge of part 141 and part 61 flight school operations. His comprehensive understanding of FAA training guidelines and pilot education financing uniquely positions him to lead Stratus Financial in its mission to support aspiring pilots. Further, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's vision and his leadership has been instrumental in building strong partnerships with flight schools across the nation.

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Founded in 2020 in Newport Beach, California, Stratus Financial was established by FAA Certified flight and ground instructors passionate about helping others achieve their dreams of flight. The company is committed to providing comprehensive student loan solutions for aspiring pilots at all levels of experience and training. Brandon and his team understand the financial challenges faced by pilot students and have crafted lending packages that consider each individual as a whole aviator, rather than focusing solely on traditional FICO scores.

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Stratus Financial offers exceptional lending packages designed to finance the entire flight training journey. By collaborating closely with flight schools, the company develops lending products that align with both the schools’ and students’ goals, ensuring successful partnerships. This unique approach has made Stratus Financial a trusted partner in aviation education, providing financial solutions that empower aspiring pilots to achieve their dreams.

In addition to its financial services, Stratus Financial connects students with industry professionals, offering mentorship and guidance to help them advance to the next level, whether it be commercial aviation, airlines, or other aviation paths. As aviators themselves, the team at Stratus Financial understands the aspirations of their clients and is dedicated to supporting both education and future career opportunities.

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Stratus Financial has recently secured a forward flow facility of up to $50 million to bolster its student pilot loan offerings. This significant funding underscores the company’s ability to attract substantial institutional investment and highlights its commitment to supporting aspiring pilots. Additionally, Stratus Financial operates the Stratus Financial Fund, which offers investors a 13% annual return net of fees, distributed monthly. Coupled with the company’s established credit lines, these diversified funding sources enhance Stratus Financial’s ability to provide robust financial support to both its clients and flight school partners, ensuring a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of future pilots.

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Since its inception, Stratus Financial has helped nearly 700 individuals realize their dreams of flight. The company’s dedication to marrying student success with school success has led to the development of several programs designed by flight schools, for flight schools. This innovative approach ensures that both students and schools achieve their objectives, making Stratus Financial a trusted partner in aviation education.

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We had the opportunity to sit down with Brandon to discuss Stratus Financial's mission, his journey in the aviation industry, and how his company is making dreams of flight more accessible.

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Brandon, what inspired you to start the company?

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I used to own flight schools, and I saw a massive need for financing options in the aviation industry. There were very few financing providers available, and most people had to pay out of pocket, work a second job, take out second mortgages on their homes, or enroll in collegiate programs with financing options. Unfortunately, most normal flight schools, of which there are about 2,000 in the U.S., don’t have access to financing whatsoever. My school was one of those with limited access to financial support. To tackle this need, I partnered with my friend, Anthony Geraci, to start Stratus Financial. Initially, we aimed to fund my own students, but the demand quickly grew, revealing the broader industry need for comprehensive financing solutions.

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What sets Stratus Financial apart in the aviation finance industry?

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Stratus Financial is unique because we are a company built by pilots, for pilots. Both my co-founder and I are commercially rated pilots, so we understand the aviation industry from the inside out. This perspective is often lacking in traditional financing companies, where the decision-makers are not pilots themselves. We know firsthand the challenges students face when learning to fly, the nerves before a solo flight, or the stress before taking a pilot exam with an FAA representative. This experience allows us to relate to our clients and tailor our services to meet their specific needs.

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In addition to our unique perspective, we approach lending with a holistic view. While most companies rely heavily on FICO scores to make lending decisions, we consider other factors like income and assets. A low FICO score won’t automatically disqualify someone if they have a co-borrower with strong credit. We use that co-borrower’s information to help approve the student, which is a distinctive approach in our industry.

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Moreover, our support extends beyond financing. We provide resources for the study portion of flight training through partnerships with programs like Gold Seal Ground School, and we assist students, post-graduation. If a graduate is struggling to find employment, we offer pilot mentoring and other resources to help them succeed. This comprehensive support system sets us apart in the finance world and makes Stratus Financial truly unique.

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To what do you attribute Stratus Financial's success?

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Great question. Our success is largely due to our dedicated team, whom we consider part of the Stratus family. We prioritize family values throughout our company, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. This family-oriented atmosphere, combined with our focus on being goal-oriented and results-driven, creates a successful company culture where individuals can thrive. Our commitment to these values has been instrumental in building a strong, cohesive team that drives our success.

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Brandon Martini

COO and Co-Founder

Stratus Financial, LLC
Websites: www.stratus.finance  and www.stratusfinancialfund.com

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-martini-467761161