We’re so appreciative of our team that works so well in making the Surf Air the time-saving, hassle-free and exceptional experience that it is today. Come back every Thursday for a new Ground Team Member feature!
James Descalso
Flight Concierge, San Carlos
What do you do at Surf Air and how long have you been with us?
I’m a Flight Concierge and I’ve been with Surf Air for just under 5 months.
What does your day to day look like?
Coming in and doing the morning/afternoon checklist and seeing what cars are getting picked up. Who needs a rental. Check the slack channels and keep in touch with the other stations.
What was it about Surf Air that made you want to work here?
Flexible schedule and the proximity to my house. Also getting to work with my brother!
What’s the most inspiring memory you have from your time at Surf Air?
Not necessarily inspiring but I’ve seen James Lin give up his seat multiple times to accommodate another member.
Do you have a favorite memory or funny story to share?
Not a specific memory but just getting to work shifts with my brother will always be a fun memory.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Getting to interact and getting to know the pilots as well as the members.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy working out, playing basketball/golf and going to concerts.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m excited to be part of the Surf Air team moving forward and want to help in any way I can.
Sherry Nelson
Flight Concierge, Oakland
What do you do at Surf Air and how long have you been with us?
I’m a Flight Concierge and I’ve been with Surf Air for 6 years. (that’s since the beginning!)
What does your day to day look like?
Every day is different. That’s what I like about this job.
What was it about Surf Air that made you want to work here?
To experience the birth of an exciting new concept in flying.
What’s the most inspiring memory you have from your time at Surf Air?
Culture training in 2014. This experience created a strong bond between Pilots, OPs, concierge and management. The safety training we received was exceptional.
Do you have a favorite memory or funny story to share?
I have a lot of special memories. One that comes to mind first is when Surf Air came together as one to help fulfill the wish of a 6 yr old little boy named Maddox. Not only did this wish warm the hearts of our team but also those who work at San Carlos Airport. We ALL came together to provide anything and everything we could to make this little boys wish come true.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Helping our members. A smile and a helping hand goes a long way. I truly love the people I work with as well.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Family, beach, hiking, camping.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I have many memories and stories to tell in my six years with Surf. Most recent was that one of our inaugural members approached me to thank me. He went on to say that Surf Air had simplified travel for many and with that friendships both business and personal have been formed!
William Descalso
Lead Flight Concierge, San Carlos
What do you do at Surf Air and how long have you been with us?
I started at Surf Air in May of 2015. My current title is Lead Flight Concierge which I have had on and off over the years as well as handling First Time Flyer communications leading up to their first experience flying with Surf Air. I have also coordinated and hosted numerous plane/station tours across our network.
What does your day to day look like?
Day to day tasks include everything under the sun as far as member/ground experience goes. From greeting/checking in members for flights to loading luggage, valeting member cars, assisting the pilots each flight in any way I can, to checking every flight in the HUB at least twice per day to catch and tie up any loose ends out there on flight manifests. I handle emailing First Flight Flight information with tips on what to expect and how things work at Surf Air as well as tagging the departing station to call and make sure they are are set and have received all proper information for their flight.
What was it about Surf Air that made you want to work here?
Founding member Brad Lewis is a close family friend who for about a year kept telling me I’d be great at it and to check it out. Once I did some research and learned more about what Surf Air was I was intrigued by how unique and cool the whole concept and business seemed. I felt like I could fill the role well of taking care of members and providing excellent customer service.
What’s the most inspiring memory you have from your time at Surf Air?
When we had Saturday flights, on a few occasions I flew standby on the 9am flight SQL to TRK and picked up breakfast burritos for my roommates and myself delivering them back in San Carlos on the return flight still warm! Where else can you pull off something like that?!
Do you have a favorite memory or funny story to share?
Having a member who had not flown in over a year recognize me (and remembered my name) on a vacation in the Dominican Republic at a resort and he buying me a drink and talking about Surf Air for a while.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Interactions with members, pilots, and our ground team that make it a fun environment to be a part of day to day.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Anything and everything outdoors from hiking, camping, almost all sports, beach, and spending time at the beach.
Anything else you’d like to share?
My brother James and I joined Jori and Jenna Johns as the 2nd pair of siblings currently employed by Surf when he started 4 months ago.
Karen Shindler
Flight Concierge, Truckee
What do you do at Surf Air and how long have you been with us?
I’m a Flight Concierge; in December it will be 4 years.
What was it about Surf Air that made you want to work here?
I love this job! I love that I don’t have to sit in a office in front of the computer. I can move around, visit with all the members, pilots and staff at our wonderful airport. It’s really a perfect job for me.
What’s the most inspiring memory you have from your time at Surf Air?
Surfair rallied around me like a family when I fell and broke my knee cap. They sent me flowers, called me and I was so honored to come back to my job!!
Do you have a favorite memory or funny story to share?
I have learned so much from working with the Surf Air pilots. They really are such a source of knowledge, humor, patience and I used to love all the hugs. It would make my day! They had my back.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
The people that I get to reach daily at work. People from all walks of life.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I Kayak, garden, play bunko, paint, love to decorate, ski, entertain and love to travel.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Our team here in Truckee is like a family to me. Past and present employees we all hang out and travel together. Surf sisters and brothers!
