gobb
The recently formed Lexington business development and consulting firm SteinGroup has hired former Blue Grass Airport Executive Director Michael Gobb to head an aviation division that will focus on airport emergency planning and comprehensive emergency management.
Gobb resigned from his position at the airport following more than a decade as the facility’s director after excessive travel and gift expenses were revealed, leading not only to his conviction on criminal charges, but also to the departures and convictions of three airport directors who answered to him.
A recent Business Lexington interview with Gobb caught the eye of Lexington entrepreneur Alan Stein.
“I believe in second chances. We all make mistakes — some more public than others. Some would be considered bigger than others. But none of us is perfect,” said Stein in discussing the hire. “And those among us who recognize whatever errors they make and work hard to overcome them and repay whatever debt they may have deserve a second chance. It’s the way I was brought up. I believe in it. We’ve all needed second chances.”
Gobb repaid the airport approximately $15,000 for his expenditures, including $10,000 the airport paid on his behalf for treatment in an Arizona rehabilitation facility, plus $41,000 in restitution.
“I endorse what he is doing with Mike Gobb,” stated SteinGroup advisor Jim Host in an email. “Mike (in his Business Lexington interview), admitted what he did was wrong, has been very forthcoming, has paid a big price for his wrongdoing and deserves a second chance. I admire what Alan is doing.”
Gobb began work with the SteinGroup in late May. He is developing a consulting business that will draw upon his experiences and contacts in the airport industry, with particular focus on lessons derived from a horrific tragedy in Lexington’s recent history.
“That’s taking the experience of 5191 and putting that into a format that will assist other airports if they have to go through a similar situation,” he explained, referring to Comair Flight 5191. On August 27, 2006, the regional jet overran the airport’s Runway 26 and crashed after being cleared to take off from the much longer Runway 22. There were 49 fatalities.
Gobb said he will offer clients two plans.
“One is the airport emergency plan, which is basically the initial response to the accident. The comprehensive emergency management is what goes on from six months out to a year, through the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) investigation. That’s where most airports are lacking in their planning,” Gobb said. “We’ll also come in and look at your emergency plan and make recommendations on that and either review or develop a comprehensive emergency management document for the airport to use. The first is required by the F.A.A.; the second is recommended.”
Stein acknowledged that taking on a figure of such sensitive and recent community controversy might seem very risky for a startup.
“I don’t do anything on a whim,” he said. “I study, I do my research and if I’m comfortable that it is risk worth taking — particularly if it impacts a fellow human being — I’m going to do it.”
For those who know Stein, this is not surprising. Lexington orthodontist Billy Forbess is a SteinGroup investor.
“This is not the first time Alan has supported a local businessperson who was looking for a second chance in the business world in Lexington,” Forbess said. “Alan’s intuition has always panned out for him and the person he was giving that second chance to.”
“It’s not all about altruism, as far as I’m concerned,” said Stein. “I’m getting an extremely talented and motivated individual to work on our behalf and on behalf of our clients at a real bargain value. Michael is willing to prove himself, and we are both satisfied that the investment we are making in him is fair, given all of the circumstances. I believe I’m getting a guy of great value, not just for us but for the community, and we’re getting this at an investment that is dramatically less than it might be in a normal set of circumstances.”
Other SteinGroup investors contacted for this article offered full support for the hiring decision.
“Our faith fosters forgiveness — that there are many chances for repair and renewal. I believe in this,” said lobbyist Bob Babbage.
“Alan is correct. I have no problem or issues,” said Lexington CPA Stewart Smith.
“I have 100 percent confidence in Alan's decision-making,” offered former Lawrenceburg auto dealer Jimmie Morgan.
Ultimately, said Stein, “It’s my call. I have 100 percent confidence that this is going to be a wonderful move for our company. If anything goes wrong — as with all of the decisions made here — it’s got my name on it.”
Just a few months ago, Gobb was struggling with his future.
“I was quite surprised to hear from Alan. I was also a bit surprised by the positive reaction to the article in Business Lexington,” he said. “I was very pleased with the feedback that I’ve received. This is a warm and caring community, and that’s the feedback that I got from people in the business community.
“This whole process has really pulled out for me who true friends are and what true friends and business acquaintances are and do,” Gobb said. “It’s been a tremendous life lesson.”