About Our Company
DASH Aero
At DASH Aero we are reshaping conventional processes and schedules with our innovative and proven Airbus APU P&C cleaning process, backed by our proprietary equipment, and our pioneering on-schedule approach. In an industry where efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety are paramount, our approach truly stands out.
Revolutionizing APU Plenum & Compartment Cleaning: Our Proprietary Technique, Schedule, and Equipment
Originally specified methods of Airbus APU P&C cleaning involve a cumbersome and reactionary procedure which is unpredictable and requires aircraft to be taken out of service for an extended period. This method not only incurs significant costs in terms of downtime, but potentially disrupts an operator’s maintenance and operational scheduling. Recognizing these challenges, we embarked on a mission to create a process that defied convention and delivered superior results.
David embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 15 when he teamed up with his best friend to start a car detailing business. Growing up near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, they seized the opportunity to provide mobile washing services at the racetrack. During summers, they traveled the IndyCar circuit, meticulously cleaning drivers’ motor homes and team transporters, while also serving separate auto detailing clients.
Even after graduating from high school, David continued his business venture, expanding his car cleaning services nationwide while pursuing his college education. He demonstrated unwavering commitment to his clients, consistently traveling back to Indianapolis instead of spending weekends at the Bloomington campus of Indiana University.
As his business began to flourish, David’s passion for aviation and flying came to the forefront. He turned his dreams into reality, taking on unique challenges one by one. His first opportunity in the aviation industry arose when a client requested the detailing of a single-engine airplane, followed by another client with a twin-engine aircraft. These experiences motivated David to obtain his pilot’s license and opened doors to corporate flight departments. From that point on, his success became history.
Today, David has transformed his business from a one-person operation to a company called The Allen Groupe, employing a dedicated team of 100 members across 26 locations in the United States and Europe. His services extend beyond national boundaries, as he provides aviation cleaning and preservation at international air shows worldwide. The company’s infrastructure has solidified, including key positions such as CFO, COO, Director of Commercial Operation, Director of Private Operation, Manager of Special Events, Human Resource Manager, and Manager of Technical Programming. Each station manager is supported by an assistant known as the Team Leader, fostering efficient operations through redundancy and cross-utilization, resulting in improved economies of scale. The Allen Groupe has established their position as the industry leader in aviation cleaning and preservation, garnering widespread recognition.
When asked about the astounding growth of his business, any member of David’s team will emphasize the importance of their Referability Habits, which David integrated into the business from Strategic Coach. These habits include:
- Show up on time
- Do what you say
- Finish what you start
- Say ‘please and thank you.’
David attributes these principles, along with his Unique Process for cleaning planes and meticulous attention to detail, as the driving forces behind the remarkable expansion of his company.
In his pursuit of personal development, David draws inspiration from renowned motivational speakers and authors such as Zig Ziglar, Napoleon Hill, Stephen Covey, and John Maxwell. He not only absorbs their wisdom but also puts their teachings into action. David’s winning mindset, characterized by hard work, discipline, perseverance, and innovation, enables him to overcome even the most significant challenges.
The pivotal turning point for David’s business occurred when NetJets, impressed by his comprehensive response to their audit, invited him to their operation center at Indianapolis International Airport. Recognizing the need for change, NetJets granted David the freedom to expand his operations nationwide. He chose Orlando as the next location, initiating a critical relationship that set him apart from his competitors. David’s vision of service goes beyond mere cleaning; it is driven by understanding and meeting the specific needs of his customers, rather than offering predetermined services.
To address the challenge posed by aircraft maintenance taking priority over cleaning, David developed a web-based tracking system that allowed for independent cleaning scheduling. This innovative solution benefited not only NetJets but also other cleaning vendors, firmly establishing David as the leader in the aviation cleaning marketplace. The credibility gained through NetJets, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, surpassed his expectations. His goal has always been to serve rather than exploit his customers’ names and reputations for personal gain.
The software program implemented by David’s company automatically prompts aircraft owners when a cleaning is due, allowing for efficient expansion into new markets. With a fleet approaching 600 aircraft, there is no shortage of cleaning opportunities.
Expanding further, David forged a partnership with Republic Airlines after they became dissatisfied with their existing cleaning company. Breaking the paradigm that switching cleaning companies yields the same results, David initially secured a cleaning contract in Orlando. Thanks to the company’s exceptional performance, the company expanded its service to provide aircraft cleaning services for Republic Airlines in multiple locations, including Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Louisville, St. Louis, and Denver.
David’s most valuable asset lies in his commitment to transforming the prevailing perception of poor performance among the unskilled labor force.
In conclusion, The Allen Groupe’s success stems from multiple factors rather than any single element. Their implementation of robust infrastructure and adoption of a Fortune 500 mindset, coupled with a familial approach, have set them apart from traditional mom-and-pop businesses. This gratitude, combined with a relentless pursuit of growth, ensures that The Allen Groupe will continue to flourish.
Joseph S. “Sandy” Showalter quite literally grew up at the airport while being immersed in aviation during his formative years. Showalter Flying Service in Orlando, FL was in his family for over 71 years, and operated as a true family FBO until 2015, when the business was sold to industry titan Atlantic Aviation.
Sandy had begun working odd jobs around the airport by age 12, and by the time high school rolled around had gotten quite handy at mowing grass, sweeping hangars, and washing airplanes and rental cars. By that time Sandy had also mastered the intricacies of aircraft identification and begun developing what has become a continuing passion for all things that fly.
After high school Sandy was accepted to Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. During his studies in Fort Worth, Sandy continued to fly regularly and spent summers working within the aviation industry, including an internship with Business Jet Solutions (now FlexJet) in Dallas and stints back in Orlando at the family FBO.
After graduating with degrees in English and Speech Communications from TCU, Sandy moved back to Orlando and went to work for Enterprise Holdings, learning the rental car business while working through Enterprise’s renowned Management Training program.
By 2003, the pull of the aviation business became too much to resist, and Sandy returned full-time to Showalter Flying Service. His responsibilities at the FBO evolved over time to include overseeing the marketing efforts and handling all aircraft sales and acquisition work. As befits a true family business, Sandy and the rest of the Showalter family were active in all daily operations. He particularly enjoyed being on the ramp towing, fueling, carrying luggage, and making sure the customer experience was exceptional. Being a veteran of eight National Business Aviation Association conventions also gives Sandy a nearly unparalleled background in high volume special event FBO operations.
After the sale of the FBO to Atlantic Aviation, Sandy Co-Founded Showalter Aviation and Marine, Inc. (SAM), a specialized aviation company focused mainly on the sales, acquisition, and management of light turbine aircraft. Today he counts over 200 aircraft sales and acquisition transactions to his credit. As SAM evolved over the years, Sandy became more and more focused on the management of turbine aircraft for clients, which gave the opportunity to advance his flying career. In early 2020, Sandy was approached by a highly regarded local family business about becoming their Director of Aviation and Chief Pilot, a position that was a natural fit. Now an Airline Transport Pilot with three jet type ratings, Sandy uses his skills as an aviator while employing his passion for great customer service in his role with Six Star, Inc.
Entrepreneurial genes run deep in Sandy’s family, and in 2018 Sandy teamed with long time close friend and fellow industry stalwart David Allen to Co-Found DASH Aero. Founded on the belief that DASH could streamline an existing component cleaning task on single-aisle Airbus aircraft, and fueled by David and Sandy’s work ethic and complimentary skill sets, DASH has grown to become the world leader in Auxiliary Power Unit plenum and compartment cleaning. With David as CEO and Sandy as COO, DASH is well-positioned for future growth and continued success, employing their innovative and patented solution to help improve cabin air quality and overall operational sustainability for Airbus operators.
One of the things Sandy is most grateful for is the time he has been able to spend outside of work, building relationships and helping various community groups. As an avid fisherman, outdoorsman, and environmentalist Sandy has given much time to his roles over the years with the Coastal Conservation Association, a group fighting to protect the country’s outdoor species and habitats. Within aviation Sandy has served in multiple leadership positions, including four years as President of the Florida Aviation Business Association.
In his personal life Sandy is an avid fitness enthusiast. He is married to Jamie, the love of his life, with whom he shares two wonderful sons, Jake and Luke.
Cost & Time Efficiency Redefined
At DASH Aero we believe in redefining the standards of cost and time efficiency in Airbus APU Plenum and Compartment cleaning. Our parallel commitments to innovation, effectiveness, and quality drove us to create a solution that provides operators with the ability to optimize operations and schedules, which also helps drive financial results.
Aviation is a dynamic and competitive landscape where every minute counts. Current APU P&C cleaning methods involving an uncertain schedule, potential aircraft downtime, and significant maintenance personnel labor, pose significant challenges to operational efficiency. DASH Aero’s revolutionary approach disrupts this cycle by eliminating the need for aircraft to be grounded, while simultaneously enhancing operational cadence and predictability
Our technique expedites the cleaning process without compromising quality, allowing operators to maintain their flight schedules and preserve valuable maintenance personnel bandwidth. This streamlined efficiency directly translates into enhanced revenue potential, as aircraft spend more time in the air generating income rather than being confined to maintenance ramps.
Our schedule improves predictability and reduces risk of cabin air quality degradations, improving dispatch reliability. Your crews and passengers will appreciate the proactive approach of DASH Aero’s APU P&C process due to a marked reduction in schedule disruptions. Simply put, DASH Aero P&C cleaning saves operators time, money, and frustration.
Cabin Air Quality degradation can have significant negative effects on financial performance, customer and crew satisfaction, and brand reputation. DASH Aero stridently believes that our APU P&C cleaning process and schedule pays significant and wide-ranging dividends. Based on the thousands of APU P&C processes performed by DASH since our founding, we think our customers agree.
Out with the Old, In with the Innovative:
The aviation industry thrives on progress, and at DASH Aero we are catalysts for transformative improvement. Our Airbus APU Plenum and Compartment cleaning process is a clear testament to our commitment to innovation. By reevaluating existing approaches and embracing forward-thinking techniques and equipment, we are reshaping the landscape of APU P&C cleaning.
Gone are the days of cumbersome and inefficient APU P&C cleaning methods. The traditional practices that once demanded extended aircraft downtime have given way to a streamlined and rapid process which minimizes disruptions to operational schedules. Operators no longer need to compromise revenue potential or disrupt customer’s travel plans due to unpredictable and cumbersome maintenance events.
DASH’s approach defies convention and empowers our customers to maintain their competitive edge. By drastically reducing the time needed for APU P&C cleaning, we free up resources, increase aircraft availability, and optimize operational efficiency. This translates into direct cost savings and enhanced revenue opportunities.
Innovative is not just synonymous with efficiency; today it is about sustainability too. DASH Aero’s P&C process prioritizes environmental responsibility by significantly reducing the environmental impact of APU cleaning. Instead of using harsh chemicals and generating excessive and uncontained waste, our process minimizes the use of harmful substances and reduces waste generation. Furthermore, what waste is generated becomes safely contained and consciously treated by our closed-loop capture and filtration system. Our process can be employed on the ramp, even at the gate, at the world’s most environmentally stringent airports.
The end result is a process that not only benefits operator’s bottom lines, but also aligns them with the industry’s increasing focus on environmental sustainability. By choosing DASH Aero, an operator makes a conscious decision to contribute towards a greener aviation ecosystem, ensuring a brighter future for both their operations and for the planet.
By embracing the new, operators open doors to unprecedented possibilities. DASH Aero’s approach is not just about APU P&C cleaning; it is about embracing a mindset that seeks continuous improvement. Our customers become pioneers of change, contributing to the elevation of the industry’s standards and practices.
Safety & Effectiveness
At DASH Aero, quality, safety, and effectiveness are at the core of our APU P&C cleaning process. We recognize the paramount importance of both occupant well-being and the operational performance of aircraft. Our commitment to these principles drives every aspect of our proprietary process, ensuring that operators can rely on us for unmatched results and uncompromised safety.
Aviation is an industry where safety is non-negotiable. DASH Aero embraces this responsibility with dedication and meticulous attention to planning and execution. Our APU P&C process adheres to the highest industry standards, employing advanced techniques that mitigate the risks associated with APU maintenance. Our teams of skilled professionals are equipped with the knowledge, training, and experience required to carry out these specialized procedures safely and efficiently.
Safety is not limited to the aircraft and its occupants; it extends to the individuals executing the maintenance tasks that ensure continued airworthiness. Our process minimizes those individual’s exposure to potentially hazardous materials, ensuring that technicians can perform the task in a safe and secure environment. Whether a DASH team member or a valued member of an operator’s maintenance team, by prioritizing their well-being we help maintain the integrity of the operation; yours and ours.
Effectiveness in aircraft maintenance transcends mere functionality; it directly impacts an airline’s operational efficiency. A reliable and properly functioning APU is pivotal for optimal aircraft performance, enabling smooth operations and consistent service. DASH Aero’s proprietary APU P&C process is built on this understanding, aiming to enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of every aircraft we service.
Our process does not just remove contaminants; it helps restore the APU system to its peak operating condition. By eliminating debris, carbon deposits, and other residues on the plenum and in the compartment, we ensure that the APU operates to its full potential in all conditions. This translates to improved flight operations and customer satisfaction, reduced maintenance costs, and an overall enhancement of an operator’s bottom line.
A clean APU goes beyond operational efficiency; it directly influences crew and passenger comfort and safety. Cabin air quality today plays a pivotal and growing role in the travel experience, affecting the health and well-being of all occupants. By removing contaminants, DASH Aero’s APU P&C process is specifically designed to reduce the introduction of potentially harmful particles into the cabin, contributing to superior cabin air quality. DASH Aero wants to help ensure occupants enjoy a safe, comfortable, and refreshing journey; we also want to help our customer’s build positive brand images that resonate with discerning travelers.
Unmatched Results
DASH Aero’s on-schedule APU P&C cleaning process, powered by our proprietary technique and equipment, marks a paradigm shift in Airbus APU support. Our approach challenges the status quo, introducing a cost-effective, time-efficient, and safe solution that enhances operational efficiency while prioritizing cabin air quality. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, DASH Aero remains at the forefront, driving innovation that propels the industry forward into a future of safety and sustainability.
Less Down-Time. Better Results.
DASH Aero
If you are an Airbus operator, we would value the opportunity to communicate with you regarding our bespoke process and schedule, our singular focus on service, and our entirely unique value proposition.
Dash Aero is committed to ensuring customer satisfaction through continuous improvement, regulatory and standards compliance, and consistently providing products and services focused on preserving cabin air quality in parallel with retaining valued team members.