Alumni Profile: Alumnus turns love of flying into award-winning business
Nearly five years after the events of 9/11 crippled the aviation industry and shut down competitors, Richmond-based HeloAir is expanding. Last November, the charter helicopter business, founded by Robert “Whit” Baldwin ’85, received the 2005 Greater Richmond Chamber’s annual Impact Award. The award recognized the company’s contributions to the Richmond area through its community involvement and economic development initiatives.
“I want to be the premier helicopter business in the Southeast,” said Baldwin, who flew solo when he started the business with one airplane in 1992. Today, HeloAir has 11 helicopters and 17 employees in five cities, with a second Richmond location planned for next year. The company remains successful by transporting clients within 200 miles of Richmond and getting them to their destinations faster than any other means.
“I can pick you up at your office in Richmond and have you in downtown Manhattan quicker than if you drove to the airport, flew to New York and drove into Manhattan,” he said.
Although the Long Island, N.Y., native has four relatives in the aviation industry, Baldwin planned to be a stockbroker. Hours after starting a post-graduation job in the financial services industry, though, the business administration major quit. He took a position fueling airplanes at Richmond International Airport. After 18 months, he earned his pilot’s license and began flying local radio station WRVA’s morning and afternoon traffic reporters. By 1991, he was behind both the controls and the microphone. He became somewhat of a local celebrity when he began flying and reporting not only for WRVA, but also the local NBC-TV affiliate.
Today, Baldwin’s client list includes NBC-12 (although he no longer handles the daily traffic report), the Virginia Department of Transportation, Dreamworks SKG, LifeNet Organ Transplant and NASCAR. A member of the Screen Actors Guild, Baldwin has had roles in Hannibal and Commander in Chief, and over the years has transported entertainment stars, politicians and athletes – “everyone short of the president.”
Baldwin credits HeloAir’s success to his employees, whom he calls the “best in the business.” The newlywed encourages employees not to miss their children’s activities and allows employees to volunteer once a quarter for a charity of their choice. He also makes monthly company donations to employee-selected charities.
Baldwin donates his time to children’s charities, primarily Children’s Hospital and a bereavement camp called Comfort Zone Camp. His money goes to cancer charities like Massey Cancer Center in memory of his mother, Lelia Jett Marsh ’46, who died of cancer when Baldwin was 24.
Baldwin’s mother remains a strong influence in his life and was the one who first introduced him to Mary Washington.
“I wouldn’t trade my college years for anything,” said Baldwin, who played basketball, golf and lacrosse. Mary Washington’s athletics taught him “teamwork and camaraderie,” he added. Academics taught him “how to learn,” which prepared him for the constant demands of running a business.
In addition to everyday transportation needs, HeloAir has assisted in relief efforts for more than 10 natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina for which its work was recognized by Bell Helicopter, the nation’s largest helicopter manufacturer.
No matter what or who Baldwin is transporting, he’s passionate about his job. “When I’m driving to work,” he explained, “it’s like driving to the golf course. I love to fly. I love the risk and reward.”
– Alissa M. Poole