Richard Zaher grew up in Virginia and attended Herndon High School. Shortly after graduation he attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to become a commercial pilot. Throughout the years of flying and studying at ERAU he began to realize that he was more interested in the business aspects of private aviation. He ended up graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Studies and moved to New York City. In 2005 he started Paramount Business Jets (a private jet charter brokerage designed to provided charter solutions to VIP clients worldwide) and he has never looked back. They are now ranked as the second fastest growing travel company in America according toINC500.
What is it that you do exactly?
A typical day for me involves having a company conference call with our team and then following up with additional project specific calls. Checking emails and then working on helping to further develop projects related to our operations, sales, marketing and future planning.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I enjoy working with our team of sophisticated and knowledgeable aviation professionals. I enjoy developing systems to improve the services we provided to our clients. And mostly I enjoy, above all, hearing from our clients who thank us for saving them thousands while providing them with seamless solutions to help them achieve their missions.
What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?
1. I enjoyed Boca Raton, Florida. The amazing weather combined with local upscale mom and pop stores combined with great restaurants makes this city a great place to be.
2. Paris, France. I truly enjoyed the food and the tourist attractions.
3. Manhattan, New York. An amazing city with more to see and do than anyone can imagine.
What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
I love seafood but I will never bite into another soft shell crab ever again. I tried it once and only one bite – I still cant imagine how people can enjoy biting into this barbaric sandwich. Surprisingly one of my best friends could not stop talking about how good it was. Go figure.
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
At Paramount Business Jets, we are regularly dealing with the hottest artists, singers and entrepreneurs. I must say from my experience that the majority of the most successful people are the nicest people in world. Before starting the private jet company I had the pleasure of working in a Spike Lee film, where I worked closely with not only the amazing Spike Lee but also Jodie Foster and Clive Owen. These folks were incredibly down to earth and had a truly wonderful presence. As part of our training Mr. Lee would show us films from the past and point out certain sections or feelings in the movie. Many thanks to my amazing agent Francis Delduca of FIFI Oscard.
What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?
I am most looking forward to visiting Kenya and going on a safari. Seems like an amazing experience and place to see in person.
Thank you for taking part in our interview, Richard. Your tale about the soft-shelled crab caught my attention – it’s interesting that opinions can vary so much and that seemingly one man’s meat is another man’s poison! I haven’t made it to Kenya myself yet, but have enjoyed the safari experience in neighbouring Tanzania. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed when you come to do that trip.
