OUR COMPANY
Our Company History
Over 45 years of dedication to flight.
Since 1977, Memphis Propeller has been family owned and operated. It is our passion, and we wouldn’t be doing anything else. That level of devotion and focus comes through in every sale, every service opportunity, and all customer interaction.
Our drive to be the best causes us to consistently reinvest in the business through improvements to our facilities, processes, tooling, inventory, training, and equipment. Add to that the extraordinary level of experience and insight our personnel possess, and it’s easy to see why we have so many long-standing client relationships in the agricultural, corporate, experimental and general aviation communities.
We have earned authorization to work on Hartzell, McCauley, MT and Sensenich propellers as well as Starter Generators and Blower Motors.
Furthermore we carry extensive product liability insurance to protect you, our valued customer.
Why we do what we do…
Mark Mathews, Vice President - Strategy
Our Team
Fred Tavoleti, President
Fred has been in the aviation industry for over 25 years. In addition to his role at Memphis Propeller & Accessories LLC, he is currently the President of our sister company, Floats and Fuel Cells, Inc. and FFC Services, Inc. Fred is passionate about continuous improvement and developing new ways to become better operationally and through our products and services supporting the aviation industry. He strives to put the company’s employees and customers in a position to be successful. Fred began his career at KPMG Peat Marwick and completed his career in public accounting with Rhea and Ivy CPAs. Fred gave that up for aviation! And loves it! When not working, Fred enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering at various local charities and spending time outdoors.
Mark Mathews, Vice President - Strategy
As a manager/owner of Memphis Propeller & Accessories for over 32 years, Mark’s desire is to see the company continue to provide world-class propeller and accessory sales, service and support. Our goal is to continue to grow, learn, educate and advance top quality service and workmanship that we, and our customers, can be proud of. And to do it all at a competitive price. Mark has been in the propeller business and an owner of MP&A for over 32 years. Mark’s father, Ken, fell in love with aviation in the 1970’s getting his private, commercial, multi and instrument ratings. In 1979, Ken teamed up with his good friend, Les, to purchase Les’ father-in-law’s propeller shop, H & S Propeller, in Warren, MI. Mark would work with his father during summer months. Ken was and is an excellent mentor and teacher. In 1992, Mark met the owner of Memphis Propeller at an industry meeting, and discussed acquiring the business. A deal was struck, and Mark and his wife Kim moved to Memphis having two daughters along the way.
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DONALD JOHNSTON
Vice President of Operations - Email
In the propeller and starter world for over 42 years, Don has a wide variety of practical experience, and is known as an outstanding “blade man” – able to straighten, repitch, twist, and repair all manner of blade issues. Don built our starter-generator shop from the ground up and manages our repair station and accessory department. Don's contribution to the Starter Shop and the organization as a whole is vast and he is a certified A&P, IA, and Repairman. Don is an outstanding leader and vital part of our shop! -
TYLER WILLIAMS
Shop Manager - Email
Tyler began working at MP&A in 2010. He began in the blade overhaul department which is, by far, one of the most critical roles in our shop. After years of mastering blade inspection, repair, rework, balance, and overhaul, Tyler began training as a technician. After years in that capacity, Tyler stepped into the Chief Inspector role when our previous Chief Inspector passed away unexpectedly. This was a pivotal time for our organization. And for Tyler. He very capably rose to the occasion. Tyler is now our Shop Manager and brings a great wealth of hands on experience, know how, and leadership to our team.
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STEVE RITCHIE
Chief Inspector - Email
Steve came to Memphis Propeller & Accessories LLC already having gathered decades of real world propeller experience. Working stints in Connecticut, Ohio, and Florida, Steve brings a fantastic combination of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to our shop. With well over 40 years of lessons, it is an honor to have Steve leading out on the floor. Steve loves motorcycles and traveling.
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JEFF CHURCH
Administrator - Email
Born right here in Memphis, Jeff brings a great deal of warehouse, parts, shipping and receiving, and logistics experience. Jeff is over the office on the propeller side of things and when he isn’t working, loves music (both listening and performing), fathering his five children and one grandchild, and following sports.
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SAMMY WILLIAMS
Administrator - Email
Sammy is a woman of great spirit and contagious energy. Her enthusiasm infuses the office. Sammy worked in retail for years and brings a great dedication and can do attitude to the Starter aspect of the office. Sammy loves music, raising her two children, and enjoying friends and family.
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TRONG D VU
1st Lead Technician
Trong began his propeller career in the Vietnamese Air Force in 1966. Shortly after immigrating to the U.S. in 1975, he returned to propeller work, and has been with Memphis Propeller for over 40 years, accruing countless certificates for factory training and Level II NDT certified in Dye Penetrant, Magnetic Particle and Eddy Current Inspection. Trong has been an integral part of this business since its very beginning.