How to Start a Private Jet Charter Business With No Money | Kolin Jones of Amalfi Jets

In this episode of The James Altucher Show, host James Altucher interviews Kolin Jones, founder of Amalfi Jets, a private jet charter brokerage that grew to $140 million in revenue in just six years without owning a single jet. Jones shares his unconventional journey, starting at age 19 during the pandemic while still a college student, when he realized the private jet industry was riddled with misinformation and poor customer service. Instead of buying jets or seeking investors, he built a digital-first brokerage using cold email campaigns—sending 2,500 emails daily—to target high-net-worth clients like attorneys and executives. His strategy of relentless outreach gave him a massive competitive edge, allowing him to grow faster than his competitors. The real game-changer came when he embraced social media, particularly TikTok, posting raw, provocative content about real-life jet experiences—like clients pooping on couches or punching pilots—humanizing his brand and going viral. With over 4 million followers and billions of impressions, Amalfi Jets now generates 80-85% of its leads from social media. Jones emphasizes that success comes not from flashy spending, but from operational excellence, safety-first culture, and building trust through transparency. He also discusses the future of private aviation, the inefficiencies of commercial travel, and how his company is using AI and tech to optimize fleet availability and customer experience. Despite massive growth, Jones remains frugal, values privacy, and is focused on long-term mission-driven growth rather than quick exits.