Avfuel establishes scholarship to honor longtime customer

In celebration of long-time customer Jeff Baum of Wisconsin Aviation’s recent induction into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF), Avfuel Corp. has established the Jeff Baum Scholarship, which will be geared toward candidates interested in pursuing a career in aviation business management.

The scholarship will be held by the Community Foundation and the WAHF and be available in January 2014.

Baum founded Wisconsin Aviation in 1981. The company has since grown to the state’s largest full-service FBO/aviation service provider and operates at three locations: Dane County Regional Airport (KMSN) in Madison, Watertown Municipal Airport (KRYV), and Dodge County Airport (KUNU) in Juneau.

Baum partnered with Avfuel for the provision of fuel and services early in the company’s existence and has been a valued friend to and champion of the fuel supplier ever since, Avfuel officials said.

“Jeff Baum is much more to Avfuel than simply a customer,” said Craig R. Sincock, Avfuel president and CEO. “He’s been a trusted advisor when we’ve solicited his feedback. He’s been an advocate for the Avfuel brand and our programs. Most importantly, he shares the same passion for and commitment to aviation that we embrace at Avfuel. We could not be more proud to call Jeff Baum our friend, and we are thrilled to see him recognized by the WAHF.”

Baum’s devotion to aviation has been expressed through his service on multiple state and national aviation committees. Wisconsin Aviation has been continually recognized as an outstanding business and aviation company at the state, regional and even national levels. Baum, who resides with his wife Krys in Watertown, has logged over 17,000 hours as a pilot — with no plans to stop.

“Jeff Baum has built an incredibly successful career out of his passion for aviation — he eats, sleeps and breathes it and he still loves it,” said Marci Ammerman, Avfuel Vice President, Marketing. “He advocates tirelessly for our industry and works to keep flying accessible and enjoyable. By establishing this scholarship in his name, Avfuel hopes to help him accomplish that goal. We are excited to see what the future holds for Jeff, Wisconsin Aviation and the recipients of the Jeff Baum Scholarship.”