Elite Jets earns top UF honor for Gator-led businesses

University of Florida’s Gator 100 taps Naples company led by Class of 1987 alum Stephen Myers, a neurobiology graduate turned pilot, tech entrepreneur

NAPLES, Fla. (April 9, 2024) – The University of Florida and its Alumni Association are honoring Elite Jets of Naples and alumnus Stephen Myers, Class of 1987, as one of the state’s fastest-growing, Gator-led businesses.

Now in its 10^th year, the Gator 100 annually recognizes business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs who are also University of Florida graduates. Elite Jets, a charter aircraft service based at Naples Airport, is one of just three Southwest Florida honorees and the only Collier County business on the newly released 2024 list.

“As a lifelong Floridian and proud Gator, this recognition is deeply personal,” said Myers, CAM, executive vice president at Elite Jets. “More importantly, it’s a testament to the dedicated colleagues with whom I serve each day and whose efforts are critical to our team’s continued success and growth.”

At Elite Jets, Myers oversees day-to-day operations such as flight scheduling, aircraft maintenance, customer service, information technology, sales, marketing and community relations. He also ensures compliance with FAA regulations, manages training and safety initiatives, and pilots Embraer Phenom 300 and Legacy 500 jets.

Launching his career as an entrepreneur in the tech industry, Myers founded companies that provided IT services, commercial-use drone products and services, custom software development, drone pilot training and instruction, computer forensics, e-commerce solutions, intelligent building automation and more.

A graduate of Naples High School, Myers earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology while in Gainesville. More recently, he is a Leadership Florida graduate, Class of 2023.

Myers is certified as a Computer Forensics Examiner through Kennesaw State University, with a specialty in data encryption and security. He completed the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) program through the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

About Elite Jets

Founded in 2016, Elite Jets is a premier, safety-focused charter aircraft service that serves destinations across the U.S. and abroad. Elite Jets’ fleet includes four Phenom 300s, one Legacy 500 and a Bell 407 helicopter. The company’s Embraer luxury jets are well-suited for business and leisure travelers while offering an eco-friendly, best-in-class carbon footprint. Elite Jets maintains an Argus Platinum Rating, a prestigious safety and quality designation earned by just 5% of charter operators nationwide. The company is also registered with the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (ISBAO), a set of industry-leading best practices, and the WYVERN safety data network, which displays its Safety Intelligence Report and regulatory compliance information. Elite Jets also offers aircraft management services, which include providing pilots, training, maintenance, fleet insurance, scheduling and additional services. Passengers enjoy concierge-level service from Elite Jets’ private terminal at the Naples Airport, 125 Aviation Drive South in Naples. Charter flights and empty-leg flights are available. For more information, please email peterb@elitejets.com or call 239-900-9000.