5 Minutes with Brian Garceau, Director Inventory Management, AVIAN Inventory Management
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Tell us a bit about your role at AVIAN
After over 40 years working with the airlines in various technical roles, most recently as Director of Maintenance at various airlines including Pinnacle, I thought I was ready for semi-retirement. I could not stay away though, and my role at AVIAN initially began as a consultant, to assist and train our Repairs team in the processes and procedures involved to overseeing an aircraft teardown. We traveled to the teardown facility, reviewed the potential “Harvest List” of components scheduled for removal, and walked through the Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) for each component to properly identify parts during the removal process, and understand their configuration.
I also provided guidance on best practices for documenting part information, including detailed photographs, capturing data plate information, and ensuring teardown facility procedures were followed — such as properly installing caps and plugs and protecting electrical connections and fluid lines to preserve components for storage and shipment.
Not long thereafter, the AVIAN Leadership Team offered me the staff opportunity in the lead Inventory Management role. Since then, the role has evolved significantly. Leveraging my background in aircraft maintenance, warehousing, purchasing, and repairs, I’ve worked with the team to identify discrepancies in outgoing parts, update alternate part numbers and effectivity using OEM manuals, and to improve data accuracy within our AvSight system. Over time, I’ve also supported sales, repairs, technical procurement, and warehouse operations — helping bridge technical and operational needs across all departments. While my role is still technical in nature, as with everyone at AVIAN, I am now also involved in the creation of new programs for our customers and leveraging my past experiences to the various types of customers that AVIAN works with.
What makes AVIAN different or unique?
What makes AVIAN unique is the blend of depth of real-world aviation experience behind our processes, from both a technical perspective from individuals like myself, the quality aspect, and from a financial perspective from some of the other team members. This is a unique blend. Decisions here aren’t just transactional — they’re long-term relationship based, technical, thoughtful, and based on firsthand industry knowledge. There’s very strong cross-department collaboration, and everyone is willing to step in and support where needed. That flexibility and commitment, combined with high standards and accountability, allow us to deliver quality while remaining agile in a fast-moving industry.
What was your first role in aviation?
I began my aviation career as a mechanic working in Aircraft Maintenance on ground support equipment. That experience led me into an aircraft mechanic training program, where I later earned my A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) License, which authorizes me to perform maintenance on aircraft. That foundation gave me a strong technical understanding that I still rely on today, almost 43 years later!
Why are you passionate about the aviation industry?
Aviation offers the opportunity to work in many different areas within an airline or aviation operation. It encourages continuous growth and progression into new and more advanced roles, making it possible to build a rewarding and successful career over time. Each step provides new experiences, new challenges, and the chance to connect with other aviation professionals who share the same passion for the industry.
Where could we find you on a Saturday away from the office?
On a Saturday, you’ll likely find my wife, daughter, and I enjoying time together — whether that’s at the beach, visiting Walt Disney World, exploring Kennedy Space Center, or attending an event at a local community park. We also enjoy meeting up with friends and family for dinner and making the most of our time together.
