REAL JET ADDS SEASONED TEAM OF PRIVATE AVIATION PROFESSIONALS
Kenny Dichter and Robert Withers Assemble Accomplished Team For Their Latest Venture.
ATLANTA, Aug. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- REAL Jet, a REAL SLX company, has named four partners to its team; Nicole Hammond, Brad Pendergrass, Lee Esposito and Charly Martin, each bringing a proven track record in private aviation.
Launched in May 2025, REAL Jet offers its customers seamless global access to premium aircraft, with no long-term commitment required. The appointments strengthen REAL Jet's national footprint and create one of the most experienced teams in the industry.
"I've had the pleasure and the privilege of working with Nicole, Brad, Lee and Charly, and each one of them delivers above and beyond on what matters most in our business: service and relationships. They'll each be central to REAL Jet's future," said Kenny Dichter, Founder and Chairman of REAL SLX.
Robert Withers, REAL Jet's President, said, "We are putting together what I believe is one of the most talented teams in private aviation. They all come with deep experience and share a true passion for providing outstanding customer service."
The new additions to the REAL Jet team include:
- Nicole Hammond, Partner… Ms. Hammond brings 20 years of private aviation experience. Most recently, she was a senior vice president at Wheels Up, where she was part of the sales leadership team and directly responsible for the West Coast. Prior to that, she spent 10 years at Marquis Jet and NetJets as a senior sales executive. Ms. Hammond said, "When I was considering where to continue my career, there was a shared vision with Kenny and Robert. The customer truly sits at the center of everything we do."
- Brad Pendergrass, Founding Partner… Mr. Pendergrass, who is based in Atlanta, brings more than 11 years of private aviation experience. Most recently, he served as a senior vice president at Wheels Up, where he launched the company's Atlanta presence in 2016. Prior to that, he spent two decades in college football with teams in the SEC and Big Ten. He helped open REAL Jet's headquarters at Peachtree DeKalb Airport in August 2025. Mr. Pendergrass added, "The beauty of the REAL Jet model is that it allows us to have total alignment with the customer. When I look at Atlanta and the Southeast, I'm confident we will fill an important void as the premium broker in the space."
- Lee Esposito, Founding Partner… Mr. Esposito, who is based in Nashville, TN, brings 11 years of private aviation experience. Most recently, he was a senior vice president of sales at Wheels Up. Mr. Esposito said, "As the industry moves toward digitization, communication has suffered. I love that we are embracing personalized service with a team of subject matter experts."
- Charly Martin, Founding Partner… Following a four-year NFL career, Mr. Martin has spent more than 10 years in private aviation. Based in Seattle, WA, he served most recently as a senior vice president at Wheels Up. Mr. Martin said, "Many elements of private aviation in the Pacific Northwest are unique. The REAL Jet team's understanding of these intricacies positions us to win in this growing market."
For more information, please visit the REAL Jet website (realjet.com)
Follow REAL Jet on social media: @flyrealjet (Instagram), @flyrealjet (Facebook), @flyrealjet (Twitter/X), @real-jet (LinkedIn)
About REAL Jet
Created by aviation pioneer, Kenny Dichter and his partner, Robert Withers, REAL Jet delivers global access to premium aircraft with flexible booking and a commitment to safety, precision, and seamless execution. Private aviation, simplified with no long-term commitment required. REAL Jet LLC arranges flights on aircraft operated by U.S. FAR Part 135 air carriers, or foreign equivalence, who maintain full operational control of charter flights at all times.
About REAL SLX
REAL SLX is a global sports and lifestyle experience club. REAL creates and curates bespoke real-life experiences, best-in-class hospitality, exclusive offerings, exceptional benefits, and travel for its individual members and corporate partners. REAL SLX creates meaningful connections and lasting memories.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Miriam Quart
press@realjet.com
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