The Team
Brotallion Blue Skies Board
Mike Hultquist
Chairman
Mike Hultquist - Chairman
Mike Hultquist
Chairman
Mike is a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience serving as an Army Aviator for two decades. During his time in the military, he has held several key positions, including his most recent role as an assault helicopter battalion commander. Mike has served in a variety of conventional and special operations units and has been deployed to numerous locations across the globe.
In addition to his military background, Mike has a solid academic foundation, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management from The University of Delaware and a Master of Science in Leadership from Central Michigan University.
Currently, Mike resides in North Carolina with his loving wife, Gloria, and their twin boys. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, including their beloved corgis, Percy and Polly.
Spencer Payne
Vice Chairman
Spencer Payne - Board Member
Spencer Payne
Vice Chairman
Spencer, a Tennessee native, embarked on his military career in 2009 when he was appointed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. After completing his studies in 2013, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and was commissioned. Spencer spent a decade as an Army Aviator, including a deployment to Afghanistan.
While serving in the military, Spencer co-founded the company Brotallion with two other members of his unit. He discovered his passion for entrepreneurship while attending the Haslam School of Business and decided to pursue his company full-time upon graduation. Spencer’s military service and entrepreneurial ventures are testaments to his dedication to service and his desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Spencer resides in Texas with his lovely wife, Aley, and their dog Blue.
Brett Kroll
Co-Vice Chair
Brett Kroll - Board Member
Brett Kroll
Co-Vice Chair
A current Army Aviator with Michigan National Guard, Brett has a decade of experience serving in the military and civilian business leadership in business development, marketing, and branding.
Brett earned a Bachelor’s in Geography from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He understands the demands of a career as an Army Aviator and the challenges of the family dynamic.
Brett is a passionate Husband and Father and lives in Michigan with his wife, Kellie, and their three boys, Will, James, and Collin.
Tyler Luxion
Treasurer
Tyler Luxion - Board Treasurer
Tyler Luxion
Board Treasurer
Tyler is a professional with a diverse background in finance, consulting, and military service. He grew up in Austin, Texas, and pursued his education at Texas A&M University, where he completed his BBA in Accounting and MS in Finance. He became a CPA in the State of Texas and subsequently joined Alvarez & Marsal in Houston as an Analyst/Consultant in 2016.
During his time at Alvarez & Marsal, Tyler focused on financial analysis and performance improvement for various Oilfield Service, Drilling, and E&P firms. His responsibilities also included designing and implementing internal controls for companies and conducting market analysis across different industries. Notably, he worked on a strategic project for the Houston Fire Department, contributing to the reduction of commercial fire risk in an unzoned city.
Seeking personal growth and a broader range of experiences, Tyler enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 2018. He underwent training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and later attended flight school in Fort Rucker. Currently, Tyler serves as a Platoon Leader in the 404 Aviation Support Battalion at Fort Carson, Colorado. In September, he will be attending The Aviation Captain’s Career Course (AVCCC). After completing AVCCC, Tyler, along with his fiancée Madi, will relocate to Washington D.C. to assume his first Command at Fort Belvoir.
Tyler finds great fulfillment in his work and aviation service, considering them to be the most rewarding in his life. He is eager to give back to the Army Aviation Community, particularly focusing on supporting our Gold Star families.
Kyle Kilroy
Secretary
Kyle Kilroy - Secretary
Kyle Kilroy
Secretary
A California Native, Kyle is an Army Aviator and a Project Engineer who is passionate about serving the Army Aviation community.
Kyle earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
He lives in California with his wife, Amanda, and their son Maddox.
Rob Purdy
Board Member
Rob Purdy - Board Member
Rob Purdy
Board Member
Robert Purdy is a highly experienced and well-respected aviation professional. With over 26 years of service in the U.S. Army, CW5 Ret. Purdy has a wealth of experience and training in various aircraft models. He is a graduate of several advanced courses, including the Warrant Officer Advanced Course, the Warrant Officer Staff Course, and the Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course. With over 7,000 flight hours under his belt, Mr. Purdy is qualified in a variety of aircraft, including the UH-1H Huey, OH-58 A/C, AH-1F Cobra, UH-60 A/L Blackhawk, and the AH-64 A, D, and E model Apache.
In addition to his military background, Rob holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administrative Management and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College. After retiring from the military, he continued his career in the aviation industry, serving as a Part 135 single pilot IFR Air Ambulance and Air Charter pilot. Today, Mr. Purdy serves as a SPIFR pilot in command for Memorial Hermann Life Flight in Houston, Texas, where he flies EC-145s.
Rob is married to Amy Purdy. They have one son, Nicholas, who is eighteen, an Eagle Scout, and attending college in Houston.
Ross Yates
Board Member
Ross Yates - Board Member
Ross Yates
Board Member
Ross is a partner at Gutwein Law, leading the firm’s middle market practice group. Ross focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and real estate transactions. He routinely advises mature businesses and their principals, private equity and other fund sponsors, family offices, and investors in complex transactions across a multitude of industries including manufacturing, transportation, construction, sports and entertainment, financial services, coal and other natural resources, renewable energy development, and healthcare.
Ross earned his law degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Marshall University.