The Team
Brotallion Blue Skies Staff
Spencer Payne
Executive Director
Spencer Payne - Executive Director
Spencer Payne
Executive Director
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
Deputy Director
Brett Kroll - Director of Operations
Brett Kroll
Director of Operations
A current Army Aviator with Michigan National Guard, Brett has a decade of experience serving in the military as well as civilian business leadership in business development, marketing, and branding.
Brett earned a Bachelors 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.
Brittany DesLauriers
Events & Fundraising
Brittany DesLauriers - Events & Fundraising
Brittany DesLauriers
Events & Fundraising
Raised as an Army Brat and Aviator’s daughter, Britt followed in her dad’s footsteps to become a UH-60 driver. She is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas as an Assistant S3 and flies (when they let her) as a PC for the Command Aviation Company. In her free time, she likes to make 15-hour drives to Colorado to shred some mountains, go on hikes with her overly energetic Malinois, Reese, and pay the man at the CrossFit alter.
Hunter Carpenter
Operations Manager
Hunter Carpenter - Operations Manager
Hunter Carpenter
Operations Manager
Hunter is a farm boy from East Tennessee who loves the dirt he lives on. He is a fellow Army Aviator with a blend of experience and a true passion for the mission.
Before his career in Army Aviation, Hunter enjoyed competing and leading in his collegiate sports career. Additionally, he worked in finance as a young professional. Currently, Hunter is beginning his quest for a graduate-level degree in business.
Hunter resides in Tennessee with his wife, Amanda (also an Aviator), and two sons Silas and Patton. Blue Skies. NSDQ.
Nick Yates
Operations
Nick Yates - Operations
Nick Yates
Operations
Nick is an Indiana native who pursued his passion for aviation in 2013 through the Warrant Officer Flight Training program (Street to Seat). Serving with the 82nd and 101st Combat Aviation Brigades as a UH-60A/L/M Aviator, he had the opportunity to serve in a multitude of mission sets across the globe. His passion for aviation and the mission culminated in his efforts to train others as an Aviation Mission Survivability Officer.
After 10 years of active-duty service, Nick has transitioned to continuing his passion for aviation in the commercial sector. Working part-time with Brotallion on The Pilot’s Lounge Podcast since 2019, he has found his home working full-time as the Director of Media for Brotallion while he continues to fly fixed-wing and pursue further aviation opportunities.
Nick, an outdoor enthusiast, avid bike-racer, and gym-goer, currently resides in Tennessee with his husky, Koda.”