About Us
With backgrounds in emergency flight, commercial construction, engineering, and research, we created a firm that understands every angle of aviation infrastructure — because we’ve lived it. From designing medical bases to optimizing complex construction projects, we’ve seen firsthand what it takes to build facilities that are not just functional but exceptional.
Our Story
Our company was founded with a clear vision: to bridge the crucial gap between aviation operations and commercial construction.
After 15 years of flying critical care missions and managing an emergency flight program, our co-founder repeatedly encountered the same issue: a shortage of construction partners who genuinely understood aviation. This was particularly evident in the development of medical bases and airport-aligned facilities, where the industry was lacking.
Richard Guzan
Managing Partner
Richard A. Guzan offers a rare mix of aviation and construction expertise as SME Aviation’s Managing Partner since 2022 and co-founder of SME Logistics. He has spearheaded the design and construction of over 85,000 square feet of aviation facilities across seven states, valued at more than $25 million, including a 33,600 SF FBO and a 5,000 SF air cargo terminal in Cleveland, OH. Expanding SME Logistics from air medical support into specialized aviation construction management, he continues to bolster critical care programs while driving innovative projects. With 12 years as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic and Director of Operations at Carolina Air Care, Richard built a foundation of operational excellence and program management in emergency medical transport. He is certified in Lean Six Sigma (Green and Purple Belts, UNC) and drives cost-efficient, client-focused outcomes with collaborative expertise and field-tested insight.
Meanwhile, our second co-founder worked in engineering, research, and complex program management, leading multi-sector projects across government, academia, and private industries. Together, we left our careers in big industry to create something better: a firm that merges aviation insight, design-build precision, and deep technical strategy.
Eight years later, we are still focused on our original goals: solving problems, building trust, and enhancing aviation infrastructure to be smarter, faster, and more meaningful.
Kimberly Guzan
Founder & Owner
Kimberly Guzan is a skilled professional with a unique blend of project management expertise and scientific innovation, steering SME Aviation since founding it in 2018. She oversees a portfolio of 10+ aviation design development contracts—ranging from 2,000 to 41,000 square feet—while driving business development, marketing, and strategic communications for aviation-focused projects. With over a decade at Aramco Research Center Boston and RTI International, Kimberly contributed to managing major research initiatives, including a multi-million-dollar energy portfolio with MIT and a significant nanomaterial registry project, earning patents and a 2011 R&D 100 Award. Holding an M.S. in Polymer Science (University of Akron) and PMI certification, she excels at leading cross-disciplinary teams, delivering data-driven solutions, and advancing operational excellence in complex environments.
