Our Team
With 30+ years of aviation expertise, Nathan has established a reputation as a "go-to" subject matter expert for all things business aviation. Following a distinguished stint as a U.S. Air Force Crew Chief, Nathan transitioned to the private sector and, within six years, had become Director of Maintenance at a Fortune 500 flight department, where his thoughtful leadership and deft navigation of market challenges quickly made him an authoritative voice within the industry.
Thoroughbred Aviation’s emergence as a leading business aviation brokerage and consultancy firm directly results from how Nathan does business: correctly, professionally, and with the utmost respect for everyone. His growing clientele includes major business aviation organizations, global financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals.
Nathan Winkle
Founder & CEO
Spencer’s zeal for taking on the toughest challenges has helped him become one of the world’s leading aircraft sales experts. An extreme sports aficionado growing up, he quickly gravitated to the world of flight while completing his Aviation Management degree at Auburn University. He has since worked with major corporate flight departments, entrepreneurs, owner-pilots, and high-net-worth individuals to provide a seamless and comprehensive transaction experience.
Spencer’s aircraft knowledge is bone-deep, bolstered by a relentless commitment to market research that enables him to find clients the right aircraft at the right price. He launched Thoroughbred’s brokerage and acquisition services upon joining the firm in 2020, creating a turnkey service that removes the hassle and uncertainty from aircraft transactions.
Outside of the office, Spencer is an avid Auburn sports fan, car enthusiast, aspiring watch collector, gym rat, and mediocre golfer. Spencer lives in Macon, GA where he enjoys spending time with his wife Chloe and beloved English bulldog Shug.
Spencer Mitchell
Partner & President
Melanie’s behind-the-scenes prowess is a key reason for the smooth, precise business that clients have come to expect. After developing her financial acumen earning a bachelor’s in accounting from McMurry University, she helped launch Thoroughbred Aviation in 2016 and plays an instrumental role in keeping the company’s administrative demands under control as it rapidly grows.
When Melanie isn’t keeping track of the immense stacks of paperwork required for aircraft transactions, she’s bringing the same optimistic attitude and tireless drive to coordinating her family’s frantic scheduling demands – somehow always managing to make it work.
Melanie Winkle
Controller & Co-Founder
Lee Brewster
Vice President
Lee’s career started in an FAA Part 147 school, where she was active in career advisement and compliance. Lee was a founder of and served as the Executive Director of NCATT, which evolved into the ASTM NCATT Certifications and are now recognized as an alternate means of compliance for obtaining the FAA Repairman’s certificate. Her career naturally progressed to FlightSafety International as the Product Sales Manager for the DFW Center's maintenance training. Her responsibilities encompassed the full line of Falcon Jets, Gulfstreams, Honeywell engines/avionics, and the Pratt & Whitney Canada engine line. Next, she took her experience and passion for people and optimizing operational performance to Flightdocs, where she was named the Vice President of Marketing and Engagement after the acquisition by ATP. In 2022, Lee joined Thoroughbred, where she works directly to enhance and optimize internal operations and build a unique customer experience in the aircraft transaction space.
Lee holds a bachelor's in business administration and a master's in Education, Technology Leadership. She is chair of the Tarrant County College Aviation Advisory Board, secretary of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Maintenance Committee, co-chair of the International Aviation Womens Association's Career Growth Committee, and active member of other regional aviation groups.
Part of the Thoroughbred difference is that we live and breathe business aviation. Below is a sample of our dedicated involvement in this industry:
Nathan
FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificates
FAA Inspection Authorization
Student Pilot
NBAA Maintenance Committee (Chairman Emeritus)
Spencer
Private Pilot
FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam)
Board Member, Alabama Business Aviation Association
Volunteer, Aviation Career Enrichment
Lee
International Aviation Womens Association
NBAA Maintenance Committee Secretary
North Texas Business Aviation Association
Tarrant County College Aviation Program Advisory Committee
Women in Corporate Aviation