Brian Bird knows the skies. For over 35 years, he’s worked as a pilot and pilot trainer. He has flown for commercial airlines and piloted private planes for people across the globe, including Bob Dylan. These days, he’s conducting pilot trainings for Southwest Airlines and with his own company, North Lakes Aviation. Bird recently built an airplane hangar to house his four planes and hired Aluminum Cabinet Co. to make it a welcoming and practical space.
Bird originally worked with Aluminum Cabinet Co. 15 years ago. Back then, he needed to build out a racing trailer. He was impressed from the get-go. Then, about five years ago with retirement looming, Bird decided to create the ultimate man cave in an airplane hangar. It would be a space for him to tinker, to host guests and pilots, and a safe place for his plane collection. To make it perfect, he gave ACC three tasks: build shop cabinets, a kitchen unit, and office furniture. ACC went to work.
Shop Cabinets
In one corner of the hangar, you’ll find bright blue cabinets. These were built specifically to house all the tools and items needed for plane maintenance and upkeep.
Kitchen Cabinets
In the shop, you’ll also find a kitchenette cabinet set. Bird had ACC build a custom kitchen area for the hangar. It’s perfect for making a quick meal or hosting guests. It contains some unique pieces – a counter table top stove, a breakfast bar with room for chairs to fit under, and plenty of storage space for celebratory champagne for passengers.
Office Desk
ACC also made Brian a desk and bookshelf for his office. The desk is aluminum with a butcher block top.
“It all looks so great and they are going to last forever,” says Bird. “The whole team is so personable and good at what they do.”
The Design Process
Kelly O’Toole, the owner of ACC, worked closely with Bird to create his vision.
“Kelly met me at the hangar. We walked through the area and I explained my vision,” says Bird. “Throughout the walkthrough, he gave me his thoughts and ideas on how it would fit and the best plan for the layout. He really worked with me to get the job done right.”
Lasting Impressions
The overall project has exceeded Bird’s expectations. Each set is unique and perfectly fits the hangar space it was built for. He’s an avid fan and would recommend ACC to anyone.
“I would absolutely recommend them,” explains Bird. “Their product is built extremely well, their customer service is done right, and I’ll have these cabinets for years to come. I’m so happy with how they all came out. Working with Kelly and his team was a pleasure.”
Where Next?
Up next, you’ll find Bird flying to Gatlinburg, Tennessee with his wife for 4 days in a month.
After that?
The sky’s the limit.
