Enstrom Helicopter Corporation names Todd Tetzlaff as incoming president
Enstrom enters a new era of growth and expansion with new leadership at the helm. We are delighted to welcome Todd Tetzlaff back to the Enstrom family as incoming president.
Todd is no stranger to the company. He first set foot in the Menominee, MI factory more than three decades ago when, while still a college student, he spent a summer working in the engineering department. After graduating, he spent the first part of his career at Enstrom, playing an integral role in designing the T-T strap installation, which is still used by our company today.
Todd left Enstrom to pursue other engineering positions at companies like Boeing and Raytheon (Hawker 4000), but he never lost touch with his former team members. He returned to Enstrom for seven years in the early 2000s, acting as the flight test engineering manager. Todd then spent the next 15 years developing his leadership skills at Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, most recently serving as a project certification specialist.
So, what convinced Todd to return home to Enstrom, this time as president? Todd said he was struck by new owner Chuck Surack’s contagious passion for helicopters and the Enstrom brand, and he knew he wanted to be a part of that. “Chuck is committed to moving the company forward,” he said. “It is great to be back with my Enstrom family.”
Current president Matt Francour said, “I think Todd is the perfect choice to lead Enstrom into this new era. He not only brings extensive aviation knowledge and experience, but also a deep love for and history with the company.”
Matt plans to begin his retirement in late April 2023, at which time he’ll officially pass the torch to Todd. “Matt has mentored me ever since I first arrived at Enstrom,” Todd said. “His guidance has been invaluable as I prepare to take the lead, and I am forever grateful.”
Todd said he’s thrilled to see the current product line reenergized with full glass instrument panels, crash-resistant fuel systems, new interiors, new paint options, and many other improvements. He said he’s also excited to lead research into longer-term upgrades.
“Enstrom has a rich history going back more than 60 years,” Todd said. “There’s something to be said about that in this industry. Many great aircraft companies have come and gone in that time. We are still here, and we plan to be for a very long time.”
Todd earned a B.S. in Aircraft Engineering Technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is an FAA licensed pilot holding CPL-H and PPL-SEL ratings. Todd and his wife Lissette have been married for 30 years and have three grown children.
We invite all rotorcraft enthusiasts to come meet Todd at this year’s HAI Heli-Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, March 7-9. The event draws in thousands of visitors every year. You’ll find Enstrom Helicopters in booth C2820. Todd would love to connect with you and share more about his vision for the future of Enstrom.
About Enstrom Helicopter Corporation
From Rudy Enstrom’s early designs in 1943 to initial testing in a Michigan Quarry in 1957 to aircraft operating on six continents, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has maintained a reputation for safety, value and performance. Based in Menominee, Michigan and proudly made in the United States, Enstrom has a rich history for design innovation. The goal is to provide helicopters to the customer’s exact specification and deliver support and maintenance worldwide.
About Surack Enterprises
Founded by Chuck and Lisa Surack, the businesses of Surack Enterprises are a group of local companies that provide trusted services, products, and experiences to countless friends and families in and around Northeast Indiana & the Midwest. As we continue to grow, our mission stays the same — always do the right thing.