"I was fortunate to be introduced to Captain Joel Gudger as I was less than two weeks out from an upcoming interview I had with Frontier Airlines the second half of July 2021. Captain Gudger showed a real and passionate interest in getting me prepared to do amazingly well at my interview and leave with a CJO, which I did. I describe the work he did with me, which included his Unfair Advantage Training System, as precision focused interview training. By that I mean he worked down to minute details of my answers to questions and provided salient advice on how to tailor them to provide maximum impact and interest for the interviewer. This was key to me being able to knock my interview out of the park.
Additionally, on a personal note, Captain Gudger was the most gracious, kind and warm person anyone could ever hope for. He was completely generous with his time, and when we spoke he was 100 percent focused on working with me, which meant a lot. These days it seems rare that someone really gives it there all to help someone else without wanting something in return. I can honestly say that Captain Gudger showed himself to be that rarity, and I am truly grateful and appreciative of the work he did with me and on my behalf. I found him to be the consummate professional, in every sense of the word."
Kenneth L. Card
Captain Joel Gudger
United Airlines Captain Joel Gudger developed a passion early on to help others. Having a mentor made a world of difference for Gudger in his early years trying to break into a profession which wasn’t the norm for a young man growing up in Oakland, California.
Before Joel upgraded to captain, he had already started mentoring and planting seeds of success for others coming behind him. I should know, I was one of them. Gudger took me under his wing two years into my aviation career.
Gudger became part of United Airlines Mentoring Program. In the early 2000’s that program gave him a behind-the-curtain peek at what the airline was looking for and how they assessed candidates. Years later, after the program ended, Gudger started reaching out on his own to assist individuals who had interviews with regionals and majors. Two years ago Gudger decided to offer his expertise to OBAP’s Aerospace Professional Development Program (APDP) team and since then, we have seen a huge increase in the numbers of our members landing jobs. Captain Gudger is that silent partner in the background, very quiet and rarely seen. His contribution has made a tremendous impact on the continued success of OBAP as well as the many individuals who have gotten hired as a result of his mentorship!
Captain Jamie Jamerson
American Airlines
"Joel's dedication to help others reflects greatly upon himself and his leadership abilities. The method which he use to approach all interview questions is solid and on point. It allowed me to enter my interview process with confidence."
- James Reeves,
First Officer Delta Airlines
"I strongly believe his mentoring would definitely make a difference in the lives of the individuals he has the opportunity to work with. Fortunately, I was offered a position with United Airlines and I can truly say that Joel Gudger played a major part in making that possible. The relationship that we’ve created over the numerous conversations on the phone continues to this very day. He is the same great individual today as he was when we first met and he continues to be. I highly recommend Joel Gudger to be a mentor to the youth of today because he can and will have a positive impact on their lives."
- Charles Tai
United Airlines New Hire
"Joel Gudger has a very high level of knowledge, experience and his actual line perspective helped bring out the best in me. I can honestly say that to you, his process had the greatest impact on me getting this dream job as a Delta Airlines pilot. I believe that Joel is exactly the kind of leader, pilot and teacher the organization had in mind when it was founded. The example he set and the way he walked his talk is indeed one other leaders should follow. No politics, no judgment, no pretense. Only constructive criticism and guidance for the purpose of making sure I was going to be as prepared as possible, leaving nothing to chance."
- Captain Mike S. Cantave
"I would like to thank you for your assistance with my preparation for my United Airlines interview. I was extremely satisfied with your process. Your professionalism, patience and work ethics, were highly appreciated. Working with you was very rewarding and I would highly recommend you to fellow pilots. During the preparation process, Joel was instrumental in helping with the way I answered questions that may possible be asked on my interview. He made sure my answers were clear and concise. Joel was always available, and very easy to talk to. At the end of our preparation sessions I felt very confident about my interview."
- Benedict
"Thanking Joel Gudger for his strong mentorship that helped me tirelessly to achieve my dream."
- Bevon Waithe UPS Pilot
Captain Joel Gudger embodied what mentorship is about. Because it is obvious where his support is coming from, his heart!!! Captain Gudger unequivocally has his fingerprints behind my success!! My family and I thank you for everything!!!!!
-Napoleon
I met Captain Joel in 2020, during one of the most challenging times of my life. Captain Joel, made me realize that I am a Victor and not a victim! I referred to Captain Joel as my mentor, Father figure, Friend, Confidant, and my Voice of Reason! He will always be part of my successful journey...
-Adebanke