I grew up in the town where Mr Kirlin and his businesses are based, have lived there on-and-off, and know him through various personal and professional circles. I also am formerly of the aerospace industry myself.
The Kirlin’s occupy a very particular role in the city.
once operating the largest franchise of Hallmark stores for nearly 60 years before quickly going out of business a few years ago. Other Kirlin defunct businesses include “The Fly”, a Blue jeans only store in the 80’s, KSNI (Kirlin Super Net Inc) a dial-up ISP in the 90’s.
The mentioned Kirlin of the story used to run “The World Freefall Convention” the largest skydiving convention in the world. For about a week and a half the small Airport would be beset by 10,000 skydivers and cessnas. One quirk of Quincys airport is a super long runway that can support a DB Cooper style 737 jet landing, so one would be chartered to allow 100s of skydivers to do high altitude jumps.
Unfortunately the convention ended because of the Bible-thumping city leaders didn’t care for the weeks of debauchery that were part of the festival attendees.
I lived in Quincy for about ten years and grew up in Hannibal.
I've met several members of the Kirlin family and Don's a sharp, cordial guy. I find it interesting that he's made so good a go at such an unconventional business when other members of the family have had such problems in speciality retail. I wonder where the Hallmark store business would be if Don had been in charge.
I'll not comment on the ISP because I used to work for a competitor with a fierce rivalry.
It is the longest runway I’ve ever landed on that did not have a tower system. After doing a few general aviation flights into that airport at rare times of congestion, I can see why the United crash happened.
I’m happy to answer questions people may have.