Mr. Barents joined Cessna Aircraft Company in 1975, having served his country as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He rose though the corporate ranks and was senior vice president when he left in 1987 for a similar position with Toyota Motor Sales.
Two years later, he was named CEO of Learjet, Inc. In 1997, he founded Texas-based Galaxy Aerospace Corp, and serves as its president and CEO.