Craig Siegel and his friend, Todd Rome, formed Blue Star Jets, a private jet charter business. Here’s how he became an entrepreneur and a Florida Design reader.

Q. How did you start Blue Star Jets?

A. I co-founded the company with Todd in 2000. We had both worked on Wall Street and started our own financial companies in the 1990s. When we developed the idea for Blue Star Jets, we sold our companies, arranged venture capital and launched ourselves into the private jet charter business.

Q. Who are some of your clients?
A. We serve captains of industry, politicians, entertainers, athletes and families. We have handled concert tours for Rod Stewart, Jessica Simpson, Sting and Jewel. Joe Torre and Sammy Sosa are customers as well.

Q. How is your company different from others?

A. With Blue Star Jets, there are no acquisition costs, and no membership, management and maintenance fees. You aren’t locked into one type of aircraft or a contracted number of hours. You can charter any size aircraft and have it in four hours.

Q. What is your primary focus?

A. We offer our customers “Quality, Safety, Flexibility and Service” at a reasonable price. We have over 2,500 airplanes in the States and 1,400 overseas, with offices in Boca Raton, Boston, Chicago, New York and Phoenix.
Q. What are some of your special services?

A. We offer complete concierge service and handle most requests such as gourmet meals, X-Box, movies, manicures, pedicures and massages.

Q. How did you become familiar with Florida Design?

A. I’ve been reading the magazine for many years, starting when I lived and worked in New York City. Florida Design is “the bible” for people who enjoy the finer things in life.

Q. Where do you live?

A. My wife and I have homes in Boca Raton and in South Hampton, N.Y. We also have an apartment in New York City.

Q. How has your family used Florida Design?

A. We’ve used the magazine as a resource for all of our homes. We have made many purchases from Florida Design sources and always keep a file of clippings from the magazine. When we meet with our designer, we refer to our Florida Design file all the time.

Q. What do you like best about Florida Design as a business owner?

A. The magazine’s upscale readership is exactly the right market for the private jet industry. Many of the readers travel frequently between their multiple residences. Hopefully, they will travel on a Blue Star Jet.

For more information about the company, call 877/FLY-BSJ1, or go to www.bluestarjets.com.