The offensive lineman of aviation: Larry Studdiford’s take on niche business, leadership, and letting go

What do baggage systems, Halloween parties, and a leap-of-faith business launch have in common? They’re all part of the life Larry Studdiford has built and how he has defined leadership on his own terms.

In the latest podcast episode of The B-Side with Sri, Connico President Sri Kumar chats with Larry Studdiford, president of Studdiford Technical Solutions and a self-proclaimed “offensive lineman of aviation.” From designing behind-the-scenes systems to training the next generation of airport professionals, Larry’s story is packed with career wisdom, creative detours, and a reminder that taking a chance can pay off in big ways.

Below are a few highlights from their conversation. Listen to the full episode here, and follow the podcast for more unexpected stories. 

From accidental entry to intentional growth

Larry never set out to become the baggage belt whisperer.

“I’m a mechanical engineer by schooling, and wanted to get into aviation more from aircraft design,” he shared. “I did the cardinal sin of your first interview out of college and did not research the firm I was interviewing with … Luckily, we hit it off. That’s how I got into it – totally by accident.” 

What started as a misstep turned into a career. In fact, it was the lack of clear training paths in the industry that led Larry to start his own firm and eventually, a new curriculum for future airport leaders.

Building a business when the sky’s the limit

Studdiford Technical Solutions wasn’t born from a perfectly polished pitch deck. It was built on relationships and reputation.

“I never intended to grow the company like this,” Larry said. “There was no business plan. I figured it’d be me and a handful of people. When we looked at the services available in our industry, there was a hole for better expertise.”

That hole, paired with Larry’s grit and humility, became an opportunity to serve a very specific need in aviation. It also became a lesson in trusting yourself, even if the road ahead isn’t mapped out.

“If you’re thinking about starting something niche, jump,” he said. “You can always go back.”

Leading with care (and learning as you go)

When you love the technical work, letting go of control is hard. Larry and Sri both get that.

“We get into this because we love the work, but if you want to move up, you’ve got to sit inside the office,” Sri said. 

For Larry, that led him to start his own business. Now, he stays connected to the work by trusting and caring for his team. 

“I’ll wake up at 3:30 in the morning worrying about someone on the team,” he admitted. “They’re like family. You want to make sure everyone’s okay, not just the business.”

That mindset shapes everything from hiring to benefits to his biggest leadership question: “Who’s your replacement?”

“You’ve got to let go and rely on people. Always hire people who are smarter than you,” he said. “The goal isn’t to hold onto everything. It’s to build something that can last without you.”

Training the next generation for a new era

One of Larry’s latest efforts is a college-level curriculum on baggage systems, developed in partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

“It’s designed for people who want to get into baggage system consulting and design, and for airport managers who want to understand how these systems work,” he said. “Because most people don’t even know what they don’t know.”

The first course is set to launch in September 2025 as an asynchronous, remote offering. If it’s successful, Larry is fine with the idea of working himself out of a job.

“I hope it does replace me,” he laughed.

Why hobbies matter, especially for leaders

When Larry’s not running his company or designing a course, he’s likely jamming in his garage band or throwing a Halloween party that draws dozens of families to his backyard.

“You’ve got to have something that lets you unplug,” he said. “That’s been very healthy for me. I don’t bring baggage – literal or emotional – home with me.”

That balance might be the most inspiring part of Larry’s journey: he’s built a business that fits who he is, not just what he does.

Or, as Sri put it: “That’s The B-Side of making a career out of a job.”