How Kolin Jones of Amalfi Jets Is Redefining Private Aviation and Advocating for the Positive Power of Capitalism

Kolin Jones - Founder and CEO - Amalfi Jets

In a world where luxury, logistics, and legacy carriers often collide, Amalfi Jets has emerged as one of the most disruptive forces in private aviation. At the helm is 24-year-old Kolin Jones, a charismatic entrepreneur who embodies the very essence of capitalism: opportunity, meritocracy, and value creation. In a wide-ranging interview with Capitalists for Capitalism, Kolin shared the story behind Amalfi's meteoric rise and why he's unapologetically pro-capitalist.

A Hustler from the Start

Kolin's entrepreneurial journey began at 13, selling everything he could find on eBay to afford the latest iPod. That drive translated into aviation early: he earned his pilot's license by 17 and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. When COVID hit and commercial pilot jobs evaporated, Kolin saw a chance to pivot into the luxury jet market. Posing as a wealthy client, he contacted dozens of private jet companies to learn the ropes and was stunned by the lack of industry standards and knowledge.

"I realized many brokers had no aviation experience and were putting lives at risk with inaccurate information," he explained. So he co-founded Amalfi Jets at 19. Five years later, the company is on pace to cross $100 million in annual revenue, with 25 employees and a new 10,000-square-foot office. His secret? "Be louder, be better known, and back it all with excellence."

Loud, Data-Driven, and Relentless

Amalfi Jets has carved out its identity through aggressive, often flashy, social media campaigns. "Best known beats best," Kolin says, channeling advice from Grant Cardone and Brandon Dawson. Yet this isn’t all showmanship: the company meticulously tracks every aspect of the business from how clients find them to the time it takes to convert a lead.

"We're not just trying things and hoping they work. We use data to reverse-engineer our growth," he said. Kolin and his team hold daily huddles, asking new questions about user behavior, like the ratio of Apple to Android bookings, or lead-to-close times for high-value customers. "We build backwards from the billion-dollar goal," he added.

Culture and Discipline Over Comfort

Amalfi Jets is also proudly anti-remote. "If you want 3% growth, go work for our competitors. If you want 300% growth, come into the office," Kolin says. His hiring strategy focuses on mission-driven individuals who aren't escaping other jobs, but who are running toward a high-performance culture.

Frugality is another core value. Despite the company’s success, Kolin once flagged excessive snack spending in the office to save $2,500 annually. "Just because you're doing millions in revenue doesn’t mean you waste money," he said.

Lessons from the Runway

The journey wasn’t without turbulence. Early mistakes included poor tracking and lack of team coordination. Kolin started out Zooming from a dorm room. Now, every day begins with an in-office, stand-up meeting to share wins, concerns, and data-driven action items.

What turned things around? "When we stopped making assumptions and started measuring everything," Kolin said.

Why Capitalism Works

Kolin is unabashed in his defense of capitalism. "Capitalism levels the playing field," he said. "I didn’t have private equity money. We bootstrapped this whole company. The market rewards value, and punishes mediocrity."

He credits capitalism not just with making Amalfi Jets possible, but with holding companies accountable. "If we overcharge and underdeliver, we die. The consumer wins in a capitalist system."

Responding to Critics

Of course, operating in the private jet space invites criticism, especially from anti-capitalists. Kolin's answer? "We serve a need. These people can’t fly commercial. The real issue is how inefficient commercial airlines are."

He acknowledges class-based critiques, but argues that entrepreneurship born of value creation, not rent-seeking, should be celebrated. "People vilify wealth today. But I grew up middle class. I built this. Shouldn’t that be applauded?"

Advice for Fellow Capitalists

To other founders afraid of being open about their capitalist values, Kolin offers a challenge: "Be authentic. People buy from people. If you believe in capitalism, show it. That’s part of your brand."

He also encourages entrepreneurs to track relentlessly, never get complacent, and understand both sides of the argument. "The great thing about capitalism is that it forces you to evolve or vanish."

Looking Ahead

While Amalfi remains focused on charter flights, Kolin hinted at expanding into software licensing, data platforms, and monetizing its social media channels. "Jets are just one part of the equation," he said. "We're building a holdings company."

The "Amalfi Economy" may have started as an April Fool's joke, but if anyone can turn satire into scale, it’s Kolin. In his words: "Slow success builds character. Fast success builds ego. We're here to build character."

For capitalists who believe in ambition, merit, and the freedom to build something extraordinary, Kolin’s story is inspiring and also proof that the system works.