Brandon Schilling’s Experience and Expertise
Brandon Schilling is a career professional with extensive experience across the aerospace, defense, space systems, FMS, and MRO industries. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in business development, aviation sales, and strategic market growth. He has led and overseen the development and growth of profitable new aircraft sales, managing deal sizes ranging from $3.5 million to $700 million. Brandon has cultivated key relationships with in-country sales agents, embassy personnel, and high-ranking foreign military commanders and generals. His efforts ensured business growth by aligning business development activities with organizational strategies.
While at MD Helicopters, he identified and developed new commercial and military customers for MD products, including 500, 600, and 902 class helicopters. He developed market intelligence to focus business development efforts and created multi-year sales forecasts to meet annual operating plans.
In the space sector, Brandon worked with leading organizations such as NASA, NSPO, SpaceX, JPL, USAF, United Launch Alliance, and Astrobotics. He negotiated and contracted lunar payloads for NASA’s CLPS program aboard the Masten lunar lander. He conducted research and analysis on U.S. and international civil space markets, industry trends, policy developments, and competitive landscapes, supporting business development processes and strategic decision-making.
Brandon has also excelled in managing contracts and sales across global aviation and aerospace sectors. At Able Aerospace, he maintained and managed over 120 worldwide aviation contracts, including with major rotor wing OEMs and APAC airlines such as Bell, Leonardo Agusta Westland, Asiana Airlines, and Korean Airlines. He successfully grew a client’s business by 440% from 2019 to 2020. His expertise includes responding to customer RFPs/RFQs, negotiating long-term agreements (LTAs), and leading multi-disciplinary teams for business capture and proposal efforts.
MDC Aviation Mission Statement
At MDC Aviation, our mission is to empower Mi’kma’ki’s economic resurgence by leveraging our expertise in aviation and military equipment advisory and sales. We are dedicated to serving as a dynamic platform that champions Indigenous innovation and leadership in the aerospace and defense sectors. Through strategic procurement and targeted set-aside programs, we aim to drive sustainable growth, foster robust partnerships, and ensure our community competes on a global scale while honoring our rich cultural heritage.
Our Story
Founded by Nowlen Augustine, a proud Mi’kmaq and former US Marine, driven by a commitment to excellence and service, MDC Aviation was born from a vision of economic revitalization in Mi’kma’ki. Rooted in the enduring spirit and traditions of our people, MDC Aviation is more than a business-it is a transformative platform that bridges Indigenous heritage with advanced aviation and military capabilities. Drawing on Nowlen’s invaluable military experience and leadership, we offer cutting-edge advisory services and access to state-of-the-art military and aviation equipment. By leveraging strategic procurement and set-aside initiatives, we pave the way for enhanced Indigenous participation and leadership in a competitive global landscape. At MDC Aviation, our mission is to empower our communities, foster sustainable growth, and honor our proud legacy while driving progress in the aerospace and defense sectors.
A Growing Market and Unprecedented Opportunity
The aerospace, defense, and space system markets present significant growth potential for Indigenous-owned businesses. These industries are driven by increased government spending, technological advancements, and the expanding role of private sector companies. The Canadian government has recognized the essential role that Indigenous businesses play in driving economic growth, innovation, and community empowerment.
By incorporating Indigenous businesses into its procurement processes, the Canadian government is creating an ideal environment for companies like MDC to thrive in the following key markets:
- Aerospace Industry:
- Global Market Size: The civil aviation market is projected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%.
- MRO Services: Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for commercial aviation alone are expected to exceed $90 billion annually by 2027, driven by the demand for fleet expansion and maintenance.
- Defense Industry:
- Global Defense Spending: The global defense market is valued at over $2 trillion, with U.S. defense spending surpassing $800 billion annually.
- Canadian Defense Budget: Canada is significantly increasing its defense spending, with $35 billion earmarked for modernizing military platforms, creating procurement opportunities for companies like MDC.
- Foreign Military Sales (FMS): The U.S. FMS program consistently exceeds $50 billion annually, providing defense systems to allied nations and opening new markets for Indigenous businesses.
- Space Systems:
- The Global Space Economy is projected to grow from $500 billion in 2024 to $1 trillion by 2040, driven by investments in satellite technology, space exploration, and defense applications.
- The U.S. Space Force and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) are key players in developing military satellite systems and space-based surveillance.
Positioning for Success
Matnaggewinu Development Corp’s entry into aerospace, defense, and space systems markets aligns with this growing demand and government initiatives to include more Indigenous businesses in procurement processes. Brandon Schilling’s expertise will help position MDC as a key player in these sectors, leveraging Indigenous procurement programs and set-aside opportunities in Canada and the U.S.
Captiva Verde and MDC remain committed to building partnerships and exploring innovative solutions in these high-growth industries while fostering economic empowerment for Mi’kmaq communities.
About Matnaggewinu Development Corp (MDC)
Matnaggewinu Development Corp is a Mi’kmaq-owned joint venture focused on innovation and growth in the aerospace, defense, and space systems sectors. With a mission to create sustainable business opportunities and promote Indigenous leadership in high-tech industries, MDC leverages strategic partnerships and government procurement programs to achieve its goals. Matnaggewinu (MDC) is 49% owned by Captiva Verde.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
“Jeff Ciachurski”
Jeffrey Ciachurski
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Cell: (949) 903-5906
E-mail: westernwind@shaw.ca
Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release includes “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to completion of the transactions contemplated by, or in connection with, the Repurchase Agreement and Option Agreement, as amended by the Repurchase Amending Agreement and Option Amending Agreement, respectively, and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals therefor, the Private Placement and the use of proceeds raised in the Private Placement. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “potential”, “target”, “budget”, “propose” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: general business and economic conditions, including interest rates and the rate of inflation, the Company’s current expectations about: opportunities, market standards, vacancy and rental growth rates, demographic trends, the realization of property value appreciation and timing thereof, the price at which properties may be acquired and disposed of and the timing thereof, the availability of mortgage financing and current interest rates, assumptions about the markets in which the Company intends to operate, expenditures and fees in connection with the
maintenance, operation and administration of properties, the timely receipt of all necessary permits and regulatory approvals, the impact of geopolitical events, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and government regulations or tax laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include, among other things, the availability of suitable real estate for purchase by the Company, the availability of mortgage financing for such properties, and general economic and market factors, including interest rates, prospective purchasers of real estate, the attractiveness of developed properties and the ability of the Company to sell its properties, business competition, public health crises and disease outbreaks, changes in government regulations or income tax law, and .those described under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s most recently filed MD&A (a copy of which is available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca). The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
