Get to Know Us
At Mid-Coast, we are proud to be owned by successful business founders who have transformed their humble beginnings into multi-million-dollar enterprises. With over 30 years of experience and a flawless safety record, our pilots and managers ensure every flight is not just safe but exceptional. Our daily operations focus on delivering real value and building loyalty through effortless booking and travel experiences. As a "YES" company, we are committed to creatively accommodating your plans, ensuring you reach your destination safely and on time.
Our People
Michael Hackley
Principal
When Mike was about 10 years old, he started a lawn care business and hasn’t looked back. He joined the Air Force and served our Country as a Crew Chief on B-52s. Since then, Mike has owned and sold several businesses. In 2020, he sold BBQGuys and Blaze Outdoor Products.
His latest venture is Metal Fab Guys, which specializes in comprehensive, end-to-end manufacturing solutions, from precision laser cutting and welding to assembly, packaging, and powder coating.
When Mike isn't founding and growing successful businesses, he loves to hunt and owns a hunting ranch called the Krazy Kajun Ranch outside of Bracketville, Texas. Mike is also an avid boater. He spends his time on his yacht, Sea Hack. Mike also surrounds himself with his good friends and family. As a devoted father and grandfather, he maintains his roots firmly in South Louisiana but branches out often to travel the world in pursuit of the next great adventure.
Mike currently lives in Baton Rouge, La.
Brooke Barnett
Principal
Brooke served six years of honorable active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, which instilled an unmatched leadership foundation. After separating from the Marine Corps, he began exploring business opportunities. He started investing in real estate and then explored mortgages. Brooke was able to help many people achieve home ownership. While continuing to gain knowledge of trends, he maintained the agility to explore other opportunities and became heavily involved in the precious metals market. This involvement led him to partner and manage multiple retail locations and wholesale operations for gold, silver, and platinum. As the precious metals market leveled out, Brooke diversified by providing innovative advertising services to the greater Baton Rouge area. While successfully leading his other businesses, he took on the challenge of bringing change and service to the DMV in Louisiana. Brooke's company, Express OMV, now serves tens of thousands of customers each and every month. He is currently the COO for Dealer Services Network, a national back-office operations solution provider for automotive dealerships.
Brooke lives in South Florida and maintains strong ties to South Louisiana.
Trae Welch
Pilot
Trae began his flying career in 1989 between his sophmore and junior year of high school. His love for all things aviation was instilled at a very young age while living on Air Force bases around the world. After he earned his private pilot's certificate while still in high school, he then attended flight school at FlightSafety Academy, Inc. where he trained along side other candidates from some of the most recognizable airlines in the world. Trae, after graduating FlightSafety then attended Northeast Louisiana University and received his Bachelor of Science in Aviation, and his J.D. from Southern University. He went on to become a member of the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council and to run a private law practice. Trae served as a prosecutor for the City of Zachary. After building a successful law practice, he returned to his first love, flying.
To this day he recalls watching episodes of "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and the televised adventures of Gregory "Pappy" Boyington. Those early memories are what founded a life long love of flying. For Trae your safety and comfort while flying is not just a job but a calling.
Trae lives within 20 minutes of the Baton Rouge Airport and is ready to fly when you are.