Airport Experience® News - Leadership Issue 2025

best of them and really succeed in a business that is very competitive. I think this type of program benefits the airport operator, it benefits the terminal operator, it benefits the employees, it benefits the customers of the airport, the traveler,” says Parekh. “I think it’s a win across the board.” Mentors like Avolta’s Biagas would agree. “The impact goes far beyond simply introducing small businesses to the travel industry and partners like Avolta,” she says. “It opens doors, fosters growth, and creates lasting opportunities for entrepreneurs who may not have otherwise had a pathway into this space.” “I only wish something like this had existed back when I was first trying to break into the airport industry.” adds Love from USA’s Chinander, noting that “it was a tough road back then, filled with obstacles, long learning curves, and challenges in finding the capital to bring ideas to life. This program changes that story. It opens doors and creates real opportunities for entrepreneurs to succeed, not just in airports but across many sectors.” And for longtime local entrepreneurs like Russo, graduating from the IOC, launching in JFK and seeing the airport’s concessions program transform is a satisfying reflection of what’s to come at the global throughway, he adds. “IOC was great in leveling the playing field for women-owned and minority owned businesses, and I really commend them for that.” says Russo. “What I’m trying to bring to the table…is that you’re going to get a quality pizza or quality sandwich, a quality salad. You’re not going to be taken for granted because you’re a traveler. It’s about pride, and it’s about a commitment to your name and your legacy. We want the traveler to say, ‘When I’m traveling [through Terminal 4], I’m going to stop in here.” Danielson also touts the access afforded IOC participants. “The IOC levels the playing field, it gives me the blueprint, the network, and the confidence to step into spaces that once felt out of reach,” she says. “As a Black woman and a small business owner, that knowledge was life-changing. Left: Bklyn Blend will open locations in JFK’s Terminal 6 and Terminal 8 through licensing agreements with MERA and Onsite Retailers. Founder Keishon Warren says he found the IOC to be transformational and inspiring, preparing him for the new frontier of airport concessions operations.

Critical Mission The team at PANYNJ believes that educational models like the IOC are critical to lowering the barrier of entry for airport adjacent businesses, says Parekh. “It was part of our effort to really invest in the community that is bearing the brunt of the impacts of living or working near JFK airport – how can we share the economic opportunities with our neighbors?” The new offerings benefit airport customers, too. “What we have found is our customers want something at our airports that is unique to New York, and the way to do that is to bring in businesses that represent the best of our city and our region, and sometimes those businesses need a little support to break down barriers to entry,” he adds. “Once you break down those barriers, as we’ve seen, they can compete with the

Above: Beautiful Amore Skincare founder Amerrah Danielson calls the IOC program “an awakening.” Danielson operates a kiosk in Terminal 8 and is contracted to open in JFK’s New Terminal One in partnership with WHSmith North America, Love From USA and URW.

My story from mixing products in my kitchen and selling from the trunk of my car grew into something much bigger. The IOC gave me structure, belief, and a platform to expand my purpose.” Danielson says her advice for IOC participants “is simple: believe that you belong in every room your purpose leads you to. Don’t shrink your dreams to fit your comfort zone. The institute gives you the tools, but you are the vision that brings them to life. Take every session seriously, ask questions and build relationships because those connections become bridges,” she adds. “Be open to learning, even when it feels overwhelming, and stay grounded in your why. Show up to the outreach events, be consistent with the connections you make and look for ways to add value to others while building strategic relationships.” Warren adds that future JFK concessionaires should “be open, be prepared, and be patient. I was able to incorporate the lessons learned back into Bklyn Blend — making us a better version of ourselves,” he says. “I would also advise on going into the program with humility and curiosity. The airport space is complex, layered, and highly regulated, and the learning curve can feel steep at first. But every workshop, mentor session and peer discussion is designed to prepare you for real-world success. The more you engage, the more value you’ll get.”

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AX NEWS DECEMBER 2025 / JANUARY 2026