Hunter Bernal, General Manager for Freeman Jet Center at the Lake Charles Regional Airport (KLCH) started in the FBO business in Houston, TX as a line service technician while earning his Bachelor of Business Administration degree majoring in supply chain management at the University of Houston-Downtown Marilyn Davies College of Business. He learned much about airport aviation and made impactful relationships with coworkers, pilots, and customers during this time.  Upon graduation he began looking for growth opportunities at area FBOs and accepted an opportunity as line service manager for Freeman Jet Center Lake Charles in January 2020.  In April 2021, he assumed the General Manager position at the same facility. Hunter is also currently working towards a Master of Arts degree majoring in leadership at the Dallas Theological Seminary.

Leadership qualities have radiated from Hunter from a young age.  He credits his strong support group of family, friends, educators, and church members in his development of these qualities through entrepreneurial and volunteer opportunities.  He started his own lawn company with a friend during his freshman year in high school which continued for eight years.  During this time, he also worked in construction with his dad. He added the construction business to his lawn business and supported church members in recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey by leading construction crews to demo several flooded houses.  During high school and college, he volunteered with his church in many capacities.  Seeing that they lacked a group for people in the college and early career age, Hunter saw an opportunity to fill a hole in the church which subsequently saw regular growth.  He has also produced several video presentations including a video titled Shattered Dreams showing teens the dangers of drinking and driving. 

Hunter grew up flying radio-controlled aircraft with his dad and grandpa, building relationships with pilots who share the same hobby, and, ultimately, Hunter earned and now holds a commercial pilot and flight instructor certificate. If he is not at the Freeman Jet Center leading his team, he is likely flying and sharing his passion for aviation with others.