Employee Highlight: Evan Sustarich, Up Before Dawn, Keeping Aircraft Ready

When you think of early birds in aviation, Evan Sustarich is top of the list—literally. As Maintenance Manager for Stevens Aerospace & Defense in Nashville, Evan’s alarm goes off at 4:30 AM so he can map out the day, prep his team, and ensure every aircraft under his watch stays mission-ready.

A Lifetime in Aviation
“I’m an Army brat—my dad spent 23 years in uniform—so aviation was in my blood first,” Evan recalls. After earning his A&P certification in 1997, he cut his teeth as an apprentice mechanic in Alaska. Thirteen years ago, he and his wife chose Nashville as home, and he knew Stevens was where he wanted to build the rest of his career.

A Day in the Life
By 6 AM, Evan is on the hangar floor leading a morning briefing with crew leaders—laying out who’s working on which jets and anticipating the inevitable curveballs. “If a problem pops up, the crew lead handles it. If it’s beyond them, it comes to me. It’s all about time management and creative problem-solving.”

What Drives Him
“For me, there’s nothing like closing out a tough project—especially those big interior refurbishments. Seeing the finished product, watching the team’s pride, and then getting a thumbs-up from a happy customer—that’s what makes the long hours worth it.”

The Stevens Difference
Evan credits Stevens’ culture—“We’re a family, from mechanics to admin, and we back each other up”—and the company’s unwavering commitment to communication and quality. “Other shops might skim over hidden issues; our QA team uncovers them. Customers come back because they know we under-promise and over-deliver.”

Words of Wisdom
“Passion has to fuel you,” Evan says. “You won’t get rich in this business, so you must love it. Integrity—doing the right thing when nobody’s looking—and dedication will carry you through 14-hour days and long weekends. And don’t forget: a supportive home life is crucial.”

Proud to Be Part of 75 Years
“To be at Stevens as we hit our 75th anniversary is an honor. Few companies last that long—especially in aviation. I told leadership from day one I’m in it for the long haul, and I plan to keep helping us move forward.”

If I Could Tell Customers One Thing
“We’re not the cheapest option—but you pay for what you get. The extra investment up front pays dividends in quality, safety, and fewer return visits. I’ve seen customers come back after trying cheaper shops—because they realize the value in doing it right the first time.”

A Message to the Team
“Thank you to every leader and teammate in Nashville. Your belief in me, your willingness to push me out of my comfort zone, and your daily support have shaped who I am as a manager. Let’s keep living our motto: under-promise, over-deliver.”

Want to meet Evan and the Nashville crew? Drop by our Music City hangar and see firsthand the dedication that fuels Stevens Aerospace.

A big thank you to Evan for his unwavering dedication and leadership.