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Posted March 27, 2026
BNA Customer Spotlight: ARQ Aviation MX & Cape Fear Coastal Aviation
Ben Zucker, Owner and CEO
At BNA CPAs & Advisors, the Customer Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS) team does more than support businesses—they work alongside them.
For Ben Zucker, Owner and CEO of ARQ Aviation MX and Cape Fear Coastal Aviation, that means having a partner actively involved in day-to-day operations—helping keep multiple entities running smoothly while planning for what’s ahead.
A Growing Aviation Operation
Based in Wilmington, NC, Ben’s companies provide a full range of aviation services:
- Cape Fear Coastal Aviation – flight training, aircraft management, and Cirrus instruction
- ARQ Aviation MX – maintenance and repair through a Cirrus service center
Together, they deliver a full-service aviation experience—from training and aircraft management to maintenance and repair—serving everyone from student pilots to aircraft owners and executive aviation clients.
A Hands-On Accounting Partner
Ben partnered with BNA in late 2024 while searching for a more responsive and engaged accounting firm.
I’ve personally used other companies and other businesses before… it feels like you pay a lot of money, but other firms kind of just hover in the background. They don’t interact with you until tax season rolls around, and then the rest of the year it’s kind of like radio silence. With BNA, it’s the opposite—we’re always talking, always communicating.
According to Ben, this is where BNA’s CAAS team really shines.
Rather than operating as a traditional accounting provider, the team acts as an embedded partner—remaining closely involved in both daily operations and long-term strategy.
Senior CAAS Advisor Kelly Watson has worked alongside Ben since he made the switch to BNA and quickly recognized the strong alignment between his needs and the CAAS approach.
Communication is central to how the CAAS team operates. The team prioritizes ongoing collaboration, moving beyond the traditional “quarterly check-in” model to build a relationship that is proactive rather than reactive.
Adaptable Support
Kelly says the CAAS team “wears many hats”—and she means it.
When issues arise, the team doesn’t hand them off—they take a full-service, white-glove approach, solving problems in real time and keeping the business moving forward.
This adaptability became especially important during a critical growth phase for Ben’s businesses.
As operations expanded, a staffing transition combined with increased complexity created pressure behind the scenes. With multiple entities operating simultaneously, certain processes began to bottleneck.
Kelly described the turning point:
“We were getting to the point where we could really start diving into the financials… but when we got there, we had to put things on ice and shift our scope.”
The CAAS team quickly stepped in to stabilize operations. During system conversions, they identified gaps in configuration that required additional troubleshooting and cleanup.
“We jumped in and helped keep things as smooth and seamless as possible.”
That’s what is meant by (CAAS) being an accounting partner—it’s about staying on top of the details, recognizing when something isn’t quite right, and being ready to shift focus when needed.
This level of involvement goes beyond traditional accounting. It reflects a commitment to being flexible, responsive, and present when it matters most.
Communication & Trust
For Ben, the difference is clear: ongoing engagement—not just periodic interaction—is what defines a true partnership.
“It’s like the difference between seeing your doctor once a year versus having someone consistently monitoring your health,” he explained.
The CAAS team remains closely connected—offering continuous insight, proactive guidance, and real-time support.
As Kelly puts it, “We’re running alongside him—serving as a true business accounting partner.”
Impact Beyond the Numbers
Kelly Watson, Senior CAAS Advisor, and Katherine Henriquez, Accounting Services Support
To better understand Ben’s operations, members of the CAAS team—including Kelly Watson and Accounting Services Support specialist Katherine Henriquez—traveled to Wilmington for an on-site visit.
During their visit, they experienced the business firsthand, including a flight with one of Ben’s pilots. This provided valuable insight into the training programs and aviation services the company delivers.
“It was really cool,” Kelly shared. “It gives you perspective. This is what we do, but this is what they do, and you really get to see the impact.”
The visit also highlighted Ben’s commitment to developing the next generation of pilots. Through discovery flights and hands-on instruction, his businesses help students and aspiring professionals build both skills and confidence.
At the same time, Cape Fear Coastal Aviation contributes to the growth of the Wilmington community by providing valuable services, training opportunities, and economic impact.
Moving Forward
As Ben continues to scale his businesses—with plans for expansion and new facilities—the CAAS team remains closely involved, helping guide decisions, support operations, and maintain alignment across entities.
At BNA, strong client relationships are built on trust, communication, and a shared commitment to growth.
In a world where not a lot of people understand the tax aspects and niche things that go on with different businesses, it’s important to find a partner that will help you remain engaged and guide you along that track.
The CAAS team is focused on delivering exactly that—a hands-on partner and trusted advisor dedicated to helping businesses move forward with confidence.
Explore Ben’s Businesses:
- Cape Fear Coastal Aviation – https://flycfca.com/
- ARQ Aviation MX – https://arqmx.com/
Contact BNA Today
If you’re a business owner looking for reliable financial guidance, we’re just a call away. Reach out to us at (803) 366-8371 or email us at success@bnacpa.com to see how we can support your goals.
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