Director of Product Development
Born and raised in Horn Lake Ms., Gene Shackelford; full name, Walter Eugene Shackelford ,youngest of 2 sons born to Bill and Kate Shackelford. Gene attended Horn Lake Elementary, Junior and High School. He played baseball and was in the band. In late 1972 with the help of his father and uncle built his first hot rod which he still has today. That was the start of a lifetime of mechanical interests and businesses.
In 1971 Gene started work part time at a automotive tire store after school and continued there until mid 1975 when he left to pursue a opportunity in the aerospace industry at Southland Aviation in West Memphis Ar. Early in 1976 Southland closed and he went to work at Aircraft Interiors in Memphis Tn. where he was the shop foreman.While working on the aircraft he became intrigued with flying and acquired a private pilots license .
Seeing the potential the aircraft industry offered he decided to go out on his own in late 1981 opening Aero Interiors in West Memphis Ar. in the same location as he had first started working in the industry in 1976. Late in 1990 the opportunity came available for the FBO at General Dewitt Spain Airport in Memphis to expand into the aircraft maintenance business with long time friend and aircraft partner Bill Starnes.
Custom Aero Services offered fuel sales, aircraft maintenance,aircraft rental,flight instruction and interiors. It operated until 1996 and was sold. In 1996 Gene started a mobile aircraft maintenance and interior business going to the customer to perform the work.
In 2004 the opportunity came available to purchase a soundproofing and insulation products line and SoundEx Products and Plane Patterns were formed.The company started with 22 aircraft patterns and have expanded it to 68 at present. Product R&D have expanded the product line from 4 products to 13. Gene has accomplished the task of self taught CAD drafting.
In 2011 Les Hooper went to Gene with a plan to put together a group of people and products to help save energy and the environment. Therefore HMS Energy Solutions was formed.
Gene’s extensive automotive, aircraft, marine and industrial experience will be a valued asset to the HMS team.
FAA Airframe and Power Plant Technician
Single- Multi Engine Instrument Pilot
NavTech Master Marine Surveyor
Mobile Air Conditioning Society Certified