By Shawn Staerker
Ever had that moment where everything just clicks? For Jeremy Meyers, founder of Brakes Off Media, it happened at 30,000 feet over Iraq—but the journey that got him there started way back when he was just five years old, standing on the flight line at an air show in Spokane, Washington.
Here’s the scene: It’s 1990, and young Jeremy is watching the Thunderbirds scream across the sky for the first time. The roar of the jets, the smell of jet fuel, the sheer power of those aircraft—he was hooked. Fast forward to today, and this U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant has been to over 140 air shows across multiple countries, worked on F-15s and F-16s, and now runs Brakes Off Media, his own air show media company. But here’s the thing: his coolest moment wasn’t what you’d expect.
The Mission That Changed Everything
As a young crew chief in Iraq, Jeremy launched an F-16 on what seemed like a routine mission. When the pilot returned hours later with barely 500 pounds of fuel left (basically running on fumes), Jeremy was confused—there were no mechanical issues reported. A week later, the pilot showed him the mission footage. Jeremy’s pilot had stayed airborne, circling overhead a convoy that had been hit by an IED, protecting coalition forces as they rescued the wounded. He’d pushed his fuel to the absolute limit to complete that mission.
“That’s when it hit me,” Jeremy says. “My job—making sure that aircraft was perfect—gave that pilot the choice to stay on station and potentially save lives.” Talk about pressure, but also talk about purpose.
Brakes Off Media: Full Throttle Into Air Shows
The name says it all—Brakes Off Media is about going full throttle, no holding back. Inspired by the demo team callouts like “brakes off, ready now,” Jeremy launched Brakes Off Media to cultivate, recruit, and revitalize the air show industry. As he approaches the end of his military career, Brakes Off Media has become his way of giving back to the community that sparked his passion at five years old.
Through Brakes Off Media, Jeremy works as Operations Manager for the Next Gen Eagles aerobatic team, creates air show content, and connects with everyone from first-time attendees to 80-year veterans of the air show scene. His mission with Brakes Off Media? Making sure air shows thrive for the next 30-40 years and beyond.
More Than Just Metal and Fuel
What makes Jeremy and Brakes Off Media stand out is the focus on people, not just aircraft. Sure, he geeks out over planes (his dream ride? A Hawker Hunter, no hesitation), but whether he’s shooting photos, writing reviews, or working a show, he’s constantly connecting with fans and sharing stories that inspire.
His advice for anyone wanting to break into the air show industry? Get mentors. Not just any mentors—people who’ll give you real talk when you need it. Jeremy still calls up his old commander from his early days when he needs to “word vomit” about life and get recentered. That’s the kind of authentic relationship-building that turns passion into profession.
Flying on Faith
Here’s where it gets deep: Jeremy talks about the Blue Angels flying 18 inches apart, so close that sometimes the wingmen can’t even see the boss’s plane because of the sun. They’re literally flying blind, trusting the voice in their headset to pull them through each maneuver safely. For Jeremy, that’s life—sometimes you can’t see where you’re going, but you trust the voice guiding you. It’s why his motto is “Under His Wing.”
Your Turn to Take Off
Whether you’re into aviation, looking for your calling, or just trying to figure out what “full throttle” looks like in your own life, Jeremy’s message through Brakes Off Media is clear: Don’t let anybody tell you that you’re less than because you strive to be more. Carry your weight, know your value, and go after it.
The air show industry needs fresh blood—photographers, maintainers, planners, performers, and fans who’ll keep this incredible world alive for the next generation. So grab some donuts (Jeremy’s in-flight snack of choice), find your mentors, and remember: sometimes the best view comes when you’re flying just 18 inches from someone who knows the way.
Want to hear more of Jeremy’s incredible stories and learn about Brakes Off Media?
Check out his full interview on The Future in Flight Podcast HERE.
Trust us—it’s worth every minute.
Smoke on!
