So…What does Auralis LLC do?

So…what does Auralis LLC do? This has been a question I’ve been asked - and, admittedly, dreaded.

Because if people are still asking, it means I haven’t figured out how to communicate what Auralis actually does succinctly.

But as an engineer turned small business owner, I can’t say I’m surprised. I’m wired to problem solve, not for marketing.

Still, answering this question is part of constructing the runway between what Auralis does and the value we deliver.

So…what does Auralis LLC do?

Auralis LLC is a small, woman-owned, DBE certified aviation consulting firm that specializes in helping airports and airlines deliver projects safely, efficiently, and seamlessly.

We provide Project Management, Stakeholder Coordination, Owner’s Representation, Airline Technical Representation (ATR), and Aviation Support Services.

If your head is tilting in that “uh huh, sure” way - stay with me. Here’s some examples of what those services actually look like in the industry.

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🛫 Project Management

Let’s say an airport is expanding a concourse but doesn’t have enough in-house capacity to manage it on top of day-to-day operations. That’s where Auralis steps in.

We work alongside the owner to establish the program structure - defining how decisions get made, where risks lie, and how information is communicated. We facilitate goal-setting and visioning workshops, build out the governance framework, and then manage the project through planning, design, construction, and into operations.

Auralis Project Management Services include:

• Developing project schedules, budgets, and work plans

• Leading cross-functional teams and stakeholder coordination

• Supporting procurement

• Managing contractor performance

• Regular reporting on schedule, budget, and risk

• Managing project turnover and operational readiness

  Auralis brings structure, clarity, and organization to keep complex aviation projects moving forward.

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🛫 Airline Technical Representation (ATR)

Most airports have airline use and lease agreements (AULA’s) with their signatory carriers. Those carriers help fund airport projects but rarely have the resources to monitor crucial project details at every airport.

That’s where the ATR comes in.

On a concourse expansion, for example, Auralis serves as the liaison and single point of contact between the airport and airlines to streamline coordination on crucial operational and safety requirements - from the gate envelope and ramp layout to back-of-house space and technology needs.

Auralis ATR services include:

• Facilitates communication and collaboration between airlines, airports, and project teams.

• Identifies potential risks early and recommending practical, cost-effective solutions.

• Representing the airline’s interests during design, construction, and commissioning.

• Providing technical review of designs and specifications to ensure alignment with airline needs.

• Supporting operational readiness and a smooth transition into service.

We ensure the facility works for airline operations – efficiently, safely, and within the approved scope.

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🛫 Stakeholder Coordination

Even the most “simple” airport project – say an HVAC replacement – has a myriad of impacts on operations, passengers, and tenants.

Auralis spearheads this coordination by developing a communication and shutdown plans that minimize disruptions and maintain a safety environment.

Auralis Stakeholder Coordination includes:
• Creating clear graphics and exhibits showing what’s happening, what’s impacted, and when
• Facilitating coordination between the project, facilities, operations, and security
• Developing passenger communication and signage plans
• Ensuring tenants, including airlines, know when systems - like comm rooms or gate podiums will be affected
• Building contingency plans to keep people and systems moving

Auralis ensures all work is executed per the approved and communicated plan.

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🛫 Owner’s Representation

As an Owner’s Representative, Auralis acts as your advocate - your boots on the ground and behind the scenes.

We represent your interests throughout every phase of the project to ensure it’s delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with your operational goals.

For example, if an airline club is under construction, we’ll manage the details like coordinating vendor installs, roof penetrations or verifying there’s no radar interference - the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a project running without delays.

Auralis Owner’s Rep services include:

• Managing scope, schedule, and budget on behalf of the owner

• Overseeing contractor and designer performance

• Reviewing solicitations, contracts, and design documents

• Identifying risks early and facilitating proactive resolutions

• Monitoring construction progress and compliance

• Supporting closeout and transition to operations

We safeguard your investment and ensure your project goals stay in focus.

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🛫 Operational Readiness, Activation & Transition (ORAT)

Before a new airport facility opens, Auralis ensures that everyone - from gate agents to maintenance staff - are ready to operate confidently on day one.

Our ORAT services include:
• Coordinating system testing and commissioning activities
• Developing operational and staff training materials
• Conducting readiness drills and simulations
• Supporting issue resolution and lessons-learned documentation

We don’t just build facilities; we make sure people are ready to operate them effectively.

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🛫 Aviation Support Services

Auralis is intentionally versatile. Our team has sat in many seats in the aviation world - airport owner, airline technical representative, planner, and project manager - which gives us a 360° understanding of airport environments.

Here are just a few examples of our Aviation Support Services:
• Updating snow and airfield priority maps
• Developing deicing operations manuals and training tools
• Refreshing or writing tenant design standards
• Assisting with terminal and cargo area planning
• Providing data analysis, SOP creation, graphics, and technical writing support

Our support services flex to your needs, no matter the size or scope of your project.

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The Bottom Line

At Auralis, we don’t just manage projects - we solve problems.

From planning through operations, our role is to ensure airports and airlines execute their goals and projects efficiently and collaboratively.

We bridge the technical and operational worlds – translating complex challenges into practical and easy to implement solutions.

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Because airports don’t just build infrastructure.
They build experiences - for passengers, employees, and communities.

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And Auralis is here to help improve those experiences, one project at a time.

Need help with a project? Reach out to us HERE and we’ll get a call set-up to see how we can help solve your unique challenge.

Thanks for reading!

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Window Seat Reflections from the NWAAAE Annual Conference

As I stare out the window at the fiery sunset reflecting off the clouds while descending over the Wasatch Front, I feel an overwhelming sense of fulfillment – both from spending time with nearly 400 aviation professionals and from the decision to launch Auralis LLC earlier this year.

The only other flight I’ve seen with more eyes and cameras pointed out the window was when the northern lights made a surprise appearance on a red-eye somewhere over the Dakotas.

So, what’s so special about this flight?

At least twenty-five passengers are aviation professionals returning from the NWAAAE Annual Conference in Colorado Springs.  We’d spent the last few days connecting over a common passion – aviation, and the NWAAE vision:

“To engage and inspire our members by delivering innovative services and by collaborating with stakeholders to advance the aviation industry.”

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Below are a few reflections and conversations that stood out to me from this year’s event.

💡 Make the decision to Act, to Serve, and to Innovate.

In his closing remarks as Chapter President, Andrew Martz, Assistant Airport Director at Eugene Airport, encouraged us to act, to serve, and to innovate.

This message resonated deeply with me. Our industry, like many, is at a multi-faceted inflection point.

One facet being technology. With advances in advanced air mobility (AAM), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), hydrogen propulsion, and AI, aviation is evolving faster than ever. Because of this, the airport industry will look dramatically different in ten years.

Another facet is institutional knowledge. Decades of experience serving airports are nearing retirement – a ‘silver tsunami,’ as Pete Higgins, Chief Operating Officer at Salt Lake City International Airport put it. This is happening at a time when U.S. air travel is breaking passenger records.  

The challenge before us is clear: the next generation of airport professional must be developed, supported, and empowered to lead.

This theme had come to life earlier in the conference during a session from the Salt Lake City Department of Airports, where they shared their approach to cultivating future leaders through their Airport Leadership Academy – a thoughtful, internally developed program to prepare the next generation.

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🧩 It's the Small Things that Add Up. 

Incoming NWAAAE chapter President Tony Bean, Executive Director of Moscow-Pullman Regional Airport, shared an important reminder:

“It’s not going to be the big things; it’s going to be all the small things that accumulate.”

Tony’s words reminded me of a note I had pinned on my bulletin board in high school:

“A jug fills drop by drop.”

Back then I applied that quote to my soccer training, but it’s equally true in the industry.  Every mentoring conversation, every STEM Day we attend, and conversation about what we do is crucial to creating a stronger industry.

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🚀 Big Things Start Small

The conference included two dynamic keynote speakers who shared powerful lessons from their experiences.

Keynote speaker retired Brigadier General Kristin Goodwin reminded us that,

“Big things start small. Technology alone doesn’t bring success - it’s the people. When you take care of your people they’ll soar.”

These reminders tie back to what Auralis was built on - aligning mission and people to deliver results. Technology, innovation, and process matter, but the backbone of any project is its people. When they feel valued, trusted, and supported, the project will succeed.

And keynote Olympic javelin thrower Kara Winger shared a powerful perspective on transitions and perseverance:

“Only you know if you’re doing your best.”

“Embrace the new title - you don’t know what it’s like looking down the cliff of retirement until you do it.”

Having recently retired, Kara spoke candidly about injury recovery, and navigating life transitions.

Her story resonated deeply with me  – especially this year as I navigate the challenges of launching a new business. There are some conversations laced with judgement, but as Kara shared, only YOU know if you’re doing your best.

Auralis taking flight has been my version of standing at the edge of that cliff – and it’s been so worth it!

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❤️‍🔥 The Passion in Aviation Is Contagious

Whether it was a conversation going into the minute details of a airport project, or the sessions on air service, sustainability, or wayfinding, one thing stood out: everyone in this industry is passionate – some in very specific niches. This passion drives progress.

In an era when many large projects are awarded to mega-firms, it was inspiring to hear how Portland International Airport (PDX) and their consultants intentionally built teams rooted in collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect. PDX incorporated a local consultant with extensive wayfinding experience with industry experts.

The result? Wayfinding that truly works!

That same philosophy guides how Auralis approaches every project – by adding tangible value to teams through our diverse experience as an owner, airline technical representative (ATR), civil engineer and airport planner.

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🌍 So What Can You or Your Organization Do to Give Back?

Like many things in aviation, this is a complex challenge and requires intentional investment of time, resources, and strategic partnerships. No single person or organization can solve it alone.

At Auralis we’re taking the ‘jug fills drop by drop’ approach to become more involved and serve. Here are a few initiatives we’re pursuing:

· Serving as a TRB ACRP Ambassador to promote the wealth of research available to airports.

· Serving as a Co-Chair on the NWAAAE Young Professionals Committee.

· Sharing my experiences through outreach and mentoring through Women in Aviation and in conversations with my alma mater, Michigan Tech.

· Writing a children’s book about aviation - because there’s no better time to start learning!

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🌅 Looking Ahead

As the sun sets across the airfield while I wait for my connecting flight, I’m reminded of what makes this industry so special. It’s not just about runways, terminals, or projects - it’s about the people.

The NWAAAE conference was filled with knowledge sharing, laughter, adventure stories, and a shared sense of purpose. I left inspired – to act, serve, innovate – and to continue building Auralis around those same values.

✨I’m proud to be part of this aviation community - and committed to leading with the same purpose, integrity, and passion as those who’ve inspired me. ✨

Thanks for reading!

Advantages of Working with A Small Specialty Consulting Firm like Auralis LLC

In project execution, the size and brand recognition of the consulting firm doesn’t necessarily determine the success of a project. Large, internationally known firms bring a nearly endless supply of resources with a broad portfolio across many industries. Meanwhile small, focused consultants like Auralis bring specialty experience in a narrow industry – for us that’s transportation, and more specifically, aviation.

These small consultants bring unique and niche advantages to a project team.

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Here are the advantages of working with a small specialty consulting firm, like Auralis LLC:

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1.  Direct Access to Senior-Level Experience

With a small consulting firm, you work directly with the decision-maker from start to finish. There aren’t layers of management to navigate or handoffs that hinder execution.

What does that mean for clients?

• Clear communication.

• Faster decisions.

• Ownership in all details of the project.

2. Increased Flexibility and Adaptability

Large firms often have rigid processes that slow contracting, invoicing, or even execution. Small firms are able to adapt quickly to a client’s needs and system.

Whether it’s responding to an unexpected challenge or a scope pivot mid-project, small consultants are agile and responsive in ways larger firms often cannot be.

3. Unique Dedication to Success

It’s hard to describe just how personal every project is to a small firm. Because each project isn’t “one of many,” the care and dedication to demonstrate value leads to more successful outcomes.

This level of investment creates a stronger alignment between client success and the consulting firm.

4. Cost Effectiveness

Because small firms have a lower overhead, they provide senior-level expertise at more competitive rates. Clients receive exceptional service and specialized knowledge without the added costs of a large corporate structure.  

More experience at a lower cost - what client doesn’t like that?

5. A Broad Network of Experts

Small consultants rarely work in isolation. To deliver comprehensive services, they build strong partnerships and maintain trusted relationships with niche experts – from lighting to concessions to jet blast studies and beyond.

This vast network gives clients direct access to vetted specialists who might otherwise be unknown.

The result? A project team with experience tailored to the unique challenges of aviation projects.

6. Problem Solvers Who Wear Many Hats

Running a small consulting firm means carrying out the responsibilities of a large firm with fewer resources. That reality creates professionals who are versatile, resourceful, and thrive on wearing many hats.

Instead of being pigeonholed into a narrow role, small consultants think holistically, anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and step in where they are most needed.

This is a huge advantage when a project takes an unexpected turn.

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Closing Thoughts:

Working with a small specialty consulting firm isn’t a compromise – it’s an advantage.

Direct access to senior expertise, flexibility, dedication, a vast and trusted network, and versatile problem-solving are all critical to successfully delivering a project.

At Auralis LLC, we’re proud to be a small, women-owned, DBE consulting firm that brings these advantages to our clients.

We’re inspired by the aurora borealis. Aviation is our focus. And we’re built to deliver projects with excellence.

What advantages have you seen in working with small firms?

Let’s continue the conversation!

Thanks for reading!

Five Parallels Auralis Owner Jen Moore found between Business Ownership and Triathlon Training

Five months ago, Auralis LLC took flight! I’m not the person who ever aspired to start their own business – of course I was in awe of these entrepreneurs but never aspired to be one. 

This year I also trained for and completed my first two triathlons! And again, I was never the one who had dreams of competing in triathlon – marathons sure, but add swimming AND biking modalities, no thank you. But, the allure of marathons has dulled and I wanted a new challenge.  

2025 was unintentionally shaping up to be the year for BIG new objectives.  

Naturally, the advice began to pour in. Friends and former colleagues, family, and strangers. Everyone was sharing their advice.  

I vividly remember the conversation where I realized triathlon training and business ownership have so many parallels. While (impatiently!) waiting for scores to come in for a local golf tournament I played in, I joined some fellow competitors on the clubhouse patio. The overlap clicked while they were generously offering me advice on both topics.  

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Here are five parallels I’ve found between business ownership and triathlon training: 

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1. “A Goal without a Plan is Just a Wish.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 

Spend the time to figure out what you want, why you want it, and how you’re going to do it…And then you’ve accomplished your goal! Ahh, if only it were that simple.  

Triathlon: I signed up for two triathlons in January and bumbled through ‘training’ for two months before my coach gave me some tough love that a triathlon involved THREE disciplines – SWIM, bike, and run…This was something I inherently knew, but had conveniently been avoiding that swim discipline. I didn’t grow up a swimmer, so I harbored a certain amount of intimidation showing up to the pool.  

So, we made a plan to ease into pool swimming, then progressed to open water swimming while incorporating ‘brick workouts’ – combination workouts of bike+run or swim+bike to allow my body – both physically and mentally - to adapt to the stresses of triathlon.  

Business Ownership: Fortunately, from the start of Auralis LLC I established my initial business goals in conjunction with a plan to achieve these goals and have been navigating the waypoints. Not always sequentially – because with any plan you have to be willing to update the plan to address new information or opportunities.  

2. You Can’t Do Everything at Once (unlike that gif of Spongebob heroically tackling all the house chores at once…) 

We all KNOW this, but that doesn’t stop us from trying anyways. 

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Triathlon: During triathlon training I started incorporating brick workouts on back-to-back days with the thought process – if I’m biking, isn’t a run directly following it an easy win to elevate my training!? Insert my coach reminding me that bricks are incredibly taxing on the body and I shouldn’t be doing bricks back-to-back because I was unnecessarily increasing my risk of injury for minimal adaptations.  

Business Ownership: In business ownership it was immediately clear the list of to-dos is never-ending and unlike SpongeBob, a single person is unable to do it simultaneously. This is where trusting my waypoints and navigating to them helped prioritize what was most important. Extremely critical items like LLC formation, business bank account creation, and getting a business credit card were the first enroute waypoints with other important items like website creation, certifications like DBE, WOSB, and EDWOSB being planned to further down the timeline. 

3. The Goal is Progress, not Perfection!  

In many aspects of my life I’m a serial perfectionist, so this has become a regular reminder.  

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Triathlon: When training wasn’t going to plan due to travel or fatigue the perfectionist in me defaults to – well the entire week is ruined! It will be better to just start again next week…but for obvious reasons this isn’t the mentality that gets you confidently and strongly across the finish line. I embraced the fact that it’s impossible to be perfect, and that showing up is the key to success. This got me across both finish lines faster than I imagined!  

Business Ownership: With the never-ending to-do list, I’ve chosen to embrace progress > perfection. That’s especially evident when it comes to my initial website version – one day before attending a conference I hit ‘publish’ on www.auralisllc.com and had to accept that even though the website wasn’t the perfectly polished website I had envisioned, it was functional and communicated the basics of Auralis. In the months since I’ve hit publish I’ve continued to make incremental improvements to revamp and add pertinent sections.  

4. Take the Time to Set the Foundation 

If you rush to the end goal without establishing the foundation, there’s the likelihood it will all come crashing down.  

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Triathlon: When I was easing into swimming I started with no expectations, just get in the pool and spend time with a kickboard and a pull buoy. The first session included no freestyle swimming and was barely 15 minutes, but I celebrated just getting to the pool. Over the next two months, I continued easing into swimming with the main focus to improve my stroke and breathing. This meant 95% of the session was using a kickboard or pull buoy, with the occasional 25 yards of freestyle swimming sprinkled in.  

As my confidence increased, I increased my pool freestyle swimming and worked up to the open water, dragging my husband along as a pseudo ‘lifeguard’…and that’s when I was slapped with the harsh reality that pool swimming is not open water swimming…there’s murky water, waves, siting, swimming into seaweed, the possibility of sharing the water with a snake…the list goes on.  

This felt like a big crack in the foundation I had been so patiently constructing. But progress - not perfection…and this is where #5 comes in to save the triathlon (you think I’m kidding, I’m not!) 

Business Ownership: A large part of the foundation of a business is the name, logo, mission, values, and tagline. These are typically the first impression of a business and a basis for all aspects of the business.  

This is why I spent hours ‘namestorming’ before landing on Auralis, a nod to the curiosity, movement, and wonder of the aurora borealis – much like flight! I then spent many more hours doodling before settling on an initial logo which I then reworked just a few months later to better reflect the services Auralis LLC offers. 

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With those key components set, I moved onto reflecting on the ‘why’ of Auralis, ultimately settling on the mission statement – flight plan if you will –  

To seamlessly deliver aviation projects with an unwavering commitment to collaboration, safety, and efficiency.

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Then the Auralis vision – our destination -  

To revolutionize airport projects by pioneering innovative solutions and fostering collaborative excellence, creating a new precedent for efficiency and success.

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From there I worked to establish our tagline, an opportunity to give people a hint into what Auralis does.  

Aurora Inspired. Aviation Focused. Built to Deliver.

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The foundation for Auralis is set! 

5. It’s Worth the Investment to get the Correct Tools 

Cutting corners may seem like the right decision in the moment, but some tools pay for themself immediately...then again and again.  

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Triathlon: Remember that crack in my swim foundation that developed from open water swimming? That was ONE MONTH before my first triathlon. Prior to that swim I had been resisting investing in both a wetsuit and open water swim lessons because I thought they were unnecessary. But during that swim I knew I needed both, and quickly.  

So that day I ordered a wetsuit and contacted a triathlon coach. One week later I stood in my wetsuit on the beach of a local pond with the triathlon coach after swimming 800m with my coach providing technique adjustments, answering my array of questions, and providing a swimming plan. In just those few weeks before my first sprint triathlon my confidence in open water swimming SOARED.  

Business Ownership: I’ve always been a proponent for investing in hardware and software to work more efficiently. That is especially critical when you are the sole employee of a small business. So I’ve researched and made investments in tools and support to streamline my operation and that has made all the difference in protecting my time (and sanity!).  

I’ve truly enjoyed embracing the process of triathlon training and business ownership simultaneously. Both require constant commitment and learning, and neither have a true finish line – there's always another race or another project to take on.  

BUT Churchill says it far better than I can -  

“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.”  

     -Winston Churchill 

Thanks for reading!