Connecting The Skies: Jeff Johnson On Launching The Twin Cities Aerospace Network
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, more than 55 professionals gathered at Forgotten Star Brewing Co. in Minneapolis for the inaugural event of the Twin Cities Aerospace Network (TCAN) — a grassroots initiative launched by Jeff Johnson, USAF veteran, industry leader, and Board Member for Aerospace & Defense Sales.
While the evening was warm and inviting, so too was the atmosphere: a free-flowing exchange of ideas, stories, and new connections that mark the beginning of what Johnson hopes will become a vital hub for the region’s aerospace and defense ecosystem.
“Our mission is to build and connect a community of aerospace and defense enthusiasts in the Twin Cities,” said Johnson in an on-site interview with MinneapoliMedia. “There’s a lot happening in this space locally, but much of it flies under the radar. TCAN is here to shine a light on it.”
Three Pillars of TCAN
Johnson in Balad, Iraq
Johnson explained that the network is grounded in three key activities:
Monthly Newsletter – Clear for Takeoff: A digest highlighting industry news, innovations, and community updates.
Monthly Rotating Networking Events: Hosted across the metro area, these events bring together professionals from all corners of the industry.
Guest Speaker Series: Featuring subject-matter experts addressing emerging topics like supply chain resilience, new technologies, and trade policies. These sessions are hosted by partner companies that offer their space and platform.
Since its inception in October 2024, TCAN has rapidly grown to over 550 members, reflecting a growing demand for industry connectivity.
Bridging the Gaps in the Industry
Courtesy: MN Aerospace & Precision Industries
“Many small and mid-sized aerospace and defense companies in Minnesota are doing amazing things,” Johnson said, “but they’re often unaware of what’s happening right in their own backyard. One company might be sourcing from across the country, not realizing that a potential supplier is just across town.”
TCAN is working to close those gaps—linking businesses, academic institutions, and government entities like the University of Minnesota, St. Thomas, the Metropolitan Airports Commission, MnDOT, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve.
Building a Broader Aerospace Identity
Courtesy: Minnesota Air National Guard
Johnson is also focused on changing perceptions of the Twin Cities’ industrial profile.
“People think of Minneapolis-St. Paul and they think med-tech — and rightfully so. But aerospace and defense are also thriving here,” he said. “We’re trying to elevate that visibility, both inside and outside Minnesota.”
To that end, TCAN has started building alliances beyond the state, partnering with groups in Indianapolis, Purdue University, and others in D.C. and Texas. The goal is to form a larger, interconnected national network of aerospace clusters.
Defining Success
Johnson at the MN Manufactured booth in 2024 MN State Fair
For Johnson, success isn't necessarily defined by metrics.
“A big sign of success for me is when someone shows up and says, ‘A friend told me about this group,’” he said. “It means the idea is catching on and that there’s a real community forming around it.”
Getting Involved
Johnson at a trade show in South Africa
Those interested in joining TCAN can find them primarily on LinkedIn by searching “Twin Cities Aerospace Network.” A standalone website is currently in development. The organization operates as a nonprofit and is open to all who are passionate about aviation, aerospace, and defense.
The launch event was made possible through sponsorship from Salient, Inc., a Hutchinson-based cutting tool manufacturing company, whose support helped bring together a diverse mix of industry talent for the evening.
As Johnson put it: “This is just the beginning. We’re cleared for takeoff — and the sky’s not the limit.”
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