Her Story
About Chelsea
Chelsea Groves is the owner and operator of RealClean Aircraft Detailing in Wichita, Kansas, where she leads one of the region's premier aircraft detailing franchises. After building a successful career in nursing, Groves made the bold transition into aviation entrepreneurship, inspired by her husband's active-duty aviation background and a desire to pursue a new professional challenge. Since launching the business, she has overseen every aspect of its growth, including operations, hiring, human resources, compliance, customer relations, payroll, and strategic networking, establishing a reputation for exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail. Drawing on years of experience in healthcare, Groves brings a disciplined, quality-focused approach to aircraft detailing, emphasizing precision, safety, and customer satisfaction. A former college athlete, she credits her competitive mindset, persistence, and hands-on leadership style for the company's rapid expansion in Wichita, widely recognized as the Air Capital of the World. She is deeply involved in the local aviation community through networking events, sponsorships, and industry partnerships, while continuing to build relationships that support long-term growth and elevate standards within the aircraft care industry. Committed to continuous learning and professional development, Groves is currently pursuing her pilot's license to further immerse herself in the aviation world and better serve her clients. She believes in leading by example and encourages other women to confidently pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated industries, emphasizing that competence, determination, and strong relationships are the keys to success. In recognition of her entrepreneurial achievements and community impact, Groves was selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Influential Women Magazine, representing Wichita, Kansas, as one of the city's emerging business leaders.ir capital of the world. She is also pursuing her pilot's license while immersing herself in the local aviation community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chelsea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of competitiveness, determination, and a hands-on leadership style. As a business owner who invested my own savings into building this company, I have always been deeply committed to its success. I believe in leading from the front, staying actively involved in daily operations, and building genuine relationships with customers and industry partners. Being accessible as the face of the business has helped establish trust and credibility, while consistent networking and community involvement have played a significant role in growing our presence and expanding the company in a relatively short period of time.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received has come through the mentorship and example of two people who have greatly influenced my journey. My husband, David Groves, introduced me to the aviation industry and helped me build the knowledge and confidence needed to establish credibility in a field that was completely new to me. I have also been inspired by Dustin Zeitler, the founder of RealClean Aircraft Detailing, whose vision, persistence, and commitment to excellence transformed the company into a nationally recognized brand. Their guidance taught me that success is built through continuous learning, strong mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to quality, principles that continue to shape my leadership and the way I grow my business.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women is simple: go for it, especially if you're entering a traditionally male-dominated industry. Confidence, hard work, and expertise will always speak louder than stereotypes. Throughout my career, I've experienced moments where people underestimated me based on appearances, but those assumptions quickly changed once they saw my knowledge, leadership, and commitment. The aviation industry is becoming increasingly welcoming to women, and there has never been a better time to pursue opportunities with confidence. Don't let outdated perceptions hold you back—your abilities, determination, and professionalism are what truly define your success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe the aviation industry offers tremendous opportunities for professionals who are committed to delivering exceptional quality and building lasting relationships. While it can be challenging to establish yourself in a highly specialized, relationship-driven industry, those challenges create opportunities to earn trust, develop expertise, and demonstrate reliability. As customer expectations continue to rise, businesses that prioritize innovation, consistency, and outstanding service will continue to stand out. I believe success comes from staying actively involved in the aviation community, listening to customers' needs, and approaching every project with accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are integrity, continuous learning, hard work, and genuine relationships. I believe in leading by example, staying actively involved in my business, and always striving to improve both personally and professionally. Aviation has become more than my career—it is a passion—and I enjoy immersing myself in the aviation community, attending industry events, learning from others, and continuing to expand my knowledge. Outside of work, I value spending time with my husband, supporting college sports, attending concerts, and pursuing new goals, including earning my pilot's license. I believe that maintaining curiosity, building meaningful connections, and committing to excellence are the foundation of lasting success.
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