Today we’d like to introduce you to Gareth & Joy Williams.
Gareth & Joy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 1973, Gareth began his aviation journey in the UK through the Air Cadets program, soloing a glider in 1977 at just 17 years old.
Between 2008 and 2010, while vacationing first in the Outer Banks and later in the Florida Keys, Gareth took two biplane rides that ignited a lifelong passion for open-cockpit flying. In 2010, he purchased his first biplane—a 1942 Navy Stearman.
In 2014, Fly-Hope-Dream was born—a nonprofit dedicated to offering free biplane rides to families who had experienced the heartbreaking loss of a child.
In 2015, Gareth embarked on a seven-week journey across the country in support of Fly-Hope-Dream, flying his Stearman biplane from Pennsylvania to California. Along the way, he gave 67 individuals representing 41 families touched by loss — sharing the healing joy of flight at every stop.
Gareth and Joy met in February 2020, just weeks before the world was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. They quickly formed a connection rooted in shared values and purpose. Their relationship grew steadily, leading to their marriage eight months later, in October 2020.
In 2021, Gareth and Joy escaped the cold and snow of Pennsylvania for a few weeks in sunny Florida. The following year, they returned—and this time, decided to make it permanent. In 2022, they relocated to Florida.
In 2022, Joy left her full-time job so she and Gareth could focus on planning an exciting new chapter—an adventurous and purpose-filled journey into retirement. They began searching for the perfect biplane to launch a scenic ride business along Florida’s beautiful Gulf coast.
In 2023, after an extensive search across the country, they finally found their beloved Gracie, in northern Florida. With her, Suncoast Biplanes was born!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Certainly not! Regulatory hoops to jump through, the usual financing challenges of starting a new business, health issues, building our brand, the seasonal variation in our customer demographic.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our PURPOSE is bigger than flight
We exist to create wealth—not for personal gain, but to fuel ministry, support charitable work, and build a lasting legacy for future generations. Many are familiar with the biblical principle of tithing: giving 10% of one’s income to God’s purposes. Fewer know of reverse tithing—the radical idea of giving away 90% and living on just 10%. That’s the vision that drives us. It’s bold, countercultural, and deeply rooted in faith—and it’s the kind of generosity we aspire to embody.
Suncoast Biplanes is our family’s way of investing in eternity—by creating moments of joy that ripple outward.
We reside in Lake Suzy, FL. Our family includes —Isaac & Carissa, Debs & Matt, Timmy, Bryce & Tara, Sean and five grandchildren – Nehemiah, Norah, Andrew, Beatrice and Arthur.
“Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” — Matthew 5:48 (The Message)
The VALUES that define us
F – Fun in every moment
L – Lifted by Grace
I – Inspiring new perspectives
G – Giving freely and generously
H – Held to the highest standard of Excellence
T – Think SAFETY FIRST
See our website for more details on exactly what we do. We recently won Small Business of the Year 2025 with the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Starting a small business is harder you think…even if you think it will be hard! You will need patience, tenacity, perseverance and resilience. A strong support base is also essential. Our faith and church family got us through the tough times. As every small business owner will tell you, cash flow is the biggest challenge when you’re starting out.
Pricing:
- Please see our website for details
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Suncoastbiplanes.com
- Instagram: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/suncoastbiplanes
- Facebook: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552731671049
Image Credits
Jenny Underhill, Funky Palm Productions Punta Gorda (image of Gareth & Joy only)
