Managing Partner
Jon Slikker Jr. joined Vince Dusters in Fall 2010 when his parents, Monica and Jon Sr., purchased the business. Before that day, he had never set foot in the crop-dusting world. As a self-described grassroots learner, he made a point of learning everything there was to know about the industry from the ground up by questioning everyone from field growers to experienced business advisors.
In his role as Managing Partner, Jon handles much of the relationship-building that happens after the office team schedules the work. He focuses on customer communication throughout the process: the in-between conversations, follow-ups, and the final wrap-up with the client. He takes pride in making sure that customers feel heard and supported, and he uses those conversations to learn what went well, what could improve, and what the grower may need next. Jon enjoys helping growers solve problems and offering solutions that lead to better field outcomes. He also loves flying, which connects naturally to his work. The more he can fly, the more the business grows, and the more he gets to do what he genuinely enjoys.
Jon brings a strong business background to the company. He earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from California State University, Bakersfield, and he has long been drawn to what makes a business run well: efficiency, operations, and growth. While in college, he gained hands-on experience managing a small furniture company under local business owner Ramona Freeze, where he first discovered he loved running day-to-day operations and helping a business succeed. When his parents bought Vince Dusters in 2010, they wanted him involved from the start, and he stepped in ready to learn.
Jon is a pillar of the community with memberships in various local organizations, including:
When Jon is not flying, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kim, and their two children, Morgan and Lucy.
Contact Jon
Manager & Owner
Monica Slikker has been part of Vince Dusters since she and her husband, Jon Slikker Sr., purchased the company in 2010. As Manager, she oversees all accounting, human resources, and long-term business strategy, ensuring the company remains compliant and well positioned for continued growth.
Monica describes her role as being in charge of the “in-house” operations, while Jon and Jon Jr. handle the “outhouse,” which humorously captures how their family-run operation divides responsibilities. Her dedicated work behind the scenes allows the rest of the team to stay focused on serving growers.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature with a teaching credential and a Master’s degree in Educational Management. Prior to joining Vince Dusters, Monica developed her business and bookkeeping skills while working on the Slikker family farm. She also taught sixth grade for 14 years before moving into administration, where she served as an IT and Data Director. Her background prepared her well for the detailed administrative duties she manages at Vince Dusters.
What Monica enjoys most about her role are the variety of challenges that each day brings. She takes pride in finding solutions that keep the business running smoothly. Outside of work, Monica enjoys sewing, gardening, and watercolor painting.
Contact Monica
Owner
Jon Slikker Sr. is one of the owners of Vince Dusters and brings nearly 50 years of flying experience to the business. He joined the company as its first helicopter pilot in 1997 and, alongside his wife and son, has since grown Vince Dusters into the thriving family operation it is today.
Raised on a small family farm in Edison, California, Jon grew up around agriculture and crop dusters, which sparked a lifelong passion for aviation. While still in high school, he began taking weekly flight lessons at a local airport and obtained his private pilot’s license. Jon worked his way up over the years, gaining experience through the Civil Air Patrol and eventually purchasing his first helicopter. His career in agricultural flying began with Cal-Organic, releasing beneficial insects over vegetable crops, before landing his first flying job spraying cotton in Mississippi to eradicate boll weevils. Then, in October 1997, he received the call to fly for Vince Dusters and began what would become a decades-long career with the company.
In 2010, Jon and his wife purchased Vince Dusters and continued its legacy as a family-run aerial application business. Today, he helps lead the company’s flight and field operations, including aircraft maintenance, crew management, and helicopter services, while supporting the next generation of leadership as Jon Jr. prepares to take over the family business.
Jon holds a Commercial Helicopter Rating and is a member of the California Agricultural Aircraft Association. While his favorite part of the job is flying, he takes pride in leading a strong crew and serving the agricultural community. Outside of work, Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons.
Contact Jon
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.