Ron Barry grew up in humble circumstances in 1950's Newark, New Jersey. By the age of 17 both of his parents had passed away and he was on his own.

Starting out as a mechanic's helper he managed to save enough money to buy a hot dog cart, which allowed him to save enough to buy a truck. He soon parlayed the money he made making deliveries in Manhattan into a bigger truck, and then a trucking company. He became a true American success story.

Ron always wanted to fly. In Fairfield County, New Jersey, he started taking lessons.

Flying proved to be liberating, even groundbreaking for Ron.

Growing up in Newark he was used to the police rousting him when he traveled outside Newark. As in, "You're from Newark, what are you doing here? You don't belong here, don't let us see you here again."

So when his flying instructor told Ron he could land anywhere...anywhere!...he couldn't believe it. But it was for real, and it opened the world for him.

These days Ron lives in Florida where he's the co-owner of St. Augustine Team Realty, known locally as "SA," "The Team," and "St. Augustine Team." He's the married father of three sons and a daughter. His youngest son, Michael, started flight training when he was 9-years old and got his pilot's license while in high school

Ron still flies and encourages others to learn.