SAS / NinjaBill
Re that old saying about needing a large fortune to make a small fortune (in aviation); one only has to look at the typical business operator in there to see where it comes from.
Many have no money, no business skills, and are attracted to flying as some sort of romantic pursuit.
Some have money, no business skills, are attracted to flying as some sort of romantic pursuit, and quickly team up with a fast talking cowboy who has the gift of the gab, has no money, and no business skills.
Some have money, have business skills from another trade but seem to forget them the moment they get “involved”.
The reason many businesses last as long as they do is because there is always somebody willing to turn up at 8am and sit by the phone, even if they are not getting paid.
In the right location it can be done. It takes capital, good marketing, good management, well chosen instructors (not from the school next door) who get on with each other, and slick premises. Plus a total lack of Cessnas and Pipers
Having a licensed engineer on the staff would be a huge help with operating costs; I have seen this both with licensed individuals who get much cheaper flying than anyone else, and with licensed owners of multiple identical aircraft who lease them off to schools.