Native to Southern Utah, Klen was born and raised in St. George, UT., where he graduated from both Dixie High School and Dixie State University. In addition to graduating with an Associate’s Degree of Science, he successfully earned his aircraft mechanics certificate along with a commercial pilot’s license.

Klen’s professional career spans over 40 years as an airline captain, flight operations director and Vice President of flight operations. His extensive flight experience includes his work with government agencies, sorting through regulations and solving tough issues. Agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Foreign Government aviation departments, Immigration Service (INS), U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have all benefited from Klen’s expertise and commitment to aviation best practice. This Pilot in Command has flown the skies totaling over 25,000 hours and, one of his favorite memories is when he gained approval to fly the 2002 Winter Olympics torch from Washington to Alaska and back again.

After retiring from the airline in 2014, he and his wife Shanette, diligently set out to design and build their dream home. The search for a builder led them to American Heritage Homes. When asked why they chose American Heritage as their builder, Shanette simply replied, “We were impressed with the quality of their homes, the price and the excellent referrals given by their prior clients and business suppliers.” Described as an “oasis in the desert, Klen and Shanette are currently living in their dream home and love everything about it.

Adventurously exploring the Amazon rain forest, Klen enjoys the outdoors, fishing in Alaska and hanging around the islands of Hawaii. He also volunteers for several weeks each year doing back country patrols for the National Park Service into the remote areas of Canyonlands National Park. Klen was a proud member of the Utah National Guard serving twelve years with the 222nd Field Artillery.

Klen and Shanette have 7 children and 14 grandchildren. ((It can definitely become “entertaining” at times!))

In addition to his excellent communication and interpersonal skills, Klen brings a wealth of expertise that benefits both company operations and client experience and communication. American Heritage Homes is very fortunate to have this “retired” Aviation expert as both a happy homeowner and team member…the epitome of the “Client for Life” philosophy.