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A single email from an airplane window changed everything. We sit down with David Dick of Wilcox GSE to unpack how a Canadian truck body manufacturer spotted an opening in aviation, listened closely to operators, and built a fast-growing line of non-powered equipment and purpose-built trucks that stand up to ramp reality.

David walks us through the early days—cleaning shop floors, studying criminology, running production—and the moment he realized a baggage cart is, at its core, a box they already knew how to build exceptionally well. From there, the brand evolved from Wilcox Bodies to Wilcox GSE, sharpening focus on dollies, baggage carts, maintenance stands, and bobtails. We dig into chassis choices (Ford and Ram), why a 550 variant is coming, and how they approached complex steps like shortening frames and balancing loads. Along the way, he shares how a rubber isolator and smarter modularity cut axle replacement from eight hours to 20 minutes, a practical win for maintenance teams under pressure.

We also get candid about supply chains and strategy. While many pulled back during COVID, Wilcox stocked inventory and posted it online, meeting urgent demand when others couldn’t. That move introduced them to airlines and ground handlers across the U.S., while partnerships expanded service coverage to keep downtime low. And yes, we talk about marketing: David’s unedited LinkedIn walkarounds became a signature—proof that clear demos and honest talk beat polish. The conversation winds through first-time hangar awe, bringing family airside, and the community feel of GHI golf, reminding us why quality gear and dependable support keep operations—and people—moving.

If you care about stronger dollies, smarter carts, and bobtails built for real work, this one’s for you. Listen now, subscribe for more ground support stories and strategies, and leave a quick review to help fellow GSE pros find the show.

Looking for dependable and on demand ground support equipment leasing? Fortbrand is your go to partner. We specialize in tailored operating leases for airlines, cargo carriers, and ground handlers, delivering top tier equipment without the wait. From the latest electric GSE to traditional units, Fortbrand offers flexible terms, competitive rates, and a customer experience that is second to none. Keep your ramp moving with confidence. Visit fortbrand.com and experience GSE leasing redefined.

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What happens when a family-owned GSE manufacturer pairs engineering pride with a clear purpose? We head to Noonan, Georgia to talk with Malahan about a journey that started with A0 drawings and a dream, grew into two factories serving 40+ countries a year, and now fuels a 200-plus golfer charity tournament—the Shamrock Classic—raising funds for mental health and suicide prevention.

We swap stories about the founder’s late-night sketches and the long-tenured team who still carry his spirit onto the shop floor. Then we pull back the curtain on how the company scaled without losing its people-first culture: an internal app that shows where machines ship, highlights visitors, and invites families to events; a North American facility that keeps service close and relationships closer; and a product portfolio that spans de-icers, belt loaders, PRM lifts, high lifts, catering trucks, and more.

From there, we step onto the tee box. The Shamrock Classic brings airlines, ground handlers, OEMs, leasing partners, and even competitors to White Oak for a shotgun start across two courses. It’s open, welcoming, and transparent about impact. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention joins three local Noonan partners, all collaborating to direct funds where they’re needed most. Between the welcome night’s axe throwing and simulator swings, the drone footage, and, yes, the famous chicken biscuits, the day stays light while the cause stays front and center.

Curious how to play, sponsor, or volunteer next year? Reach out via the Shamrock Classic email and follow Malahan on LinkedIn for save-the-dates. If today’s conversation moves you, subscribe, share the show with a colleague, and leave a quick review—your support helps more industry pros find stories that connect craft, community, and real-world change.

Looking for dependable and on demand ground support equipment leasing? Fortbrand is your go to partner. We specialize in tailored operating leases for airlines, cargo carriers, and ground handlers, delivering top tier equipment without the wait. From the latest electric GSE to traditional units, Fortbrand offers flexible terms, competitive rates, and a customer experience that is second to none. Keep your ramp moving with confidence. Visit fortbrand.com and experience GSE leasing redefined.

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We sit down with ASAK’s CEO, Arnold Sue, to trace his path from JFK ramp hand to leading a full-service ground handler, and explore how electric GSE, telematics, and a community-first mindset are shaping Terminal 6. From equine cargo engineering to towbarless electric pushbacks, we focus on uptime, safety, and people.

• JFK roots, military discipline, and founding ASAK
• Building maintenance capability on and off airport
• Terminal 7 operations across above and below the wing
• Cargo, e-commerce, and on-airport fumigation
• How equine operations use K loaders and ULD logic
• Why electric GSE and conversion kits made sense
• Telematics for safety, battery status, and utilization
• Recruiting and growing next-gen technicians
• Terminal 6 GSE pooling, access control, and prep
• Community over competition across ground handlers
• Expansion beyond JFK to Latin America and beyond

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Looking for dependable and on demand ground support equipment leasing? Fortbrand is your go to partner. We specialize in tailored operating leases for airlines, cargo carriers, and ground handlers, delivering top tier equipment without the wait. From the latest electric GSE to traditional units, Fortbrand offers flexible terms, competitive rates, and a customer experience that is second to none. Keep your ramp moving with confidence. Visit fortbrand.com and experience GSE leasing redefined.