The GSE Podcast

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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

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with your colleagues and peers in the ground support equipment community
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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.

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In this episode of the GSE Podcast, host Matthew Weitzel sits down with Steve Thody (CEO, JFK Millennium Partners) and Jared Verano (CEO, Fortbrand Services) to explore the groundbreaking pooled ground support equipment (GSE) program at the new Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport.

Key Topics:

• JFK Millennium Partners’ leadership in the $19 billion redevelopment of Terminal 6, with major partners like Vantage Group, American Triple I, RXR Realty, and JetBlue.
• Introduction of the first large-scale pooled GSE operation in North America—leveraging technology, electrification, and collaboration to transform ramp and maintenance operations.
• Insights into the pooling concept: shared, high-efficiency, predominantly electric equipment managed through advanced telematics and supported by a carefully designed infrastructure.
• Collaborative, airline-driven selection process for vendors and ground handlers (Dnata, ASAK, WFS, Airway Cleaners) to promote buy-in and operational excellence.
• Discussion of operational risks and solutions, including charging infrastructure, backup power, safety, preventative maintenance, and robust training/certification programs for ground handlers.
• Vision for sustainability and customer experience, with digital signage and transparent operations.
• Plans to track progress and success by safety, efficiency, and industry impact—establishing JFK’s Terminal 6 as a model for airports globally.

Notable Quotes:

• “The emphasis is going to be on us to make sure we provide the equipment, get the correct training, and maintain robust certification for ground handlers.” — Steve Thody
• “This is the first time we’re seeing a trifecta of partnership—airport, airlines, and operators—pushing for innovation together.” — Jared Verano

Listen in to hear how JFK’s Terminal 6 is setting new industry standards for safety, sustainability, and efficiency in ground operations.

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 trace the real state of GSE electrification with Allen Energy, from lead acid to lithium, gate power hacks to mobile carts, and the path toward high voltage and autonomy. Practical fixes, safety truths, and a universal identifier that finally tames mixed chargers anchor a grounded, useful talk.

• Allen Energy’s origin and shift from material handling to GSE 
• Lead acid dominance today and lithium’s rising share 
• NMC, LFP, and NCA roles with embedded safety and heating 
• ACT dual‑port chargers, ActView telemetry, and firmware support 
• Gate charging realities and 400 Hz compatibility 
• The mobile Juice Box cart bringing power to equipment 
• Telematics for remote diagnostics and faster uptime 
• Cold weather charging rules and heater management 
• Lead‑to‑lithium retrofits, controller parameters, and CAN signals 
• High voltage timeline, EV alignment, and standardization needs 
• Universal “Todd Box” identifier for cross‑brand charging 
• Autonomy readiness with wireless charging and safety considerations

If this episode resonated with you please share it with your colleagues and peers in the ground support equipment community your support is invaluable to us 
We'd appreciate if you could take a moment to rate and review our podcast

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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Mallaghan unveils their groundbreaking e-commerce platform designed to revolutionize how customers access and order replacement parts for their ground support equipment. After 18 months of development and data preparation, this intuitive system allows users to search by serial number, part number, or common nouns with integrated images for easy identification.

• Built on the Shopify platform with full integration capabilities for maintenance management systems
• Features customized pricing based on existing customer agreements
• Includes real-time order tracking from processing through delivery
• Maintains shopping carts for 60 days for convenient reordering
• All 60,000+ part descriptions rewritten in noun-first format for improved searchability
• Future plans include expanding beyond parts to service programs and PM kits
• Platform designed to complement rather than replace Malahan's personal customer service

Join us at GSE Expo in Las Vegas on Tuesday at 1:00 PM for the official launch of Malahan's e-commerce platform at their booth, where the team will provide demonstrations and help set up customer accounts.

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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Avro GSE shares their remarkable journey from a trading company to a full-fledged GSE manufacturer with facilities across North America and Europe. The leadership team explains how listening to customers and implementing feedback has transformed their product quality and service capabilities, positioning them as a rising force in the industry.

• Avro's transition from white-labeling equipment to manufacturing their own high-quality GSE in factories across Manitoba, Minnesota, Estonia, and Italy
• How extensive customer feedback drove improvements in parts availability, service capabilities, and product design
• The Titan series pushbacks feature innovative hydraulic and transmission coolers allowing for long-haul towing without damage
• Diesel GPUs operating at just 1500 RPM for significantly lower fuel consumption and noise reduction
• Battery-agnostic electric tractors allowing customers to use their preferred battery suppliers
• Expanded parts inventory (15x increase) with stock maintained in both US and Canada locations
• Plans for a new manufacturing facility opening in January focused on baggage tractors
• Upcoming product releases including electric equipment, air conditioners, and baggage extractors
• Company's "Best on Ground" philosophy driving continuous improvement and customer responsiveness

Visit fortbrandcom to learn more about Fort Brand's GSE offerings and flexible leasing with full-service maintenance options across North America and the UK.

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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Fortbrand and Fast Global Solutions partner to auction a special "Grounded in Hope" pink bag cart at the GSE Expo, with all proceeds benefiting the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The custom Bravo Series bag cart features white paint with distinctive pink curtains and will be displayed at Fort Brand's booth #2012, where attendees can place bids through a QR code or make direct donations.

• Auction runs September 8-17, with the winner announced at the Women of GSE event
• The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides direct support services for patients including mammograms and navigation services
• The bag cart features "Grounded in Hope" branding visible from both ground level and air
• Starting bid is $1,500 with options for direct donations for those not bidding
• Winner will participate in a collaborative marketing campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October

Visit Fort Brand at booth #2012 or Fast Global Solutions at booth #7019 during the GSE Expo in Las Vegas to learn more about the initiative and the equipment.

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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The GSE Podcast welcomes Jennifer Zucchino (IEMA Executive Director), John Jezo (Endeavor Sales Manager), and Jenny Lescohier (Editor) to discuss the upcoming GSE Expo in Las Vegas this September and its exciting new features.

• Fortbrand has acquired Xcēd, retaining all employees while expanding service offerings
• IEMA has partnered with Endeavor to create an enhanced show experience with 210+ exhibitors expected
• Only 25% of exhibitors are currently IEMA members despite significant benefits including 10% booth discount
• The reimagined Demo Zone sponsored by PCS will feature scheduled equipment demonstrations throughout the show
• The new "Layover Lounge" replaces the beer garden concept with a more inclusive social gathering space
• The "Oasis" provides shaded seating with fans, phone charging, and prime viewing of demo activities
• Ground Support Worldwide will present its Leaders of the Year Awards at the Expo
• Registration is trending up with 2,000-2,500 attendees expected
• A mobile app is being developed to enhance the attendee experience
• Electric vehicles and sustainability technologies will be prominent themes throughout the show

Register at gseexpo.com to secure your spot at the GSE Expo, September 16-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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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A groundbreaking initiative is transforming the traditionally male-dominated ground support equipment industry, one connection at a time. The Women of GSE movement celebrates its first anniversary this year, having evolved from a casual conversation to a powerful network supporting women across aviation ground operations.

Started by passionate industry professionals from companies like Mallaghan and XSEED, the Women of GSE initiative creates meaningful networking opportunities at major industry events. Their impact was perfectly captured by one attendee who approached organizers after a European event saying, "I came here not knowing anyone and I'm so thankful that I had this time to network and meet people." This simple yet profound testimonial demonstrates how these gatherings transform the conference experience, especially for newcomers to the industry.

The group has developed several ongoing programs, including monthly spotlights featuring women from various sectors of the industry—from CEOs to engineers—and is now launching their "Women of GSE Give Back" initiative. This new charitable program will support the Resurrection Preschool in Winter Garden, Florida by collecting essential school supplies during the upcoming GHI conference in Orlando. Collection boxes will be available throughout the event, accepting items like crayons, markers, and double-sided tape, along with cash donations that will be converted to Amazon gift cards for the school.

Women of GSE welcomes anyone interested in supporting their mission. You can connect with them on LinkedIn by searching for their distinctive purple logo, attend their networking event at GHI Orlando on Wednesday at 1:30 PM in the Speed Networking area, or simply stop by to contribute to their charitable initiative. As they move into their second year, their message remains clear: GSE is "a great place to work with good people" where women can thrive, connect, and make a difference both within the industry and beyond.

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.