Q: How did you get into the GSE industry?
A: It was driven by oil. Oil has been a curse. I used to have an oil field construction company in California and between 1984 and 1985 the prices of heavy crude in that area dropped to less than $8 a barrel, leaving me no choice but to shut the company down and sell the facility. This essentially gave me the opportunity to get into a completely different industry. I went to Phoenix, Ariz. to visit a friend of mine and started looking for a job where I made certain there were no oil fields. During that time, America West was undergoing a large expansion and I put in an application. I met someone from AWA who introduced me to the GSE folks and I interviewed for GSE mechanic. I started April 1, 1986 (you always remember your hire dates). When I had a construction company I did most of the maintenance myself, so starting as a mechanic was a perfect fit. Within a year, I was promoted to supervisor due to my management skills gained from running my own business. Before long, I became a manager for all of GSE for America West Airlines. Like many, I worked my way from the floor up. Ten years later I was given the opportunity to come to Southwest. It was Aug. 1, 1997. I came in as the foreman for the Dallas Region. A year later I was promoted to manager of GSE system wide and then moved to the Director’s position after three years, where I am today.
Q: What major trends have you seen in the past 20 years?
A: There have not necessarily been a whole lot of changes over the years; however, the biggest trend has been the push for alternate fuels and the changes in technology. Otherwise, as we are all quite aware, the business is very cyclical.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge over the years?
A: Definitely the high cost of fuel and containing costs. No doubt, the consistent theme of containing our costs yet getting the resources that you need to get the job done to provide your internal customer safe, reliable pieces of equipment on the ramp has been the biggest challenge, and it hasn’t changed.
Q: What is your favorite part of working in the industry?
A: I would have to say I have a ton, because it’s such a fun industry to be in. But truly my favorite part of the job is working with all of the people in the industry. We are a close-knit family and I have built some great relationships over the years. I am talking about everyone: suppliers, engineers, mechanics and employees from other carriers. The people, no doubt, are the best part of every day.
Q: Any advice to others coming into the industry?
A: Run as fast as you can to another industry. Seriously, my advice to somebody who wants to get into ground support is to know what you are getting into and understand the risk involved. This industry is so cyclical. If you are going to get in, it’s fun and exciting; you will meet great people … and of course I’d recommend it, but I would also warn people coming in to understand the industry they are in and the risks that go with it. Save your money accordingly.
Q: Anything else our readers should know?
A: If you want to talk about 2006, I think barring the situations that everyone is aware of already, fuel costs, etc.; it should be an exciting and challenging year … and hopefully a better year from everything that I see in the industry. I know that we (Southwest) are back to full-speed growth. Some of my friends can’t say that, but hopefully 2006 is a year that our industry takes a turn for the better and I look forward to being a part of it. If you look at history, it’s been like clockwork; every 10 years there seems to be a cycle in the airline industry … driven by any number of issues each time. And we are in the worst downturn ever … but it looks like we are starting to pull out of it. All signs are that we are at the bottom end coming out.
