Granseur Dick has always had an interest in aviation, spurred by his grandfather’s stories of flying in the 1950s and 60s.
After college, Dick took his aviation interest and began working for an airport design consultant. Looking to move back to his hometown, Dick then worked for the next 13 years with a private engineering consultant. Then, as Dick recounted, while seeking to refocus his engineering career he came across the job description for the planning and development director at the Wilmington International Airport (ILM).
“Looking at the job description, I thought, ‘man, this looks like everything I would want in a dream job.’ It almost seemed good too come true, but I’d shoot myself if I never tried,” Dick remembered. “From day one to where I am now, I have absolutely loved it.”
Quickly Dick proved to be invaluable to ILM’s growth and ability to serve the residents and businesses in the Cape Fear Region. Dick is the point staff member for the terminal expansion, a total of three contracts valued at more than $60 million. To date, he completed a $2 million temporary outbound baggage conveyor and broke ground on the $9 million airline terminal office and outbound baggage makeup system. By the end of 2019, the final contract for $45 million will be ready to begin.
The project will be a boon to the local community, which Dick says is one of his favorite aspects of the job.
“It’s the knowledge of knowing that I am a part of something that is very big for our community, not just for the airport, but for the community,” he said.
