FAST Global Solutions and Fortbrand Unite for a Cause at GSE Expo

When the aviation ground support community gathers in Las Vegas this week for the International GSE Expo, one of the most talked-about exhibits won’t be a new tug, belt loader, or deicing unit. Instead, it will be a familiar piece of equipment with an unfamiliar twist: a Bravo baggage cart wrapped in bold pink curtains and branded with the message “Grounded in Hope.”

The custom cart is at the heart of a unique partnership between FAST Global Solutions and Fortbrand Services, who have joined forces to raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. The one-of-a-kind cart will be auctioned off during the Expo, with proceeds benefitting the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

A cart that gives back

“This initiative is about more than a cart. It’s about building a foundation of support,” said Jared Verrano, CEO of Fortbrand. “Every bid makes a difference, providing women with access to screenings, education, and the hope they need when facing breast cancer.”

The Bravo Cart auction is already live online at www.32auctions.com/fastfortbrand, with a starting bid of $1,500. Bidding will close at midnight on September 17, the final night of GSE Expo. The cart itself will be on display at Fortbrand’s booth (#2012), offering attendees a chance to see the distinctive design up close before placing their bids.

The highest bidder will not only secure a new Bravo Cart - part of FAST’s recently introduced Bravo Series - but also help provide education, early detection, and resources for those navigating breast cancer. Delivery of the winning cart will be included.

How the idea took flight

The initiative was sparked by Fortbrand’s interest in creating a meaningful give-back campaign tied to the Expo. “Fortbrand had done something similar in the past with veterans, so they came to us with the idea of doing something special this year,” explained Barb Ostrander, Marketing Director at FAST Global Solutions. “With Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and the Expo taking place in September, the timing felt perfect.”

Together, the companies brainstormed how to transform an everyday baggage cart into a symbol of solidarity. The result: pink curtains in place of the standard blue, and a striking new logo featuring the words “Grounded in Hope” alongside the signature pink ribbon.

“It was important to us that the cart not just stand out, but also carry a message,” Ostrander said. “We wanted it to be something an airline or ground handler could put into service, and passengers looking out the window could immediately recognize that this company supports breast cancer awareness.”

A showcase for the Bravo Series

While the cart’s message may take center stage, the equipment itself also marks an important milestone for FAST. The Bravo baggage cart is part of the company’s new Bravo Series, designed with input from ground handlers to meet evolving demands for affordability, durability, and faster delivery times.

“This is one of the first opportunities many customers will have to see the Bravo Cart in person,” Ostrander noted. “It’s designed to align with most fleets and addresses what our customers told us they needed. We’ll also have the Bravo Dolly at our own booth, so attendees can get a closer look at the entire series.”

By spotlighting the Bravo Cart in this initiative, FAST and Fortbrand hope to demonstrate not just the industry’s commitment to innovation, but also its capacity for compassion.

Building excitement at the show

The auction will culminate in a live announcement at the Women in GSE networking event on Thursday morning, September 18. The event, known for its “Mimosas and Mingling” format, has become a highlight of the Expo in recent years.

“Women in GSE were so supportive when we told them about the initiative,” Ostrander said. “They immediately offered to let us announce the winner during their event, which really ties everything together. It’s going to make for a fun and meaningful moment.”

To help fuel bidding activity, both companies are promoting the auction heavily in the lead-up to the show, including a podcast interview with key organizers, QR codes at the booths linking directly to the auction site, and opportunities for attendees to contribute directly to the NBCF even if they aren’t in the market for a baggage cart.

“Not everyone can bid on a cart,” Ostrander acknowledged, “but we wanted everyone to have the opportunity to be part of this cause. That’s why we’ve set up a direct donation option. Even a $25 contribution can make a difference.”

Donations can be made at fundraise.nbcf.org/FastGlobalSolutions-Fortbrand, and contributions will remain open through October.

A friendly bidding war

Organizers are hopeful that the auction will inspire some spirited competition among operators. “We wanted to create a little buzz, maybe even a bidding war,” Ostrander said with a laugh. “At the end of the day, though, it’s all about raising as much money as we can for an incredibly worthy cause.”

Both FAST and Fortbrand have committed to ensuring that every dollar raised makes it to the foundation. Even if bidding remains close to the starting price, the companies view the effort as a success. “The important part is showing the strength of this industry when it comes together,” Ostrander added.

Looking beyond GSE Expo

While the cart auction will end in Las Vegas, the companies plan to keep the momentum going through the remainder of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Fortbrand and FAST will continue promoting direct donations throughout October and will share a final fundraising total at the end of the month.

“We hope this is just the beginning,” Ostrander said. “This project has been such a fun and rewarding collaboration for both of our teams. It shows what’s possible when companies in our space partner for a greater good.”

A symbol on the ramp

For the winning bidder, the Bravo Cart won’t just be another piece of GSE. It will be a rolling symbol of awareness, visible to passengers and crews alike.

“The pink curtains are going to stand out on any ramp,” Ostrander said. “It’s a way to show employees, customers, and the traveling public that this company is grounded in hope and committed to supporting the fight against breast cancer.”

As GSE Expo approaches, all eyes will be on Fortbrand’s booth to see who emerges as the top bidder. But win or lose, every participant has the opportunity to contribute to a cause that extends far beyond the tarmac.

“Hope starts here,” Verrano said. “This is our industry’s chance to show that the equipment we build and use every day can also help build a more hopeful future.”

How to get involved

• View the auction and place a bid: www.32auctions.com/fastfortbrand

• Visit Fortbrand booth #2012 at GSE Expo to see the Bravo Cart

• Donate directly to NBCF: fundraise.nbcf.org/FastGlobalSolutions-Fortbrand

With the Bravo Cart auction, FAST Global Solutions and Fortbrand are proving that even in the high-pressure world of ground support, there’s always room to taxi toward hope.