Team Leader of the Year 2025: Forging a Culture of Excellence at Bassco Services

In the time-sensitive world of aviation ground support, effective leadership isn't a theoretical concept; it's the bedrock upon which safety, efficiency, and operational success are built.

Amid the rumble of GSE, the precise choreography of aircraft turnaround, and the ever-present pressure to maintain seamless operations, true leaders emerge not through title or authority, but through their ability to inspire, support, and empower their teams.

Amanda Walker is the recipient of the 2025 Team Leader of the Year award from Ground Support Worldwide and a pivotal figure at Bassco Services, a Dallas, Texas-based aviation fuel farm system specialist offering custom fuel farm design services, aviation fuel distribution operation services, and equipment and facilities maintenance. As controller/general manager, she embodies this authentic leadership, and her recent recognition is a testament to the profound impact she has had on the company and its people.

To truly understand Walker’s impact, it’s necessary to appreciate the environment she cultivates. According to Trevor Langdon, aboveground storage tank inspector and GSE technician at Bassco, the company fosters a unique atmosphere, one where the demanding nature of the work is balanced by a strong sense of camaraderie.

For Langdon, who has been with Bassco for over three years, it’s an environment that feels more like a family than a conventional workplace.

This close-knit culture, he emphasizes, has been instrumental in Bassco’s consistent growth and expanding influence within the industry. And at the heart of this positive dynamic is Walker, who herself notes, "My time at Bassco has been marked by a strong commitment to operational excellence, safety, and team development."

A pivotal career milestone

Langdon’s professional journey with Walker began unexpectedly. Initially working for another company, his path crossed with hers when she engaged his firm for building repairs at Bassco. Impressed by his work ethic and potential, Amanda extended a job offer, a proposition Langdon accepted, seeking a more fulfilling role.

Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Langdon credits Walker as a significant “driving force” in his career trajectory at Bassco. Her encouragement and belief in his capabilities facilitated his progression from an entry-level fuel technician to his current dual role as an inspector.

"Throughout my career, I’ve worked under many managers and supervisors, but Amanda stands out as one of the very best," he says. "Her ability to approach situations from multiple perspectives allows her to consistently excel in her role."

He continues, "She wears many hats at Bassco, often going above and beyond - working through weekends, sick days, and long hours - to ensure the company runs smoothly. It’s easy to overlook just how much effort she puts in behind the scenes."

Langdon’s experience is not an isolated one; he notes that Walker has been a similar catalyst for growth and exploration for many others within the company.

As she reflects on her own journey within Bassco, starting in 2015 as an accounts receivable clerk/dispatcher and progressing to roles as controller and general manager, she states, "Over the years, I've had the opportunity to grow with the company, taking on roles of increasing responsibility. Today, I’m proud to lead a dedicated team that consistently delivers high-quality ground support solutions."

This personal experience of growth within the organization informs her commitment to fostering similar development in her team.

The foundation of Bassco's culture

It was this positive influence that compelled Langdon to nominate Walker for this leadership award. In his nomination, Langdon articulates that throughout his career, during which he worked for numerous managers and supervisors, Walker stands out to him as “one of the very best.” Her exceptional ability to consider situations from multiple angles allows her to consistently excel in her multi-faceted role at Bassco. 

Langdon points to Walker’s unique management style as the foundation of a workplace culture defined by trust and openness. Under her leadership, employees feel secure in voicing concerns without fear of judgment or negative repercussions. This psychological safety is paramount in fostering a collaborative and proactive environment, where potential issues can be addressed swiftly and effectively.

Langdon’s nomination stems from a deep conviction that exceptional leaders deserve recognition not only for their tangible achievements but also for the often-unacknowledged sacrifices, unwavering dedication, and quiet moments of perseverance that truly define their leadership.

Reflecting on the award itself, Walker humbly refers to the collective nature of success.

"This recognition means a great deal to me - not just personally, but also because it reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire Bassco Services team,” she says. “Leadership is never a solo effort, and I see this award as a shared achievement with the people who support and challenge me every day."

Leading by example

When asked for specific examples that solidified his decision to nominate Walker, Langdon recounts a particularly challenging period in May and June of 2023. A new federal mandate requiring the installation of secondary overfill prevention systems on all refuelers sent ripples of urgency throughout the industry. Bassco was inundated with requests from clients scrambling to achieve compliance within a rapidly approaching deadline, including a significant account with multiple FBOs spread across several states. In the face of this industry-wide pressure, Walker’s leadership shone brightly.

Langdon describes how Amanda immediately took decisive action.

"She swiftly organized comprehensive training for Bassco’s technicians, equipping them with the necessary skills to perform the required installations," he recalls. "Simultaneously, she skillfully coordinated with external subcontractors to manage the electrical work that fell outside the scope of the in-house team’s expertise.

"For three relentless weeks, Amanda worked tirelessly alongside her team. She navigated a constant barrage of early-morning and late-night calls from technicians, subcontractors, and clients across multiple time zones, often operating on minimal sleep."

Despite the inherent chaos and immense pressure of the situation, Langdon emphasizes that Walker remained remarkably composed, consistently focused, and, most importantly, unwavering in her support for her team.

"She kept the team motivated and never missed a chance to express her gratitude," he says. "Stressful situations often reveal a person’s true character, and during that demanding time, Amanda proved exactly what kind of leader she is: resilient, compassionate, and unwaveringly committed."

Langdon’s nomination clearly resonates with Walker, as she expresses, "I have tremendous respect for Trevor Langdon and the leadership he brings to our organization. Knowing that he took the time to nominate me - and to share such kind words - was both humbling and energizing. It’s a reminder of the importance of recognizing each other’s contributions and building a culture where leadership is encouraged at all levels."

For Langdon, the essence of Walker’s exceptional leadership transcends traditional metrics of analysis and logistical management, although he acknowledges their importance. He says true leadership often has little to do with formal job titles or hierarchical authority. 

"A great leader is someone who leads by example, who never asks others to do something they wouldn’t do themselves. Amanda embodies this principle every day," he says. "I’ve seen her step in to cover roles across multiple departments without hesitation - whether it’s applying replacement decals to aboveground storage tanks, cleaning out dirty tanks, restocking shelves, or organizing warehouse spaces. She doesn’t lead from behind a desk; she leads through action and presence.

"Amanda consistently demonstrates humility, approachability, and a commitment to working through challenges side by side with her team. Her leadership isn’t just something she practices - it’s who she is," Langdon said.

A true mentor

This hands-on approach aligns with Walker’s own leadership philosophy, as she states: "My main goal is to cultivate a culture where team members feel empowered, supported and motivated to deliver their best work. I want to lead by example, provide top tier support, fostering growth, accountability, and innovation."

Looking toward the future, Walker adds, "I’m focused on driving operational improvements, mentoring emerging leaders, and helping our company continue to grow and set the standard for excellence in the ground support industry."

On a related note, Langdon points to a quote by former President Ronald Reagan, who said, “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”

In Langdon’s eyes, this quote perfectly encapsulates Walker’s leadership philosophy and its tangible impact on the culture and success of Bassco Services. Her award is not just a recognition of her individual achievements, but a celebration of her ability to cultivate a high-performing, resilient, and deeply connected team within the demanding arena of aviation ground support.

He says her leadership serves as a powerful reminder that true excellence is often built not through grand pronouncements, but through consistent support, unwavering dedication, and the quiet strength of leading by example.