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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

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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.