august2023 - 42

Ground Support Spotlight
Spotlight on:
Brian Wemple
BY JOSH SMITH
Ground Support Worldwide:
What attracted you to a career in the
ground support industry?
Brian Wemple: After beginning to
work with ground operations and GSE
planning in 2006, I realized very quickly
the connection that operators and
mechanics have with the equipment
they are responsible for. It's an industry
where manufacturers, users and
maintenance personnel are passionate
about their resources.
GSW: What has kept you engaged in
the industry?
BW: Whether it is working with other
ground handlers, airports or GSE
manufacturers, it always feels like
working with family. We all absolutely
appreciate the value of working together
for the greater good of the industry.
GSW: What's the best advice you've
been given while working in this field?
BW: Take risks... and focus on
success. Establish a small number
of really important goals and create
forward-looking measures to ensure
these really important goals will be
achieved. Measure results and establish
accountability. Make sure people have
what they need to be successful.
GSW: How have you seen the ground
support industry change the most
during your career?
BW: I've often joked the ground
support industry has been stuck in the
" SOS " (Same Old Stuff) program for
years. In the past few years, I've seen
many companies focus on design and
engineering improvements and bring
to the market innovative products and
solutions. This is good to see; I hope the
industry embraces the changes so that
ground handlers can implement safer
and more efficient services.
42 || Ground Support Worldwide || August 2023
GSW: What's the next big thing
coming to the ground support
industry?
BW: The GSE industry needs to
further develop new and innovative
solutions that help handlers generate
higher levels of safety and efficiency.
Handlers that successfully implement
improved safety and efficiency tools will
ultimately find long-term success. I see
automation, robotics and AI tools being
key to generating future success.
GSW: What type of an impact
will it make?
BW: Any changes within airline
environments take significant amounts
of coordination between airlines,
handlers, airports, regulatory agencies
and equipment manufacturers. Having
leaders that are willing to step up to
the plate and work collaboratively
with stakeholders will drive significant
impact to the industry - how equipment
design matures, how we train operators
and ultimately improved solutions we
can provide to airlines and airports.
GSW: What would you say to
encourage someone to join the
ground support industry?
BW: There are significant amounts of
opportunity to drive change within the
industry - especially with technologies
that are either emerging or now
available. For people that want to come
in and help chart the course - it's a great
time to do this!
GSW: Any additional comments?
BW: One of my most significant
inspirations in the GSE world was my
teammate that retired last year, Fred
Maslow. From his straightforward
approach on items, to his desire to
push the boundaries, Fred was never a
stranger to an opportunity. His passions
Job Title: Director,
Planning and Support
Company: Piedmont Airlines
Location: Charlotte, NC
Years of experience in ground
support industry: 17 years
Years with current company:
24 years
Industry committees / associations
/ working groups served on:
Previously participated in various
panels and industry discussions
regarding eGSE benefits, green
project grant funding and airport
support. Most recently joined SAE
AGE3 as a liaison member.
were partnering with others to find
solutions to current problems, and
considering new options that would
make our business better. As many had
experienced, he certainly also made
a number of friends along the way.
Even though he now spends his time
traveling, lake adventures with the
grandkids and, of course, enjoying the
finest bottled red lubricant, his spirit
will live long in our company. Thank
you Fred from all of us whom you've
inspired, supported, and made laugh
along the way.
This interview was edited for length.
To read the entire article, please visit
www.AviationPros.com/53063087
http://www.AviationPros.com/53063087
august2023

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