The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.
“Every community has programs and incentives. What sets a city apart is the story it tells—and who tells it.“
~Chuck Greenwood,
CEO of Greenwood Aerospace
Sometimes the largest growth can be overlooked when the expansions encompass many different facets, and that is exactly what has happened with Greenwood Aerospace and the family’s expansion of operations. When asked, most of the community will say Greenwood serves the airport and pilots as a great fuel stop; however, the truth is there is so much more happening now.
With quite a history in Ponca City, the family has made helping Ponca City a major aspect of their decisions. The location at the airport began when Charles F. Greenwood was owner of ADPC, a local payroll service for school systems across Oklahoma. Ashlee Mayse, granddaughter of Charles and currently working in numerous areas of the business like HR and Marketing, says, “My grandfather used to fly checks to locations if payday happened on a weekend and mail would be later in getting to them.” That was his initial purpose for becoming interested in aviation and opening Greenwood for his needs and those of other pilots.
Later, his son Chuck also took up aviation, obtaining both his individual and commercial licenses, while working alongside his dad even while still in school. Chuck moved the business forward with its first official government contract, providing jet fuel to the military.
This led to more growth as a stop for jets to fuel, and the business served NASCAR drivers and teams, professional golfers and other celebrities. Ashlee remembers an all-hands-on-deck night that included airport manager Don Nuzum, her mom Suzie, and both her and her brother Chris back when she was in high school. The airport and Greenwood served over 150 NASCAR drivers and teams. Her dad has an entire box of signed photos from celebrities who they have served over the years, with such individuals as Greg Norman, Patrick Swayze, Jay Leno and more. Norman even gave Chuck a bag of golf clubs.
Expansion continued to the point that the company gave the FBO portion of the operation back to the city so they could focus on expansion, especially with the government. Their first significant government contract was with the U.S. Forest Service, and that has been a long-standing partnership to provide aircraft for wildfire prevention. Their equipment has served in almost every state in the nation.
The business now supplies several government programs in areas of logistics, base support and aerospace. Chuck’s leadership took the business from a jet fuel stop to serving numerous government agencies and more. His son Chris became president in 2015 and has launched their largest division: parts and procurement.
With the business situated to continue its growth as it increases those it serves, their procurement of a GSA (U.S. General Services Administration) contract makes it easier for both them and the military and other government agencies to purchase from them without the normal paperwork and time involved. The streamlined access for government buyers helps their flow of work and indicates Greenwood’s credibility, the trust the agencies can have in them, and provides a competitive advantage. According to Chuck Greenwood, Ponca City presents a rare formula for investors: “Build more, spend less, scale faster.”
Greenwood Aerospace has over 30 employees, with many professional positions to help lead in their expansion and growth. Chuck explains the importance of the business and the airport overall: “It’s Ponca City’s front door. Just as the front door of a home determines who steps inside, the people making multimillion-dollar decisions don’t drive up I-35—they fly in and land right here at the airport. Their first view of Ponca City begins the moment their wheels touch down. Every arrival, every takeoff, every handshake—each one has the power to shape this city’s future.”
As part of their growth, the Greenwood group has a vast expansion into real estate in Ponca City with CPG Leasing. Since 2017, their leasing company has purchased and renovated numerous buildings in Ponca City and helped bring many of the businesses we enjoy to our community. Some include HTea0, Goodwill, Whataburger and Express Wellness. They currently have over 40 residential and commercial properties.
In the airport area, they have their initial hanger, which is a large building that has gone through several renovations over the years, and a building purchased, renovated and expanded for their needs, which is where many of their staff now work.
A need began Charles’ journey into aviation, expanding services led Chuck to look at both his company’s needs and those of the community, and a vision for the future drives son Chris and daughter Ashlee as they continue to work together in their family’s business, telling a story of both legacy and the future.
You can find interesting Facebook pages for both Greenwood Aerospace and CPG Leasing for further information and to see future updates.
➡️ Opt in or out of different newsletters on your “My Account” page.
➡️ Learn more about Ponca City Monthly+
Ponca City Monthly is a locally owned publication that delivers hyperlocal news in print and online.
Like what we are doing? Feel free to forward this along and tell a friend.
Sponsorship information/customer service: email [email protected]
