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“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” ~Winston Churchill
Ponca City Regional Airport is a happening place, and there are many reasons that is the case. In talking with Airport Manager Don Nuzum, it’s easy to see why he stays busy. The city is looking at a major building project for the airport, and it will be one that makes the area the showcase it should be.
Although there have been airport improvements over the years, the current building is over 50 years old. Now is the time for a terminal update; however, the truth is that there are numerous elements that make the local airport a place people from our city and others visit.
One of these reasons is the popular and well-known restaurant, Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant, that has been located there over 40 years now. Current owner Mercedes Avila took over most of the management of the restaurant from her immigrant father in 2005. Enrique escaped Cuba in 1975 by swimming across the Guantanamo Bay to the U.S. in search of a better life, eventually landing in Ponca City with his wife Irma, born in Mexico, and their young family. At that time, it was a small breakfast restaurant with fewer than 10 tables that he “purchased” from the previous owner for $1,000. Little did he know that the then-current restaurant operator did not actually have the right to sell the business, which was contracted out for only a year at a time primarily to provide breakfast for those working at the airport. Enrique did so well, they never made him leave and the business has grown with multiple expansions over the years.
Today, Mercedes runs the business and works alongside her daughter Selah, working as she can when not studying for a position in phlebotomy, and her son Caleb who hopes to take over the reins more fully after he graduates from Lifestyle Christianity University in Dallas. Many of their employees are like family, having worked in the business for over 20 years. They employ almost 40 people now.
Mercedes was delighted to work with Winterrowd Talley Architects to help design the perfect restaurant and kitchen area with the upcoming renovations. She assisted in making the kitchen the model they need rather than a more standard, basic workspace. Those working on the project wanted to ensure the best space to continue making their awesome chips and tasty dishes. Mercedes says about 30-40% of their business is flight-related and that her parents would say they grew by “Grace of God and word of mouth.” Nuzum agrees, “When I travel with airport business, people in aviation always know about Enrique’s.”
Mercedes says, “I’m extremely grateful for the support the community and those who come in from farther away have shown us. Both my parents are immigrants, and their dream was to be able to work and provide a home for their family.”
Another business that operates at the airport is Greenwood Aerospace, another growing business that began as a local fuel stop. Now the business has fully entered government contracting, having secured its first GSA Schedule as a trusted supplier to government and public-sector customers. This designation allows for easier procurement and contracting with federal, state and local agencies.
The business website states, “Our mission is simple: Greenwood Aerospace will ensure our clients have what they need, when they need it, wherever they want it—because lives depend on it.” To meet this mission, the business has a highly knowledgeable and experienced team. Chuck Greenwood as CEO began his love of aviation growing up and working with his father. His son, Chris, now serves as president. Together they have brought an innovative group of skilled employees together to grow and maintain their place in the field.
Also at the airport, many people in the community take advantage of the longest continuous fly-in breakfast on the first Saturday of each month, raising funds for the local flight academy. The public is invited to attend, have breakfast and see the variety of planes that come in as well. The academy began in 2002 and was first run by OU, but in 2004 it became a locally run academy that continues to have great success for those students who participate.
Nuzum likely had no idea he’d be managing this variety of businesses when he took over in 1988 after having served as manager at Watonga. His interest in aviation began when he and some others took lessons after an uncle with a spray operating business asked them if they wanted to learn to fly. He was the only one of that group who ended up with his pilot’s license, but after that his wife Lori’s father and brother became interested and each earned their pilot’s license. Then, Lori learned to fly as well.
Having grown up in Watonga, Don has now been embedded in the Ponca City community for years. Besides being Airport Manager, he served 26 years on the school board, including serving as the president. A Leadership Ponca City alumnus, he was awarded the 2025 Larry Hughes Leadership Award for his commitment to the community. He also serves on the Integris Health’s hospital board of directors and is involved with the Chamber of Commerce. However, the growth of the airport and its terminal project are taking up much of his time currently.
The terminal project has been in the planning stages since Oct. 2022. The city funded the architect’s work and environmental studies that were required before beginning to secure grants to fund the project. Nuzum mentions that most of the renovations in the past have been funded through grants, and one this size will require FAA grant funding as well.
The new building will include elements that will blend with the older design as well, primarily the columns found on buildings. However, the new columns will include lights in their center openings rather than windows. The renderings are magnificent, with a beautiful lobby area, increased space for the restaurant, and better office areas, a conference room and space for needed equipment. The primary contractor for the project is Stillwater’s LBR Inc., an airport consulting and engineering design firm with over 40 years in the field. LBR hired the local Winterrowd Talley Architects for the project.
Passion for flying carries Don Nuzum and his work through all the paperwork and planning required in his current role at the airport. Work is ready to begin once grant funds are secured. Nuzum has seen much growth at the local airport, as have Enrique’s family and the Greenwoods. Investing in community is the tie that binds them all as part of our local airport’s history and future. Those of us in Ponca City and others who fly in will continue to benefit from their work. It truly can be a wonderful representation that shapes our community’s personality and progress.
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