
Q: Joe, tell us a bit about your background—how did youget started in the aviation and GSE world?
A: I’ve always had a passion for aviation and technology, which led meto pursue a degree in Specialized Technology and later an MBA from ColumbiaSouthern University. I joined Oshkosh AeroTech nearly a decade ago and spentmost of that time working closely with airline, cargo, and MRO partners todeliver the right GSE solutions. That hands-on experience with customers in thefield, listening to what they need and helping them solve problems, really shaped my understanding of what great customer service in this industry looks like.
Q: What made you excited about taking on this new role atMercury GSE?
A: What stood out to me about Mercury was the culture and the company’scommitment to delivering not just equipment—but true partnership. The VP ofCustomer Experience role is an exciting opportunity to focus on long-termrelationships, operational responsiveness, and creating a customer journey thatadds value at every step. I saw an organization on the rise, and I wanted to bepart of a team that’s focused on growing the right way—with the customer at thecenter.
Q: Why do you feel you're the right fit for this positionat this point in your career?
A: Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with customers andlearned how to advocate for their needs within large, complex organizations. Iunderstand the urgency, the operational challenges, and the serviceexpectations our partners have. At Mercury, I’m excited to bring thatexperience forward in a leadership role where I can influence strategy andexecution—ensuring that what we promise to customers aligns with what wedeliver.
Q: What are your early priorities in this new role?
A: I want to start by listening—talking to customers, learning from oursales and operations teams, and identifying where we can tighten our processesor add more value. From there, I’ll be focused on developing initiatives thatdrive retention and growth, while strengthening communication andresponsiveness across all customer touchpoints.
Q: Where do you see the GSE industry heading—and how doesMercury GSE fit into that future?
A: The GSE industry is evolving quickly—whether it’s electrification,smarter leasing models, or demand for more responsive service. Customers wantflexibility, speed, and confidence in their providers. Mercury is already aheadof that curve with 24/7 support, preventative maintenance, and a customer-firstmindset. I see huge potential for us to build on that foundation and be thego-to name in GSE for reliability, service, and innovation.
Mercury GSE is pleased to announce that Deanna Vachout has joined our expanding Business Development and Operations team as Director of Business Operations. Based in the Chicago area, Deanna brings more than 16 years of experience across aviation, GSE fleet and maintenance operations, business operations, and finance.In her new role, Deanna will work across Business Development, Operations, Leasing, and Accounting, helping strengthen coordination and key business processes throughout Mercury GSE. She will support equipment procurement and customer onboarding, business reporting and analytics, contract administration, ERP initiatives, and process improvement. Please join us in welcoming Deanna to Mercury GSE. We’re excited to have her on board!
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Fresh from GSE Expo Europe in Lisbon, Mercury GSE is heading to Las Vegas for NBAA-BACE 2026, taking place October 20–22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visit us at Booth 919 to learn how Mercury supports FBOs, corporate flight departments, MROs and other business aviation operators with flexible GSE rentals, leasing, sales and around-the-clock fleet support.
READ MORE >Mercury GSE today announced the appointment of Eric Davis as Vice President of Operations, reinforcing the company’s position as the industry leader in service-backed GSE solutions. Davis brings more than 28 years of experience in the aviation ground support equipment industry, with deep expertise across global aftermarket operations, service strategy, and large-scale operational leadership. He has a proven track record of improving fleet performance, enhancing customer support delivery, and building high-performing service organizations across complex, multi-location environments.
READ MORE >Take a look inside Mercury GSE’s Victorville, California facility, located at the Southern California Logistics Airport, and see how our team, equipment and support capabilities help serve the aviation and MRO industry.
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