The owners of Galley Support Innovations, a privately-owned designer and manufacturer of interior hardware for aircraft, could have run the business from anywhere, but they chose Sherwood, Arkansas.

Situation

Gina Radke and her husband, Wade, were living in Florida when they decided they were ready to start their own business. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as Wade’s Uncle was interested in moving away from the business the family started in the 1950s. Thinking it a horrible idea at first, the Radkes came around and eventually bought the rights to the products and equipment originally owned by Wade’s grandfather using money from the sale of their home in Florida. The result was Galley Support Innovations, GSI for short, today’s leading designer and manufacturer of interior hardware for aircraft. 

CHALLENGE

As the private aviation business side of the company grew, it was imperative for the company to meet the needs of a distinguishing customer base accustomed to luxury.

Solution

It’s a business that could operate from any number of locations across the country, but the Radkes have found that there is something special in Arkansas that has enabled them to grow GSI. They credit the support they have received from state and local leaders as being a game-changer in addition to the costs of doing business.

Results

Today, GSI has grown from a husband-and-wife team to 42 employees producing just under $5 million in annual sales. The company plans to continue to diversify to remain strong, taking on other aircraft assets as well as moving into marine vessels including private yachts and commercial cruise lines.

Read the full case study