If success is a collection of problems solved, Gideon Toal Management Services (GTMS) captures the true spirit of entrepreneurial excellence. GTMS started as an idea to supply upscale lounges for airport travelers. While visiting Istanbul in 1995, two friends and business partners were inspired by the lounge concept while waiting on a flight back to the states. The concept was the brainchild of Randy Gideon and James Toal, two dynamic planners and architects that made their unique mark on some of Fort Worth’s most prestigious structures in the 90’s.
Gideon Toal
Airport Lounge
THE EARLY DAYS
With the realization of early success, the business partners quickly realized the need for excellence both in the lounges and behind the scenes. Randy Gideon connected with his childhood friend Kim Wiemuth.
Through a series of circumstances, Alvin Brown joined GTMS in 2005, taking care of the back- of house tasks and learning the business.
The GTMS EVOLUTION
Over the next 20 years, GTMS expanded its reach to own and manage multiple lounges in airports across the country. Business was booming when the aviation industry was forever changed with 9/11 but GTMS survived the challenges. As things bounced back, check in and security procedures became more intricate. People had to spend more time in the airports and the lounge industry became a respite for the VIP card holders to getaway from the crowd and experience a little quality time in a luxury environment. Over the next decade the GTMS brand grew in popularity and the number of locations it served. In 2017 Alvin Brown who by now had earned a PH. D. and had learned every aspect of the business bought GTMS.
Gideon Toal Management Services
Food Server
Gideon Toal Management Services
GTMS Concessions
TODAY
More than 25 million guests have been welcomed by GTMS since its beginning in 1996. There are 12 locations in (7) airports across the country including Palm Beach, Orlando International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Las Vegas and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. GTMS has affiliations with eight major airlines and has received such service awards as the USA Today Best Airport Amenity-2018 and the prestigious Priority Pass Lounge of the Year in 2019. The main reason for their success is based on their Heart for Hospitality concept. One of the most important resources for the ongoing elevated levels of service and excellence at GTMS is its team members and the Heart for Hospitality program is at the core of all the services they provide.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, GTMS has grown up with a solid and ongoing relationship with DFW Airport.
Despite a variety of history changing events over the past 20 years, the GTMS brand has continued on a positive trajectory for growth and expansion. GTMS employs more than 125 employees and has a significant impact on local economic development in the areas it serves. The GTMS story is about an idea that became a local home-grown business that grew into an aviation industry leader. Today through drive, determination, and innovation Alvin Brown and the GTMS team continue to succeed while sustaining the legacy based on a conversation between two friends that became a business reality. This is GTMS but luckily the story doesn’t end. It just continues to take off in new directions.
To learn more about Gideon Toal Management Services, go to: gideontoalmanagement.com