Our founder Charlie Peer was quick to point out that he couldn’t have built the companies that make up GPV alone. He always credited his co-workers with helping to build great companies. Now you can meet some of those great people who have helped to create our companies.

It seems fitting that our first featured employee would be the employee with the longest tenure, Leon Whitehill. Leon began his career at Aerospace Systems & Components as a high school co-op student. Forty-five years later he is the manager of the sophisticated engineering lab at ASC, a position he’s held for decades.

Years with company?

45 years

Family Members

Wife- Kathleen, 2 adult sons and 6 grandchildren

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

You need to know that ASC is my first and only real job.  I find that it is great experience and satisfying to get the opportunity to learn from engineers and keeping my mind challenged.  Being involved in designing testing setups of new products and are tested to extreme and strenuous conditions required by the aviation industry.  Lastly, helping to make the products better, and enjoying the success of getting new designs to our customers and mentoring individuals that work with me, some of whom are WSU students going for their engineering degree.

Tell us about any mentors you’ve enjoyed working with:

I have not stopped learning, so I have and still enjoy working with people.   I have especially enjoyed working with engineers  Jim Blurton, Bruce Gealy, John Cherryholmes, and Brian Brown just to name a few.  Their willingness to share information was/is so valuable too me and is greatly appreciated.  The people at ASC have been very generous with their knowledge and time.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Three biggest loves for recreation are grandkids (of course), responsible hunting and shooting using firearms.

What is the last book you read?

I am not a big reader however the Bible is one good book to pick up and turn a few pages.

Who is the person you’d most like to meet?

My favorite people to meet are current military and vets, hands down.

What is your favorite restaurant & why?

Kathy and my favorite” go to” restaurant is Jose Pepper’s on north Tyler Rd.  I like the good service, good food and the occasional house Frozen Margarita.

What is your favorite vacation destination?

I love the mountains in Alaska, and Colorado.  The sound of the wind thru the pine trees, babbling brooks, and that fresh pin scent these make the trips so relaxing.