DRG works to expand aerospace in OKC
Oklahoma City-based Delaware Resource Group continues to expand its presence around the world while attempting to retain its smallbusiness feel.
The family-owned aerospace company announced recently it had landed multiple contracts to grow its military flight and simulation business. DRG executives hope these grants not only will help the company grow, but also help further Oklahoma City’s development as a hub for aerospace activity.
“We grew a model based on being flexible and having the highest integrity and performance,” CEO Phil Busey Sr. said. “We have grown that way exponentially to where we are today.”
Since 2002, DRG has been a global service contractor specializing in the aerospace defense industry. It was founded by Busey Sr. and remains owned and operated by the Busey family.
DRG in September obtained the Pacific Air Forces Ready Aircrew Program contract, referred to by its acronym PACAF. The training environment allows aircrew to practice basic and emergency procedures. This contract, which serves as a testament to sustained growth by the company, will yield the company $100 million in value over the course of its nearly six year term, according to DRG President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Busey.
“We won that program because we have a substantial
confidence rating with the government,” Brian Busey said.
DRG’s standing as a smaller business in relation to competitors, and one that is American Indian-owned, helps the company maintain an agility and flexibility others cannot.
“We’re a family business,” Philip Busey Jr. said. “A lot of decisions have to be made in a big boardroom with a lot of people. You’re looking at us, and someone will call us and say, ‘Do you want to do this, yes or no?’ and we can give an answer and be off and running.”
The PACAF contract continues expansion for DRG into Saudi Arabia, Korea and Japan, as well as American expansion into California, Kansas, Vermont, Florida, Missouri, Hawaii and Alaska.
But the company remains staunchly committed to Oklahoma. With growth comes the addition of employees, sometimes from far beyond state borders, who find themselves in the Sooner state.
“We’ve really tried to maintain a culture of excellence, and we really like that we’ve been able to stay in Oklahoma to do the services we provide globally,” Busey Sr. said. “Oklahoma City is a great place to work and live. We are just having to tell that story. Once people are here, they really like it here.”
Recruitment poses certain challenges. DRG recruits pilots leaving military service, project managers and logistics,
“We’ve really tried to maintain a culture of excellence, and we really like that we’ve been able to stay in Oklahoma to do the services we provide globally. Oklahoma City is a great place to work and live. We are just having to tell that story. Once people are here, they really like it here.”
CEO Phil Busey Sr.
support personnel with military contract experience and other specialized positions. Some are local positions, and some are globally based. For the local positions, the Buseys find it important to promote a positive and vibrant community.
“If they can see themselves here, having a good time here, they’re going to stay here,” Busey Jr. said. “People want to see they’re going to have a quality of life here.”
“We’re having to promote Oklahoma City as the full package,” Busey Sr. said. “We’re seeing a real collaborative effort starting to develop, because aerospace is ramping up very, very quickly.”
The team continues to grow, and Brian Busey said the company expects to surpass $100 million in sales in the coming year and will employ nearly 700.
“We’re looking for talent,” Brian Busey said. “We are hiring, not just on a local scale but on a global scale.”