Garver’s roots run deep in Oklahoma. By investing in quality infrastructure projects and the communities we serve over the past three decades, our firm is a growing and thriving Oklahoma business. Garver has created opportunities for Oklahomans like me to work, raise a family, and put down roots of my own in our great state."
- Brent Schneids, Garver
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Member Profile: How Garver’s Matthew Ranck is Championing the Future of the Aviation and Aerospace Industry
Matthew Ranck is an Oklahoman through and through. Born and raised in Oklahoma City—where he works as Garver’s Oklahoma Aviation Leader—he and his wife of nearly 25 years chose to stay and raise their three children in Choctaw rather than relocate elsewhere. “This is home,” he said, “And I’d like to see it thriving for decades to come.”
Ranck pursued a civil engineering degree from The University of Oklahoma because it allowed him to give back to communities in the state that raised him, while also providing him with a broad range of opportunities. Throughout his nearly three-decade career, Ranck worked within infrastructure and construction before setting his sights on aviation.
It was his childhood flying in and out of Will Rogers World Airport as an unaccompanied minor to visit family that sparked his love for all things air travel. There are more than 100 public-use airports in Oklahoma and each has a unique impact on the surrounding communities.
“Once you’ve seen one airport, you’ve seen one airport. Every one of them is different, and they all present various challenges and opportunities,” Ranck explained. “These airports are the front door to our communities. They make a significant economic impact and help provide recreational aviation activities, in addition to essential services like medical flight operations that improve the health and safety of the community.”
Garver’s aviation team consults with airports throughout Oklahoma, serving as an advocate and even helping secure government funding that can make otherwise cost-prohibitive improvements more feasible. Above all, Ranck and his team help communities maintain a safe environment, noting, “We’re continuously looking at their infrastructure: pavement, runways, markings, lighting and more. We want to make sure the flying community can operate in these airports safely.”
For Ranck, it’s the ability to serve as an extension of the airport’s staff that makes his job meaningful.
“We pride ourselves on being a trusted advisor in all aspects of these airports,” he explained. “That’s not just within the fence. It’s keeping the pilots and passengers safe, but it’s also keeping the communities safe on runway approach ends, addressing environmental impacts, and finding ways to reduce noise and ensure quality of life for everyone in the vicinity of the airport.”
His passion extends to the capitol, where organizations like Open for Business Oklahoma (OFBO) are advocating for the aviation and aerospace industry.
“Many people don’t realize that this industry is the second-largest and fastest growing industry in Oklahoma,” Ranck said. “Organizations like OFBO are important to ensure we protect and grow the aviation industry within our state, keep jobs here, and are welcoming to those companies willing to come to Oklahoma and invest in our people.”
Beyond his passion for the aviation industry, he’s equally passionate about fostering the next generation of engineers and aerospace professionals. In the past few years, Ranck has been instrumental in teaching the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) curriculum to homeschool high school students in Oklahoma.
“We’re inspiring many young kids to get into piloting, which is crucial as there’s a known pilot shortage,” Ranck said. “But what’s more is that we’re exposing these students to the STEM elements associated with aviation. It’s eye opening for them. Even if piloting or engineering isn’t necessarily their passion, they’re still learning about careers that can potentially take them all around the world or, if we’re lucky, they’ll choose to stay right here in Oklahoma.”
Ranck’s work with these students has the full support of Garver. The company has sponsored discovery flights—a short introductory flight that serves as the first hour of a pilot’s training—for what could be a future in piloting for many of these students.
“I didn’t start flying until I was 40. I wish I would have been introduced to piloting when I was in high school,” Ranck said. For those uninterested in going up in the air, Garver has provided them with drones. “The encouragement and resources Garver gives employees to serve the communities we work and live in is unparalleled,” said Ranck.
It’s that unwavering support that affirms for Ranck that no matter where he is—in the office, in the air or in the classroom—he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be.