Episode 189: The Hidden Perks of RTA Connect (That Aren’t on the Agenda)

In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Josh Turley (CEO, RTA) and fleet veteran Nathan Schafer dive deep into the not-so-sexy—but absolutely critical—topic of vehicle inventory. If you've ever assumed that what's in your fleet maintenance management software matches what’s on your lot… think again. From rogue departments buying vehicles under the radar to liabilities that could land you in legal hot water, this episode breaks down why accurate, hands-on inventory is non-negotiable. Nathan shares real stories from public sector and construction fleet life, including equipment that literally vanished and a catastrophic fire that made insurance records the only thing standing between chaos and coverage. You’ll also get practical advice on how to conduct a modern vehicle inventory using today’s tools—plus why photos, odometer updates, and walkarounds could save you millions (or your job). ✅ Key Takeaways Inventory isn't optional—it's a legal, financial, and operational necessity. What’s not in your FMIS can hurt you. Assets missing from your fleet maintenance software = massive liability. Photos are proof. Capture and attach them to records to avoid insurance nightmares. Rogue departments = rogue liabilities. Centralized oversight is critical. Annual walkarounds uncover the truth. From ghost assets to forgotten equipment, nothing beats boots on the ground. Digital tools like RTA Fleet360’s mobile app simplify the process with photo capture, odometer updates, and record linking. Speaker Bios Josh Turley, CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company. With two decades of experience supporting fleets, Josh is passionate about helping fleet managers lead with intention and build cultures of excellence. He’s a vocal advocate for using data and modern fleet management systems to drive measurable success. Nathan Schafer, Fleet management expert with 25+ years in both public sector and private construction fleets. At RTA, he supports implementation, training, and product design. Known for his hands-on approach and deep operational knowledge, Nathan’s stories always come with a lesson (and sometimes a laugh). #FleetMaintenance #FleetManagement #FleetSuccess #VehicleInventory #FleetSafety #FleetCompliance #FleetMaintenanceSoftware #FleetManagementSoftware #GovernmentFleet #RTAFleet #AssetManagement #FleetLiability

"We're not addressing human behavior—we're just trying to show that we did something."In this impactful episode of The Fleet Success Show, host Steve Saltzgiver sits down with 2024 Fleet Hall of Fame inductee Matthew Betz. With more than five decades in the fleet world, Betz has seen it all—from selling fleet solutions at Wheels Inc. to building out Detroit’s EV infrastructure at DTE Energy. But perhaps most compelling is his recent mission: transforming fleet safety by understanding human behavior.The conversation dives deep into Betz's career evolution, including his leadership roles at NAFA and AFLA, the surprising challenges in launching an electric fleet at DTE, and why traditional driver training is failing. Together with behavioral psychologists (including his daughter!), Betz now focuses on empowering supervisors to become safety coaches—an idea that could redefine fleet risk management.Fleet managers will walk away with real-world insights into EV adoption, stakeholder engagement, and a new lens on fleet safety that goes far beyond checklists and telematics dashboards.  Key Takeaways:Behavior Drives Safety: Most safety training fails because it ignores root causes. Changing driver behavior starts with understanding why people drive the way they do. Train the Coach, Not the Driver: Betz advocates for supervisor-led coaching rather than automated training modules. EV Adoption Is Hard—but Worth It: Infrastructure, range anxiety, and cultural resistance are all major hurdles, but thoughtful planning and change management can overcome them. Data Overload is Real: Fleet managers are overwhelmed with telematics. Success lies in surfacing actionable insights—not just data. Fleet Needs a Seat at the Table: Top-performing fleets are integrated with organizational leadership and strategy. Speaker Bios:Matthew BetzMatthew Betz is a fleet industry legend, boasting a 50+ year career that spans fleet leasing, consulting, OEM partnerships, and utility fleet management. A former VP at Wheels Inc., Betz later spearheaded the electric fleet initiative at DTE Energy. He’s a past president of AFLA, a longtime NAFA board member, and was inducted into the Fleet Hall of Fame in 2024. Today, he leads Orc Creek Fleet Consulting and works closely with behavioral science firm ABA Technologies to revolutionize fleet safety.Steve SaltzgiverSteve Saltzgiver is a veteran fleet executive, consultant, and host of The Fleet Success Show. With experience leading massive government and private fleets, Steve now brings his expertise to the mic, guiding fleet professionals toward operational excellence and sustainable success.

“If you're tracking school bus maintenance in a notebook, you're 30 years behind—and it's costing you way more than you think.” — Marc Canton  📝 Episode SummaryIn this data-packed episode of The Fleet Success Show, host Marc Canton is joined by school bus operations and data analytics expert Griffin Scott to dive deep into one of the most overlooked and under-optimized segments in fleet management: school transportation fleets.Griffin shares how his background in geoinformatics and data science led to a decade of improving efficiency for school districts nationwide. Together, Marc and Griffin break down why many school bus fleets are still stuck in the past, what they can learn from commercial fleet operations, and how the right fleet maintenance management software (FMIS) can revolutionize performance, staffing, and safety.The duo also explores three strategic levers school districts can use to save time, money, and headaches:Bell time studiesRoute optimizationWalk zone evaluationsAnd of course, they tackle the EV school bus conundrum—a perfect use case that’s become a logistical nightmare for many underprepared districts.Key TakeawaysRouting software ≠ Fleet Management Software: Most districts lack a true FMIS, causing deferred maintenance, poor data retention, and technician overload.Driver + Tech Shortage = Disaster: With CDL-holding mechanics driving routes and superintendents behind the wheel, staffing is stretched dangerously thin.Bell Time & Route Optimization Save $$$: Small shifts in bell schedules or tiers can eliminate entire routes, reduce bus counts, and improve driver retention.EVs Are Ideal—But Only If You’re Ready: School bus EVs are a goldmine for clean, quiet, efficient transport, but the infrastructure, training, and funding must be in place first.Training Matters: The best software in the world is useless without trained users. Investment in ongoing training is critical for sustainable operations. Speaker BiosMarc CantonMarc is the VP of Product & Consulting at RTA: The Fleet Success Company. With nearly 30 years of experience in fleet operations—including managing New York City’s Fordham University fleet—Marc is a passionate advocate for data-driven fleet maintenance, scalable systems, and modern software.Griffin ScottGriffin is a data scientist with a specialty in geoinformatics and fleet analytics. Before joining RTA, he spent nearly a decade consulting with school districts across the country to optimize bus routes, bell times, and walk zones—improving safety, efficiency, and savings.

"Burn the data. Start fresh. The past you is holding your fleet hostage."  Detailed Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Josh Turley and Marc Canton tackle one of the most contentious topics in fleet management: data retention. From government fleets clutching onto 26 years of work orders to fleet managers hoarding “just in case” data, they dismantle the myths about keeping everything forever.They explore why data older than five years is almost always useless for analytics, how “garbage in, garbage out” isn’t just a cliché, and why old data often comes with old bad habits baked in. Along the way, they unpack sunk cost fallacy in a fleet context, the hidden dangers of “organizational garbage,” and why purging or rolling up data can speed up your fleet maintenance management software and help you focus on what actually matters today.With plenty of real-world examples, humor, and a few spicy analogies (think Marie Kondo meets fleet management), Josh and Marc show how a clean data start can set you — and your future fleet managers — up for massive success. Key Takeaways5 years or less of historical data is sufficient for most fleet analytics — older data is often irrelevant.Old data often carries inconsistent practices from multiple fleet managers, creating “organizational garbage.”Hoarding data “just in case” is driven by fear, but it often slows down systems and clutters decision-making.Rolling up or archiving old data keeps it accessible without polluting your active fleet maintenance system.A new FMIS implementation is the perfect opportunity to clean house — and resist carrying over bad processes.Your metrics should drive your data collection, not the other way around. Speaker BiosJosh Turley – CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company. With over two decades in fleet management and software innovation, Josh leads RTA’s mission to help fleets save $1 billion. Known for his strategic vision and no-nonsense approach, Josh is passionate about empowering fleets through better processes, technology, and leadership.Marc Canton – Fleet Consultant & Data Analytics Expert at RTA. Marc brings nearly 30 years of fleet experience, including 20 years running Fordham University’s fleet in NYC and a decade in consulting. He specializes in helping fleets leverage data to make smarter, faster, and more profitable decisions.

In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Josh Turley (CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company) and Nathan Schafer (Public Sector Fleet Veteran & RTA Trainer) pull back the curtain on RTA Connect—the ultimate annual gathering for fleet managers, technicians, and industry leaders.Nathan shares his journey attending RTA Connect first as a public sector fleet manager and later as part of RTA’s training team. They explore how the event blends leadership development, fleet management best practices, and deep-dive software training into an immersive experience that benefits both RTA users and non-users.From learning leadership lessons that transform team culture, to mastering quick navigation shortcuts like Control+Q, to building industry relationships over go-kart races or behind-the-scenes aquarium tours—the episode shows how RTA Connect delivers impact far beyond a typical conference. Key TakeawaysNot Just for RTA Users – Non-customers gain just as much from leadership, fleet management, and networking tracks.Leadership Changes Retention – Supporting employees’ long-term goals boosts morale and loyalty.Hands-On Software Learning – Live training sessions help attendees discover hidden features and powerful reports.Networking is Gold – Breakfast conversations and after-hours events connect fleet pros with 400+ years of combined expertise.Expect the Unexpected – From hurricane cancellations to party buses, flexibility is a key fleet (and event) management skill.Speaker BiosJosh Turley – CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company. With 20 years in fleet management software, Josh blends technology expertise with a passion for leadership and culture, helping fleets maximize efficiency.Nathan Schafer – Former public sector fleet manager with years of experience leading city fleet operations. Now an RTA trainer, Nathan specializes in applying fleet management principles to real-world challenges using RTA’s software. Learn more about RTA Connect 2025: https://rtafleet.com/connect

“If you’re not being challenged, if you dread Monday mornings, or if leadership just doesn’t get it, that might be your sign. It’s time to go.”In this no-holds-barred episode of The Fleet Success Show, host Marc Canton sits down with fleet industry legends Steve Saltzgiver and Scott Rood to unpack one of the toughest decisions a fleet professional faces: When is it time to leave your organization?Pulling from decades of personal experience in government fleet management, military service, and private sector consulting, the trio dives deep into the emotional and professional triggers that signal it's time to move on. From toxic leadership and stagnating career growth to missed training opportunities and the importance of networking at fleet conferences, nothing is off-limits.Expect wisdom, laughter, and a few hard truths from three guys who’ve seen it all, and left when it mattered most. Key Takeaways:Leadership Matters: If trust or belief in leadership is gone, it might be time to move on.The Dread Factor: Dreading Monday mornings? That's a red flag.The Growth Ceiling: If there’s no more challenge or path forward, consider the next step.Training is Non-Negotiable: If your organization won’t invest in your professional development, that’s a problem.Don’t Burn Bridges: The fleet world is smaller than you think — leave gracefully.Networking Is Career Fuel: Conferences aren’t just education — they’re lifelines to your next opportunity.Marc CantonFleet data guru with nearly 30 years in the industry. Formerly led fleet operations at Fordham University and across the New York region. Now a sought-after consultant and host of The Fleet Success Show.Steve SaltzgiverFleet Hall of Famer and industry icon. Former Fleet Director for the States of Utah and Georgia. VP roles at Koch and Republic Services. Now a NAFA Fellow and dedicated fleet mentor.Scott RoodVeteran of the U.S. Air Force and long-time public sector fleet leader. Formerly led fleets for Washington State and Clark County. Current NAFA Education Committee member and passionate advocate for technician training.

"If you're not at NAFA, you might be in the wrong job."NAFA 2025 wasn’t just a trade show—it was a wake-up call for fleet professionals everywhere. In this episode, RTA’s own leadership dives deep into why attending industry events is essential—not optional—for anyone serious about growing their fleet career and solving today's toughest challenges.From scooter gangs and AI breakthroughs to bold takes on the state of fleet education and technician recruitment, this episode is full of spicy insights, personal stories, and hard truths. Whether you’re a fleet manager fighting for budget or a tech looking to move up the ranks, this one’s for you.Key Takeaways:Why skipping trade shows is hurting your career (and your fleet)How just one idea from NAFA can pay for itself tenfoldWhy fleet organizations must invest in training, recognition, and benchmarkingHow micro-mobility and AI are reshaping the fleet landscapeThe case for a national degree in Fleet Management Speaker BiosFacundo Tassara – Senior Fleet Success Advisor at RTA: The Fleet Success Company. Former fleet manager turned national advocate for smarter, data-driven, people-first fleet operations.Marc Canton - With a background in consulting and analytics, Marc now leads the design of tomorrow’s fleet management software—one that meets real-world needs in the shop and the boardroom. 

"You may outsource your M&R, but you can't outsource your fleet management. That has to be internal." – Marc CantonThe trio unpacks real-life horror stories, including unnecessary tire replacements, duplicate battery charges, and a $7,000 bill for work that should’ve cost $1,000. They hammer home the point that outsourcing maintenance is fine—but abdicating responsibility isn’t.Whether you're running 100 units or 4,000, this episode is a masterclass in oversight, system integration, and having the guts to ask, “Did you actually do that repair?”Key Takeaways:Outsourcing your M&R is not outsourcing your responsibility.Always audit invoices—even small transactions add up.Use your own fleet maintenance management system—don’t rely on the vendor’s software.Write clear, performance-based SLAs with incentives and penalties.A fleet maintenance system should flag warranty work and repeat repairs.Empower your team (or hire pros) to spot check the work physically on vehicles.Your FMC’s priority is their bottom line—not your fleet longevity.Marc Canton30-year fleet veteran, currently leading product and consulting at RTA. Known for calling out industry fluff with sharp insight and sharper humor.Steve SaltzgiverFleet Whisperer and consulting legend. Former director of fleets for Coca-Cola and multiple government entities. Brings unmatched operational wisdom to every conversation.Scott RoodFleet expert, wrench-turner-turned-strategist, and master of sniffing out invoice BS. Trusted industry voice and audit specialist.

In this spicy episode, Marc Canton and fleet powerhouse Facundo Tassara dive deep into the fine line between self-promotion and arrogance in the fleet industry. They talk about why fleet managers must champion their teams and accomplishments—and how to do it without turning people off. From elevator pitches to dressing the part, Facundo shares battle-tested tactics to elevate your fleet’s reputation and your own leadership status. This is a masterclass in storytelling, relationship-building, and knowing your KPIs cold. Oh, and there’s a $200K mistake that somehow turns into a win. You don’t want to miss this. 📌 Key Takeaways:Promote your fleet’s success, not just yourself.Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders—city managers, purchasing, sustainability teams.Dress the part: Visual perception matters more than we admit.Always be ready with your elevator pitch (and know who’s in the elevator with you).Use data storytelling: Metrics are meaningless if they’re not contextualized.Repetition is key: Tell your story often and to the right people.Build trust before you ask for funding—or forgiveness. 👥 Speaker Bios:Facundo TassaraFleet Success Manager at RTA, former government fleet manager, and all-around fleet rockstar. Facundo blends operational expertise with infectious energy and a killer instinct for storytelling that gets results.Marc CantonVeteran of the fleet industry with nearly 30 years of experience. From managing university fleets to leading product and consulting at RTA, Marc brings strategic insight and salty humor in equal measure.

In this no-nonsense, insight-packed episode of The Fleet Success Show, hosts Josh Turley and Marc Canton dig deep into one of the most misunderstood—and often mishandled—aspects of fleet management: technician staffing.When the budget axe drops, tech labor is often the first target. But how do you know if you actually have too many (or too few) technicians? The answer lies in smart data usage, AEUs (Asset Equivalent Units), and a whole lot of operational efficiency.The duo covers everything from proper classification and indirect labor tracking to why your techs should never leave their bay (seriously—stop letting them go to the parts room). They even pull in lessons from UPS legend Ron Turley, who nearly doubled fleet size without hiring a single new technician.Whether you're struggling with staffing, begging for bays, or just looking to squeeze more efficiency out of your team, this is your playbook.✅ Key TakeawaysAEUs > Guesswork: Stop guessing. Asset Equivalent Units give you a data-driven method to determine your tech needs.Techs Shouldn’t Wander: Every minute away from the bay is wasted productivity. Preload parts, use tablets, and minimize distractions.Indirect Labor = Hidden Cost: Track everything. Clean-up, training, and admin time add up fast and should be in your labor math.Don’t Underestimate Training: Time spent training isn't lost—it's leveraged. A better-trained tech is a faster, more efficient one.Right-Type, Not Just Right-Size: The right asset or tech mix makes all the difference. You might not need fewer people—just the right ones.Use Data to Win Budget Battles: When you can prove staffing needs with numbers, finance has little room to argue. 🎙️ Speaker Bios🎤 Josh TurleyCEO, RTA FleetFleet tech visionary and third-generation leader of RTA, Josh brings a leadership-obsessed mindset to everything he touches. He’s passionate about transforming fleet management through smart technology and empowering people to succeed.🎤 Marc CantonHead of Product & Consultant, RTA FleetWith nearly 30 years in fleet—including running a major NYC fleet and now helping hundreds of organizations as a consultant—Mark knows the struggles, the strategies, and the sweet wins that make fleets successful.