Episode 174: Off-Road Leadership: Fleet Success Lessons from Baja California

“Fleet isn’t just turning wrenches anymore—it’s strategic asset management, customer service, data science, and culture building. And it deserves that respect.” – Clinton Bench, UCLA Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Fleet Success Show, host Marc Canton sits down with Clinton Bench, Director of Fleet and Transit at UCLA, for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving role of fleet managers in higher education.Clinton opens up about the operational and cultural transformations happening within UCLA’s fleet operation—including their journey to electrification, the role of microgrids and dynamic wireless charging, and the importance of centralization in a historically decentralized university system.This episode is a masterclass in leading change from within, using data, partnerships, and perseverance to shift paradigms in the public sector. From overcoming EV charging infrastructure challenges to creating intentional development paths for team members, this conversation delivers a rare behind-the-scenes view into a cutting-edge government fleet that’s building for the future. Key TakeawaysCentralization is key in large, decentralized institutions. Fleet operations thrive when given control over acquisition, maintenance, and remarketing.Fleet professionals are service providers, and success depends on building internal trust and aligning fleet goals with stakeholder needs.UCLA is a national leader in EV transition, with 40% of the fleet now electric, and an innovative microgrid project tied to a hydrogen fuel cell.Data is essential: Smart use of FMIS and telematics enables predictive maintenance, utilization tracking, and customer service improvements.Culture matters: Staff development, continuous learning, and embracing change are just as critical as technical skills. Speaker Bios🎤 Clinton BenchDirector of Fleet and Transit, UCLAClinton brings over 25 years of public sector transportation experience, now leading one of the most progressive university fleets in the U.S. A passionate advocate for electrification, centralization, and professional development, Clinton also serves in leadership roles with NAFA and NASA (National Association of State and University Fleets).🎤 Marc CantonHost, The Fleet Success ShowMarc Canton is a leading fleet consultant and co-host of The Fleet Success Show, where he explores operational efficiency, stakeholder satisfaction, and leadership within fleet management.  

"Fleet managers make the world go round, so why doesn’t the world recognize that?"🎧 Episode SummaryIn this compelling episode of The Fleet Success Show, Vice President of Product & Consulting Marc Canton sits down with Scott Conlon, a fleet industry powerhouse whose career has spanned local government, the U.S. Forest Service, and now RTA.This is more than a “get to know you” episode, it’s a masterclass in what fleet leadership should look like. From wrench-turning student mechanic to managing one of the most complex fleets in the world, Scott shares how leadership, education gaps, data, and stakeholder management collide in public fleet environments.Expect laughs, stories from the trenches (literally, including Iraq), and raw insight into what the fleet industry is missing if it wants to attract and retain the next generation of leaders.🧠 Key TakeawaysFleet’s Career Path is Broken: There’s no formal route from technician to fleet manager, and that’s holding the industry back.The Industry Needs Professionalization: Recognition, respect, and structured education are crucial for the future.Federal vs. Local Fleet: Scott contrasts massive national fleet logistics (like the U.S. Forest Service) with county-level operations.Real-World Complexity: Managing matrix organizations, vendor relationships, fire apparatus, fuel programs, and 23,000 fleet credit cards? Just another day in fleet.The Power of Mentorship and Hustle: Scott’s success was built on initiative, military discipline, and the humility to always learn. 👤 Speaker BiosScott ConlonFleet Consultant, RTA | Former National Fleet Manager, U.S. Forest ServiceFrom turning wrenches at University of Maryland to overseeing 18,000 vehicles and 5,000 assets for the Forest Service, Scott brings unmatched operational depth and a heart for elevating the fleet profession. Marc CantonVP of Product & Consulting, RTANearly 30 years in fleet management, Marc combines industry knowledge with a passion for training, leadership development, and making fleet professionals the heroes they are.

Episode Summary:In this candid episode of The Fleet Success Show, RTA CEO Josh Turley and fleet industry veteran Marc Canton dive headfirst into a growing crisis facing government fleets: massive budget shortfalls. With some agencies facing $2-3 million in cuts, they explore the crossroads where leadership, fleet efficiency, and public service collide.Rather than simply trim the fat, Josh and Marc flip the script: budget cuts can be a golden opportunity to innovate, right-size, and lead with boldness. From leveraging debt financing to rethinking replacement backlogs and idle fleet utilization, this episode is a strategic playbook for fleet managers forced to do more with less. It's a masterclass in leading up, down, and across, all while protecting your team and your fleet's integrity.Whether you're managing a city fleet or consulting on fleet maintenance management software, this episode will leave you with tools to navigate fiscal storms while keeping your mission (public service) at the core. Key TakeawaysTwo options for deficits: Cut expenses or raise revenue, and the latter is politically toxic.Leadership mindset: Your first response cannot be “we can’t.” Be an advisor, not a blocker.Debt financing & leasing: Underutilized lifelines for cash-strapped fleets.Right-sizing tactics: Everything from technician staffing to underutilized assets can yield savings.Consulting ROI: Outside expertise often identifies millions in savings by seeing what insiders can’t.Storytelling = survival: Present options with consequences, not resistance. You’re informing policy, not making it. Speaker BiosJosh TurleyCEO, RTA: The Fleet Success CompanyA third-generation leader, Josh has spent 20 years helping fleets succeed and the last decade redefining fleet management software through innovation, leadership, and culture.Marc CantonFleet Success Consultant, RTAWith nearly 30 years in the fleet industry, including two decades managing Fordham University’s fleet, Marc brings practical, battle-tested strategies to municipal fleet management, specializing in resource efficiency and leadership development.

“Closed mouths don’t get fed. If you don’t speak up about what your fleet really needs, no one’s going to help you.”In this laugh-out-loud, wisdom-packed episode of The Fleet Success Show, hosts Josh Turley and Marc Canton sit down with Harold Siguenza, the Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Avondale, Arizona. Buckle up—because Harold’s story isn’t your typical “fell into fleet” tale. It’s a full-throttle leap from car sales to budget analyst to fleet operations and beyond.Harold shares how he transformed from “the guy asking what a budget office even does” to the trusted leader of multiple divisions including fleet, solid waste, transit, and pavement preservation. Along the way, he exposes the harsh reality of “finance PTSD,” breaks down how to actually get your fleet replacement budget approved, and drops truth bombs on leadership, trust, and the secret to building a legacy beyond the garage.This one is for every fleet manager who’s ever wondered, “What’s next?” Harold shows that fleet isn’t just a job—it’s a launching pad for a purpose-driven career in public service.Key TakeawaysFleet + Finance = Power: Understanding how budget offices think helps you win more resources—and influence.Squeaky Wheels Win Replacements: You get what you ask for—so stop lowballing your budget out of fear.Leadership is Trust First: Harold reveals how trusting his team (and asking tons of questions) built powerful alignment.Fleet Pros Isn’t Just a Club—It’s a Career Accelerator: Why Fleet Pros' new 101 series is grooming the next generation of leaders.Succession Planning is Not Optional: Your legacy isn’t your title—it’s who comes after you.Speaker BiosHarold SiguenzaAssistant Director of Public Works, City of AvondaleA fleet outsider turned fleet champion, Harold’s story blends public administration, fleet management, and a relentless drive to serve the public. He’s also a board member with Fleet Pros, where he helps up-and-coming techs and supervisors rise into leadership roles.Josh TurleyCEO, RTA: The Fleet Success CompanyAs RTA’s CEO, Josh brings decades of insight into building better fleets through smart leadership, technology, and systems. His mission: help fleet managers lead with confidence.Marc CantonHead of Product & Consulting, RTAWith 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. #FleetLeadership #FleetSuccess #FleetManagerLife #FleetMaintenanceSoftware #PublicWorksLeadership #SuccessionPlanning #GovernmentFleet #FleetPros

“There are two biggest buckets of cost in any fleet: your people and your assets. If you're not managing both with strategy, you're leaking efficiency.”In this consulting-centric episode, Marc Canton and Steve Saltzgiver give listeners an inside look at the real issues fleet organizations are asking RTA for help with — and the critical ones they aren’t asking about but should be.From right-sizing analyses and facility planning to VMRS codes and preventive maintenance workflows, this episode reads like a checklist of where modern fleets are succeeding... and where they're falling behind. Steve breaks down how fleets can turn reactive problems into proactive strategies by investing in policies, proper documentation, and performance benchmarking.Whether you're a fleet manager dealing with staffing shortages or a city agency unsure if your shop still fits your growing fleet, this episode is packed with practical guidance and candid consulting insights that will help you run a more efficient, effective operation.Key Takeaways:Most Requested Projects: Best practice assessments, staffing studies, facility reviews, right-sizing analysis, and cost of service evaluations. Right-Sizing Always Pays Off: These projects consistently deliver ROI by helping fleets identify and reduce excess or underutilized assets. Facility Assessments Are Rising: Growing fleets are struggling with outdated bays, cramped layouts, and missing the mark on equipment needs. Underutilized Tools: Many fleets still lack documented workflows, up-to-date policy manuals, and clean, lean shop environments. Preventive Maintenance Process Is Key: PM efficiency depends on prep work — staging parts, tools, and task flow to avoid tech downtime. Chargebacks and Data Visibility Drive Better Behavior: Transparent cost allocation policies can improve operator stewardship and accountability.Marc CantonProduct leader at RTA and seasoned fleet consultant, Marc combines 20 years of fleet management experience with a sharp eye for software design and operational strategy. He’s passionate about helping fleets modernize.Steve SaltzgiverFleet Hall of Famer and consulting guru, Steve brings decades of experience across public, private, and federal sectors. Known as the “Fleet Whisperer,” his insights drive transformation from the shop floor to the boardroom.

In this energizing episode, hosts Josh Turley and Marc Canton take you behind the scenes of RTA’s legendary Spirit Week, an annual company tradition that flies in every team member for a week filled with fun, games, home-cooked meals, and, most importantly, deep team bonding.But this isn’t just about Mario Kart and barbecue. It’s a leadership playbook for anyone who wants to foster connection, culture, and camaraderie in their organization, without needing a massive budget or a corporate HR team. Josh and Marc walk through how Spirit Week started, what makes it work, and how fleet leaders can apply the same principles to strengthen their teams, even on a tight schedule or with limited resources.From dunk tanks and cornhole tournaments to remote team integration and cross-department connection, this episode offers practical ideas to help fleet managers turn morale into momentum.📌 Key Takeaways:Culture is intentional. Great workplaces don’t happen by accident, they’re engineered through rituals, connection, and recognition. Start small, then scale. Spirit Week began as a one-day potluck. Now it’s a company-wide celebration. Your fleet culture can grow the same way. Don’t wait for permission. Block time, set expectations, and create the space. Start with low-cost, high-fun activities like games, cookouts, or team trivia. Remote teams need bonding, too. Flying people in may not always be feasible, but there are scalable ways to bring hybrid teams together with intention. Celebrating wins matters. Spirit Week isn’t just for fun, it included a milestone celebration of $100M in fleet savings. Recognize your team’s real contributions. Leaders must go first. When leaders step up, get goofy, and cook meals or take a dunk tank hit, they humanize themselves and model vulnerability. Speaker Bios:Josh TurleyCEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company, Josh is a visionary leader who believes in building intentional culture. He’s the original force behind Spirit Week and a firm believer in celebrating wins, no matter how big or small.Marc CantonRTA’s Head of Product and longtime fleet manager, Marc is passionate about fostering team culture, driving operational excellence, and reminding us that even a simple shared meal can change the vibe of an organization.

In Episode 177 of The Fleet Success Show, Marc Canton and Steve Saltzgiver unload a truth-packed conversation on the painful realities of outsourcing fleet maintenance. From horror stories about seven visits for the same repair to $3,500 upsell attempts during a routine oil change, this episode explores the downside of putting your fleet’s fate in the hands of external vendors — especially without tight service-level agreements (SLAs) in place.Marc vents his real-world frustrations as a fleet leader turned vehicle caretaker for his entire family. Steve, bringing decades of fleet management and consulting experience, breaks down how fleets can build smarter, more accountable outsourcing relationships. Together, they unpack when outsourcing makes sense, how to hold vendors accountable, and why an in-house shop might still be your best line of defense against inefficiency, comebacks, and ballooning costs. 🧠 Key TakeawaysYou Need SLAs: Every outsourced service relationship should include documented expectations for turnaround time, comebacks, quality control, and performance-based penalties.Comeback Rates Must Be Measured: Don’t just fix the same issue over and over — track comebacks and hold vendors accountable.Relationships > Random Vendors: Choose trusted local partners and consolidate work volume to increase leverage and service priority.Standardization Still Matters: Fleets forced to mix makes/models due to supply shortages must prepare for increased training and parts complexity.The Case for In-House: In-house shops offer priority, control, and quality assurance that most outsourced solutions can’t consistently provide.Outsourcing Requires Oversight: Treat vendors like your own employees — ask about technician training, measure KPIs, and set clear expectations.🎤 Speaker BiosMarc CantonFleet expert, product leader at RTA, and longtime voice on The Fleet Success Show, Marc blends passion with firsthand frustration. With a career rooted in both fleet operations and vehicle procurement, he’s a fierce advocate for accountability in vendor relationships.Steve SaltzgiverHall of Fame Fleet Manager and industry legend, Steve has held leadership positions across government and private fleets. His consulting expertise spans outsourcing strategies, in-house optimization, and SLA implementation. A trusted advisor, mentor, and “Fleet Whisperer.”

“Fleet management touches everything in the community. When a fire truck rolls out, we’re behind the scenes making sure it works — not just to get there, but to save lives.”🎧 Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode of The Fleet Success Show, hosts Sara Burnam and Facundo Tassara unpack a powerful new movement within the fleet industry: fleet coaching.Drawing from their own paths from shop floors to leadership, Sara and Facundo explore how coaching can transform technicians into supervisors, fill critical knowledge gaps, and help fleets thrive in the face of industry-wide staffing and training shortages. This isn’t your traditional consulting or training—it’s personalized, ongoing mentorship for all levels of fleet operations.You’ll hear how fleet coaching empowers future leaders, strengthens technical and soft skills, and builds a stronger sense of community connection. Whether you’re a fleet manager, technician, or just someone trying to figure out your next step in the industry, this episode shows why coaching might be the key to unlocking your team’s full potential.📌 Key Takeaways:Fleet Coaching Fills the Post-Consulting Gap: Most consulting ends at the board presentation. Fleet coaching ensures support after the plan is made.Leadership Starts with Listening: Transitioning from technician to supervisor requires a shift from doing to listening—and that’s a teachable skill.Every Fleet Is Unique: There’s no “one-size-fits-all” curriculum. Coaching adapts to your team’s structure, challenges, and maturity level.Coaching Builds Community: Helping team members understand the why behind their work creates ownership, purpose, and pride.It’s Not Just for Managers: Coaching applies to entry-level techs, supervisors, middle managers, and even frontline admin staff.🧠 Speaker Bios:Facundo TassaraFleet Success Manager at RTA, Facundo brings public and private sector experience from mechanic shops to government operations. He’s passionate about coaching the next generation of fleet leaders and designing data-driven processes that actually work.Sara Burnam2023 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year and current RTA Fleet Success Manager, Sara knows what it means to grow from the ground up. From shop floor to director, she helps fleets build strong teams and meaningful impact through intentional leadership.#FleetSuccess #FleetCoaching #FleetLeadership #FleetDevelopment #FleetMaintenanceSoftware #VehicleFleetMaintenance #FleetMentorship #FleetTraining #GovernmentFleetManagement #FleetManagementSystem

In this episode, The Fleet Success Show tackles one of the most underappreciated yet critical foundations of fleet operations: asset class coding.Marc Canton and fleet consultant Scott Rood dive deep into why classifying vehicles and equipment correctly isn’t just a box-checking exercise—it’s essential for accurate lifecycle analysis, utilization tracking, budget forecasting, and replacement planning. Scott shares his decades of experience—from Air Force maintenance manager to fleet consultant—and breaks down how government, private, and utility fleets can create meaningful, data-driven class codes that drive real ROI.They debunk common pitfalls like “over-granular” coding, explain the dangers of poor asset grouping, and explore real-world examples from excavators to electric vehicles. Whether you're a fleet veteran or new to the game, this episode gives you practical, actionable advice for transforming your fleet's data accuracy and long-term strategy.📌 Key Takeaways:Proper Class Coding is Foundational: Without it, replacement planning, cost analysis, and utilization thresholds are fundamentally flawed.Avoid Both Over- and Under-Graining: Overcoding every asset is as bad as lumping too many together—find the “just right” level of detail.Fuel Type Matters: A gas-powered truck and its electric twin are not the same class. Different performance, costs, and data outputs demand different classifications.Use Available Systems: Tools like NAFA and APWA’s classification systems are free and highly effective.Context-Driven Coding: A landscaping fleet needs different granularity than a government fleet. Don’t copy-paste your structure—tailor it to your operation.It's Not One and Done: Class codes need to be reviewed and refined over time as your fleet and tech evolve. 🧠 Speaker Bios:Marc CantonHead of Product at RTA, Mark brings over 30 years of fleet management experience across public and private sectors. Known for simplifying complex processes, he's passionate about helping fleets leverage software to drive better decisions.Scott RoodFleet consultant and former USAF Vehicle Maintenance Manager, Scott has seen it all—from government agencies to utilities to international consulting. A go-to expert on class coding and lifecycle analysis, Scott brings clarity to complex fleet structures. #FleetSuccess #FleetData #FleetMaintenanceSoftware #ClassCoding #FleetLifecycle #FleetManagementSoftware #VehicleFleetMaintenance #FleetUtilization #GovernmentFleetSoftware #FleetOperations

This isn’t just about Baja — it’s a powerful metaphor for running a successful fleet operation. The challenges of off-roading mirror the pressures of leading a fleet: stay alert, communicate with clarity, never leave anyone behind, and always prepare for the unexpected. Whether you’re managing vehicles or navigating career challenges, the desert teaches resilience, strategy, and soul-refreshing perspective.  📌 Key Takeaways:Overcommunicate Clarity: Just like convoy radio protocols, great leadership requires repeating key messages until everyone is aligned.Fatigue is a Liability: Leaders must recognize when to rest — pushing through without recovery risks the entire operation.The Map is Not the Terrain: Real-world execution often deviates from plans; adaptability is non-negotiable.Prepare for the Worst: Risk management isn't just smart — it's survival. Always carry the metaphorical "U-bolts."Team Number One: In leadership and fleet operations, there are no silos. If one person fails, everyone does.Rediscover Joy: Off-roading reminds us to reconnect with childlike wonder. Leaders need soul-refreshing hobbies too. 🧠 Speaker Bios:Josh TurleyCEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company, Josh is passionate about building leaders and advancing fleet success through strategy, software, and soul. He’s a hands-on adventurer who brings real-world experience into boardroom lessons.Marc CantonFleet Success advocate, co-host, and operational expert with a gift for bringing out deep insights in light-hearted conversation. Marc’s background in enterprise leadership makes him the perfect mirror for Josh’s reflections.