The Fleet Success Show

In this no-holds-barred episode of The Fleet Success Show, RTA’s VP of Product & Consulting, Marc Canton, is joined by the Fleet Whisperer himself, Steve Saltzgiver, to dissect one of the biggest mistakes fleets make: trying to manage fleet operations through non-fleet systems like ERPs, EAMs, or telematics platforms with maintenance add-ons.Steve shares battle-tested stories from his decades of hands-on fleet leadership, where multi-million dollar companies wasted years and millions trying to shoehorn fleet into systems never meant for it. The two dive deep into the problems with using generic asset systems—and explain exactly why FMIS (Fleet Management Information Systems) like RTA are built to drive wrench time, reduce downtime, and give you clean, reliable data.Whether you’re being forced into an ERP, trying to justify an FMIS to leadership, or want real-world ammo to make your case, this episode is your go-to resource. ✅ Key TakeawaysERPs and EAMs are not built for fleet: From 40-click work orders to missing fleet-specific features like VRMS codes and SRT tracking, they cause inefficiency, data loss, and user frustration.FMIS platforms deliver immediate ROI: Purpose-built systems dramatically reduce clicks, improve reporting accuracy, and streamline daily shop workflows.Fleet data needs fleet-first systems: Granular cost tracking, downtime reporting, and shop scheduling require systems designed for mobile assets, not static ones.Politics often drive bad decisions: Leadership's desire for system consolidation often ignores the operational needs of the fleet.Don’t go it alone: Independent third-party evaluations can help justify the move to an FMIS. 🎙️ Speaker BiosMarc CantonVP of Product & Consulting at RTA Fleet. A strategic product leader and industry veteran, Marc drives innovation at RTA by blending real-world fleet operations with software expertise. He’s passionate about building solutions that solve the right problems.Steve SaltzgiverKnown as the “Fleet Whisperer,” Steve is a Hall-of-Fame fleet leader and the Head of Consulting at RTA. With executive-level experience in government and private sector fleets, Steve’s deep understanding of operational pain points makes him a trusted voice in the industry.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Fleet Success Show, host Marc Canton is joined by RTA’s senior consultant and fleet legend Tony Yankovich for a no-nonsense conversation about what it really takes to build an efficient, right-sized fleet operation.Tony breaks down the “3Ws” framework—Workload, Workforce, and Workplace—and explains how each element impacts the others. Whether you’re struggling with outdated shops, understaffed teams, or an aging fleet, this episode delivers clarity on how to analyze, model, and communicate the changes your operation needs.You’ll also hear real-world strategies for:Measuring true technician capacity (not just headcount)Communicating up to leadership with data (not desperation)Adjusting staffing, shop space, or outsourcing based on your fleet availabilityHow poor replacement planning leads to bloated fleets and burned-out teamsIf you’re stuck in reactive mode and want to operate your fleet with more strategy and less chaos—this episode is your roadmap. Key Takeaways:The 3Ws: Workload, Workforce, and Workplace must be evaluated together—not in silos.Why replacement planning is the lynchpin for solving other fleet issues (availability, technician overload, fleet creep).How to distinguish between technician headcount (FTs) and true wrench-turning labor (FTEs)—and why that gap matters.How old equipment causes spare creep, lower availability, and a domino effect across labor and facility requirements.Presenting to leadership with scenario-based data (not just headcount requests).   Speaker Bios:🎙Marc CantonVP of Product & Consulting, RTAMarc brings decades of fleet experience to his role as RTA’s product and consulting lead. Known for blending operational know-how with strategic thinking, Marc helps public and private fleets rethink the way they approach replacement planning, KPI tracking, and stakeholder communication.Tony YankovichFleet Consultant & Right-Sizing Specialist, RTAA master of fleet analysis and strategic planning, Tony has helped dozens of fleets across North America design optimized operations based on data, not gut instinct. With deep expertise in workload modeling, right-sizing, and facility planning, Tony’s work continues 

"Fleet management isn’t about vehicle counts—it’s about aligning your people, your processes, and your places. Get that wrong, and your whole operation wobbles."In this powerful keynote from RTA’s Connect 2025 conference, veteran fleet consultant Tony Yankovich challenges the outdated notion of fleet right-sizing as merely reducing the number of vehicles. Drawing from over 30 years in the industry, Tony walks the audience through the evolution of fleet optimization from a data-driven numbers game into a holistic, operations-focused strategy. He introduces a new model of right-sizing that integrates three essential pillars: workload, workforce, and workplace.By the end of the session, Tony arms fleet managers with actionable insights on how to build resilient, efficient, and future-ready operations—whether you manage your own shop or outsource maintenance. This session is a must-listen for any fleet leader facing pressure to reduce costs without compromising service levels or operational readiness.Key Takeaways:Right-sizing is more than reducing vehicle counts—it’s about optimizing workload, workforce, and workplace together.AEUs (Asset Equivalent Units) provide a quantifiable framework to evaluate true maintenance burden.Misalignment among the 3Ws (Workload, Workforce, Workplace) leads to inefficiencies and reduced fleet availability.Real-world examples show how poor shop layouts or overextended staff can quietly erode performance.Tony makes the case for slack time, strategic staffing, and right-sized facilities to unlock innovation and improve wrench time.  Speaker Bio:Tony Yankovich is a nationally recognized fleet consultant and keynote speaker with over three decades in public works and fleet operations. His deep operational knowledge and hands-on consulting experience have helped government and enterprise fleets across the country modernize, centralize, and optimize their maintenance programs. Tony is a frequent contributor to RTA content and a trusted voice in the Fleet Success movement.

In this special live panel episode of The Fleet Success Show, recorded at Connect 2025 in Las Vegas, award-winning fleet leaders Sara Burnam, Jesse Ostovich, Jake Johnson, and Chuck Cramer field unscripted questions from fleet managers around North America.From winning “100 Best Fleets” to improving PM compliance and building data-driven fleet replacement plans, this no-holds-barred Q&A dives deep into the real-world challenges fleet leaders face—and what separates the great from the average.You’ll learn how to convince senior leadership to invest in technician training, how to tackle resistance from departments that don’t bring vehicles in for service, and why stakeholder satisfaction should be your top KPI. Whether you're rebuilding your fleet program from scratch or trying to fine-tune a high-performing operation, this is a must-listen masterclass in practical fleet leadership.  🔑 Key Takeaways:Data is your greatest weapon in making the case for better budgeting, replacement plans, and leadership buy-in.Training isn’t a cost—it’s an investment. Use outsourced costs and industry benchmarks to justify internal training programs.PM compliance is more than scheduling. It’s about communication, department accountability, and forecasting capacity.Celebrate wins publicly. Recognition, both big and small, drives team engagement and retention.Fleet success starts with ‘why.’ From SOPs to annual reports, know what matters and communicate it relentlessly. 👤 Speaker Bios:Sara Burnam – 2023 Public Fleet Manager of the Year and veteran government fleet leader with 27+ years of experience. Known for her innovative approach to performance measurement and team culture.Jesse Ostovich – Former RTA customer turned RTA team member, with 10+ years of fleet experience across government, private sector, and military operations. Passionate about technician training and operational excellence.Jake Johnson – Heavy-duty commercial fleet expert with over 20 years in the industry. Known for leading complex system transitions and building high-performing teams from the ground up.Chuck Cramer – RTA Fleet Consultant with deep experience in both dealership and private fleet environments. Focused on helping fleets use data to drive outcomes and build scalable processes.

In this episode of the Fleet Success Show: Fleet Management 101 Series, Fleet Success Ambassador Facundo Tassara sits down with Bill Griffiths, Fleet Administrator for the District of Columbia, to unpack the essentials every fleet professional needs to succeed. With over 30 years in the game, managing fleets from the Smithsonian to Montgomery County to the nation's capital, Bill reveals how he transformed underperforming fleets with one radical principle: get the fundamentals right.From crafting a killer elevator pitch to navigating NTSB investigations, from PM compliance to creating scorecards that drive accountability—this episode is an unfiltered masterclass in fleet management done right. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned veteran, this conversation will challenge your thinking and upgrade your strategy. Key Takeaways:Fleet Fundamentals: Why missing the basics—like asset classifications, accounting codes, or PMs—can cripple your operation.The Power of Metrics: How to choose the right KPIs (and what 5 Bill thinks are non-negotiable).Elevator Pitch Mastery: Why every fleet leader should be ready to present fleet value in 30 seconds or less.Customer Service as a Fleet Strategy: How proactive service communication builds internal trust and budget support.Scorecards That Drive Culture: How Bill uses shop-level scorecards to increase ownership, technician efficiency, and fleet availability.Working On the Business: The difference between reacting to problems and planning for a future with EVs, telematics, and shifting tech. Speaker Bios:Facundo TassaraFleet Success Ambassador, RTAWith 25 years of experience across government and private fleets, Facundo is a champion of operational excellence. As RTA's Fleet Success Ambassador, he brings a unique blend of hands-on experience and tech innovation to help fleets run smarter, leaner, and more effectively.Bill GriffithsFleet Administrator, District of ColumbiaA fleet industry veteran with 34 years of experience, Bill has led transformative fleet initiatives at Montgomery County, the Smithsonian Institution, the MBTA, and now Washington D.C. He’s known for his strategic mindset, obsession with data-driven decisions, and no-BS approach to leadership and fleet accountability.

Live from the RTA Connect 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Marc Canton interviews Drew Morrow, a seasoned fleet manager from Cambridge, Massachusetts, who operates a private ambulance fleet. With just one and a half techs to maintain 34 vehicles, Drew is living proof of the technician shortage crisis. But instead of giving in to chaos, he shares how he uses structured calendar blocks and smart prioritization to manage both strategic planning and daily shop operations.This candid conversation dives deep into the balancing act of wrench time vs. leadership, the challenge of telling your fleet's story to executives, and why you need to be your fleet's biggest advocate. Drew also opens up about the emotional toll of trying to do it all, the importance of industry collaboration, and how to make a compelling case for hiring help or replacing aging vehicles.Whether you're running an EMS fleet or a government operation, this episode delivers actionable insights for any fleet leader struggling with time, staffing, or executive buy-in. Key Takeaways:You can’t lead strategically if you’re buried in the shop.Structured calendar time (like blocking hours in Outlook) helps combat chaos.Telling your story through the lens of risk and mission execution resonates with leadership.You must track KPIs like missed PMs due to poor communication.Early vehicle replacement can reduce wrench time and total cost of ownership.Peer collaboration is critical—even in competitive industries like private EMS. Speakers: Marc Canton – VP of Product & Consulting at RTA: The Fleet Success Company. With decades of fleet experience, Marc helps fleets turn performance data into action and leads RTA's consulting arm to drive meaningful success across operations.Drew Morrow – Fleet Manager for a private ambulance company in Cambridge, MA. With over 25 years in the industry, Drew brings a technician’s expertise and a leader’s mindset to one of the most mission-critical fleet sectors: EMS.

In this special 200th episode of The Fleet Success Show, hosts Josh Turley, Steve Saltzgiver, and Marc Canton take the stage live to celebrate the journey so far. They look back on four years of weekly episodes, share hard-earned lessons on leadership and culture, and take real-time questions from an audience of fleet professionals.You’ll hear how the podcast started, what keeps it going, and what the hosts have learned about consistency, trust, and creating impact through honest conversations. Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new to the show, this episode offers valuable insights on starting strong, staying accountable, and building a culture where people thrive—no matter your title. Key TakeawaysStart now. You don’t need to be ready—you just need to start.Consistency is everything. Schedule it, prioritize it, and stick with it.Trust comes first. People will only hear tough truths when they know you care.You can lead from the middle. Culture change isn’t just top-down.Yes, public fleets can change. Intentional culture is possible in any environment—with the right mindset and commitment.Measure what matters. Data and accountability drive results—and buy-in. Speaker BiosJosh Turley – CEO, RTAJosh is a fleet leadership advocate, people-first executive, and the driving force behind RTA's mission to help fleets succeed. With a passion for culture and clarity, he uses his platform to guide fleet leaders through growth and transformation.Steve Saltzgiver – Fleet Hall of Famer & RTA Fleet Success ConsultantWith over four decades of experience in both government and private-sector fleets, Steve brings unmatched insight and humor to every conversation. A true coach at heart, he helps fleet managers build trust, boost performance, and lead with purpose.Marc Canton – VP of Product & Consulting, RTAMarc is a former fleet leader and higher-ed fleet director who knows what it takes to build a strong culture from the ground up. His leadership style is rooted in honesty, accountability, and servant leadership—and it shows in how he supports teams and customers alike.

In this episode of the Fleet Success Show, Josh Turley and Marc Canton break down the real reasons behind the fleet technician shortage. Spoiler: it's not just about pay, and it’s not just about competition with dealerships anymore. Today, fleets are fighting a war on two fronts—against white-collar careers and blue-collar trades that offer higher pay, lower complexity, and better mobility.Josh and Marc explore:Why techs are avoiding the automotive space and opting for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.The psychology of Gen Z (aka the Toolbelt Generation).How lack of exposure and outdated compensation models are killing technician pipelines.The missed recruiting opportunities fleets ignore at trade schools and even 4-year universities.You’ll also learn how to rethink recruiting, reposition your fleet, and make technician roles more appealing—without waiting for "the industry" to save you.  Key TakeawaysThe technician shortage is not unique to fleet—dealerships and private shops are hurting, too.Gen Z is entering the trades, just not yours. Plumbers, HVAC techs, and electricians are winning the war for talent.Fleets struggle to recruit because they don't market themselves well and they lack a clear career path for techs.Dealerships have visibility and recruiting power. Fleets often hide behind HR processes and outdated comp studies.Competing requires intentional culture, real wage strategy, and recruiting at high schools and community colleges.Fleet managers must think like marketers—position your brand, tell a compelling story, and offer a growth path.  Speaker BiosJosh TurleyCEO of RTA, Josh brings a practical, strategic mindset to modern fleet challenges. With deep industry experience and a passion for technician development, he champions data-driven fleet management and sustainable recruiting.Marc CantonFleet consultant and workforce strategist, Marc works with fleets to improve operational efficiency and tackle workforce shortages head-on. A master storyteller, Marc connects cultural trends with actionable steps for fleet leaders.

“You can’t fix technician staffing without fixing the replacement plan first—and rightsizing without replacement is just rearranging the deck chairs.” Episode SummaryFleet managers face an ongoing puzzle: should you prioritize asset replacement, rightsize your fleet, or hire more technicians? In this episode, Josh Turley and Marc Canton dive deep into how each of these levers impacts the others—and why trying to solve them in isolation might be the biggest mistake of all.Marc argues that a strong replacement plan is the keystone to improving both righttyping and technician capacity. You'll hear how poor replacement drives reactive maintenance, higher costs, and staffing overload—while proactive planning can improve PM compliance, reduce downtime, and unlock righttyping conversations that lead to major cost savings.The episode also explores how rightsizing (and righttyping) can expose hidden inefficiencies and open the door to smarter technician resource planning. The hosts walk through real-world examples of strategic replacements leading to reductions in spare ratios, better technician alignment, and enhanced fleet availability.Finally, they show how to build compelling data-driven models for stakeholders to weigh tradeoffs across capital spending, operational costs, and technician resources. You'll walk away understanding why doing all three—replacement, rightsizing, and staffing—at the same time is not only possible, but essential for true fleet success. ✅ Key TakeawaysA solid replacement plan is the foundation—it improves availability, reduces reactive maintenance, and helps rightsize your fleet. Righttyping vehicles can reduce technician burden and operating costs, even if asset counts increase. Technician staffing must be based on AU workload—not arbitrary tech-to-vehicle ratios. Use scenario modeling to present stakeholders with capital vs. OPEX trade-offs and drive better decisions. Present options—not ultimatums—to leadership. Blended approaches are more successful than single-threaded strategies. Your goal isn’t just better utilization—it’s higher availability that enables mission success. 🎙️ Speaker BiosJosh TurleyCEO of RTA and host of the Fleet Success Show, Josh brings decades of experience in helping government and enterprise fleets increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve availability through smarter maintenance systems and consulting.Marc CantonFleet management consultant and co-host, Marc is a seasoned strategist who helps fleets across North America rightsize their assets, optimize replacement plans, and navigate tough staffing challenges. Known for data-driven storytelling and hands-on problem-solving.

In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Marc Canton is joined by fleet industry leader and Boynton Beach Fleet Director Dave Persad for a raw, heartfelt conversation about leadership, legacy, and transforming public sector fleets.From his humble beginnings on a farm in Trinidad to managing award-winning fleets in Florida, Dave shares his journey through construction, hardship, and passion-led transformation. You'll hear about how he led West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach to Top 100 Fleet rankings, his strategies for stakeholder engagement, and the power of intentional culture. This episode is packed with real talk on managing resources, securing buy-in, and building a team that believes in the mission.Whether you’re struggling to get budget approvals or dealing with bad apples on your team, this episode is a playbook for turning frustration into progress. Dave's story is a must-listen for fleet managers trying to prove their value, protect in-house maintenance, and build a team people want to follow.  Key Takeaways:Intentional Culture: Leadership isn't an accident. Dave shows how intentional values, love, and high expectations shape teams that succeed.Data + Emotion = Influence: Learn how Dave tells a compelling fleet story using performance metrics tied directly to stakeholder needs.Stakeholder Satisfaction is Everything: Dave runs quarterly fleet meetings with all departments to align goals, manage replacements, and improve availability.Recruitment Through Leadership: Treat people right, and they follow you. Half of Dave's team followed him from West Palm Beach to Boynton Beach.You Can't Tolerate Bad Apples: One negative tech can tank a culture. Learn how Dave documents and leads through tough conversations.Food, Family, and Follow-Through: Sometimes, building culture means breaking bread. Literally.  Speaker Bios:Marc Canton is the VP of Product and Consulting at RTA: The Fleet Success Company. With nearly 30 years in fleet, he brings a blend of tech expertise and hands-on experience to help fleets succeed.Dave Persad is the Fleet Director for the City of Boynton Beach, FL. With a background in construction and public works, Dave has led multiple fleets to Top 100 status using a culture-first, data-driven approach.