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The Fleet Success Show

Welcome to the Fleet Success Show, a podcast dedicated to talking about the fundamentals, standards, and best practices that empower today's fleets to achieve fleet success. Let's get into the show!
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Episodes

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 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 practi...

Aug 14, 202529 minEp. 199

Episode 188: Blame Steve: The Fleet Episode That Might Get You Promoted

“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...

Aug 07, 202531 minEp. 198

Episode 187: Get to a Trade Show, Or Get a New Job

"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 insi...

Jul 31, 202539 minEp. 197

Episode 186: Don’t Trust Your Invoices! The Dangers of Outsourcing without Oversight

"You may outsource your M&R, but you can't outsource your fleet management. That has to be internal." – Marc Canton The 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 ha...

Jul 24, 202532 minEp. 195

Episode 185: Underdog to MVP: Promoting Yourself (and Your Fleet) the Right Way

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...

Jul 17, 202535 minEp. 194

Episode 184: Fleet Math is Sexy (And It Might Just Save Your Job)

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 f...

Jul 10, 202524 minEp. 193

Episode 183: How UCLA Electrified Their Fleet—Without Electrocuting Their Budget

“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 Summary In 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...

Jul 03, 202556 minEp. 192

Episode 182: From the Shop Floor to the Forest Service: One Fleet Manager’s Epic Ride

"Fleet managers make the world go round, so why doesn’t the world recognize that?" 🎧 Episode Summary In 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 m...

Jun 26, 202546 minEp. 191

Episode 181: You Can Be Right or You Can Have a Fleet: Budget Cuts for Grown-Ups

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 ...

Jun 19, 202540 minEp. 190

Episode 180: From Budget Cubicle to Fleet Jungle: One Fleet Manager’s Wild Ride to the Top of Public Works

“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. Har...

Jun 12, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 189

Episode 179: Fleet Stress: The Hidden Costs Killing Your Fleet (and How to Find Them)

“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 re...

Jun 05, 202521 minEp. 188

Episode 178: Fleet Culture That Works: How to Build Team Morale Without Breaking the Budget

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 te...

May 29, 202525 minEp. 187

Episode 177: When Fleet Outsourcing Fails: How to Use SLAs, Track Comebacks, and Regain Control

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 ...

May 22, 202534 minEp. 186

Episode 176: Fleet Coaching: How to Develop Technicians Into Tomorrow’s Fleet Leaders

“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 supervisor...

May 15, 202523 minEp. 185

Episode 175: The Power of Class Coding: Why Your Fleet Data Depends on It

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—...

May 08, 202528 minEp. 184

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

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 leader...

May 01, 202542 minEp. 183

Episode 173: Fleet Horror Stories: Fires, Failures & Frozen Garbage Trucks

These aren’t just entertaining tales. Each story is packed with critical lessons in leadership, accountability, and the hard realities of managing complex fleets. Whether it's dealing with rogue employees, taking responsibility for costly mistakes, or standing firm under executive pressure, this episode delivers powerful insights for fleet professionals at every level. If you've ever wondered what it takes to make it to the Fleet Hall of Fame, this episode is the playbook. Key Takeaways: Documen...

Apr 24, 202525 minEp. 182

Episode 172: The Power of Association – A Conversation with NAFA CEO Bill Schankel

“Fleet is the most under-resourced industry in the world — and yet, nothing happens without a fleet.” – Marc Canton From the comeback of in-person networking events to modernized certification programs, Bill shares how NAFA is driving change at the national and local levels. They discuss how the technician shortage, EV mandates, and rapid tech evolution are reshaping the landscape — and how NAFA is preparing fleet professionals to meet these challenges head-on. Whether you're new to fleet or a s...

Apr 17, 202548 minEp. 181

Episode 171: “I’m a Fleet Manager, Now What?” Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Modern Fleet Leadership

“No one goes to school for fleet management—so if you’re in this role, you’re already on an unconventional journey. The only question is: what are you doing to bridge the gap?” Drawing on 35+ years of experience and 450+ consulting engagements across North America, Tony shares hard-earned insights into the two major career paths that land someone in a fleet manager seat—and more importantly, the gaps each path leaves behind. Whether you're lacking technical knowledge or strategic business manage...

Apr 10, 202535 minEp. 180

Episode 170: Fleet Rookie Mistakes (We Made Them So You Don’t Have To) - Advice from Award-Winning Fleet Managers

Sara shares how her fifth-year leap into the "100 Best Fleets" was game-changing, and Facundo recounts how being stuck behind a train on his first day led to earning the trust of a skeptical technician. The duo emphasizes networking, certifications, and shutting up long enough to actually hear your team out. Whether you're brand new or looking for a fleet leadership refresh, this episode is a goldmine of actionable advice—and it's way more fun than a fleet manual. 🎓 Key Takeaways: 🎯 Don’t chan...

Apr 03, 202538 minEp. 179

Episode 169: Parts Management: The Hidden Goldmine in Fleet Efficiency

🛠️ "A great parts manager is worth their weight in gold. Without the right parts at the right time, even the best fleet operation grinds to a halt.” – Marc Canton 🚀 Episode Summary From the importance of hiring the right parts professionals to leveraging technology for inventory control, they discuss how optimizing your parts program can save both time and money. They also explore common pitfalls in fleet maintenance, the pros and cons of outsourcing, and how a well-managed parts department di...

Mar 27, 202540 minEp. 178

Episode 168: How to Fix a Broken Fleet in Six Months: Secrets from Fleet Whisperer Steve Saltzgiver

From identifying key metrics and leveraging leading indicators to managing people effectively and making data-driven decisions, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for fleet professionals looking to transform their operations. Whether you’re a new fleet manager or a seasoned pro, this conversation will give you a roadmap for fleet success. Key Takeaways: 🚛 The First 30 Days Matter – Why listening to stakeholders and analyzing data is crucial before making changes. 📊 The Power of Me...

Mar 20, 202559 minEp. 177

Episode 167: Why Fleet Techs Are Leaving – And How to Keep Them

✅ Are we missing a crucial step in technician career paths? ✅ Why do techs leave—and is it really just about pay? ✅ How can fleet managers develop their own future leaders? This episode dives deep into the career progression of fleet professionals, from turning wrenches to leading a shop, and the massive gap in training that’s holding many back. If you’re managing a fleet, hiring techs, or wondering how to grow in your career, this is a must-listen episode! ✔️ Fleet Career Paths Are Broken – Mos...

Mar 13, 202522 minEp. 176

Episode 166: Mandates, Mayhem, and Managing Fleets: What Keeps Fleet Managers Up at Night, with Special Guest Mike Kastner from NTEA

The episode opens with introductions from Josh, Marc, and guest Mike Kastner, who shares his decades-long journey with NTEA. Mike explains NTEA’s core mission: representing manufacturers, distributors, and users of vocational trucks. The conversation explores critical industry topics, including: Electrification Challenges: While light-duty EV adoption has accelerated, Mike stresses the technological and infrastructural hurdles of electrifying heavier work trucks. NTEA’s neutral stance on fuels f...

Mar 06, 202558 minEp. 175

Episode 165: Why Your Fleet Software Implementation Is Doomed: The 5 Biggest Pitfalls to Avoid

Drawing from decades of experience across thousands of implementations, Marc and Josh highlight the key reasons fleet managers struggle with adopting new technology. From data migration nightmares to lack of training and buy-in, they share hard-hitting lessons learned from real-world failures—and successes. Key Takeaways from the Episode: 🚨 Data Migration Can Make or Break You – Many implementations go off the rails due to bad data. If your fleet reporting was garbage before, don’t expect mirac...

Feb 27, 202539 minEp. 174

Episode 164: The Cost of Doing Nothing: Why Delaying an FMIS Hurts Your Fleet

The conversation dives deep into common objections fleet managers have when considering new software: fear of change, lack of time, data cleanup concerns, and the dreaded RFP process. Josh and Marc emphasize that waiting is actually costing fleet teams time and money. They debunk the myth that staying manual saves time, illustrating how a properly implemented FMIS system—whether from RTA or another provider—transforms fleet operations, improves efficiency, and ultimately, gives managers clarity,...

Feb 20, 202540 minEp. 173

Episode 163: "The Making of a Fleet Manager of the Year" with Sara Burnam

Throughout the episode, Sara emphasizes the importance of building relationships, prioritizing continuous learning, and empowering team members to take pride in their work. By implementing key performance indicators (KPIs), automating processes, and introducing recognition programs, she created an environment where employees felt valued and motivated. Sara's leadership principles highlight how intentional culture and curiosity can drive success in any organization. Key Takeaways Embrace Change a...

Feb 13, 202553 minEp. 172

Episode 162: Fleet Challenges Uncovered: Navigating EV Costs, CARB Regulations, and the Technician Shortage

At the end of 2024, RTA’s head of product and consulting Marc Canton went to several conferences and trade shows and gathered some of the biggest topics and challenges that will be facing fleets in 2025 and beyond. In this insightful episode of The Fleet Success Show , hosts Josh Turley, CEO at RTA, and Marc Canton, a 30-year fleet industry veteran, dive deep into those pressing challenges facing fleet managers today. With decades of combined experience, Josh and Marc discuss critical issues suc...

Feb 06, 202525 minEp. 171

Episode 161: Don't Judge a Book by its Cover: The Fleet Success Playbook Book Club

“Culture is the free tool that you’re not using. It’s the difference maker in any organization.” – Facundo Tassara Facundo shares the inspiration behind starting the book club, describing it as a way to dive deeper into the principles outlined in the Fleet Success Playbook . From fostering open discussions about intentional culture to addressing the unique challenges of electric vehicle adoption, the book club provides a platform for fleet managers to connect, learn, and grow. Key Takeaways: Int...

Jan 30, 202531 minEp. 170

Throwback 011: What Metrics Should I Use to Measure Fleet Success?

Discover how the right metrics can transform your fleet operation by reducing costly road calls, improving efficiency, and saving money. The co-hosts break down the specific data points you should be tracking to drive success, avoid common pitfalls, and make smarter operational decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned fleet manager or new to the industry, this episode offers actionable insights you can’t afford to miss. Want to take your fleet’s performance to the next level? Explore Fleet360 by RTA...

Jan 23, 202528 minEp. 169
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