What does it actually take to deploy new technology in a public fleet before anyone else is doing it? In this episode of the Fleet Success Show, host Facundo Tassara sits down with Al Curtis, Fleet Director for Cobb County, Georgia, one of the most innovative public fleet operations in the country. Al has spent over 22 years at Cobb County building a culture of bold, thoughtful experimentation, from deploying Nissan Leafs in the fire marshal's office in 2016 to launching telematics across 800 county vehicles when most fleets had never heard the term.

Al and Facundo dig into what it really means to be an early adopter in public fleet. They cover how to get buy-in from the top and the shop floor at the same time, why your loudest technician might be your most valuable asset during a rollout, when to pull the plug on a failed deployment (like 50 propane-upfitted police cars), and why chasing startups is often smarter than waiting for the mainstream. They also get into how innovation connects to 100 Best Fleets recognition, how Cobb County is tackling the technician shortage by growing talent in-house, and what fleet managers need to hear about AI-driven tools changing how technicians learn and get certified.

This is a conversation for fleet leaders who want to build something they're proud of, not just manage what exists.

About the Guests:

Facundo Tassara is the host of the Fleet Success Show and a fleet industry veteran with experience spanning government fleet, tech startups, and EV infrastructure. He began his public fleet career in local government before joining Fermata Energy in 2017, where he worked at the forefront of vehicle-to-grid and bidirectional charging technology. Facundo brings a unique perspective to fleet conversations, part practitioner, part innovator, and has been a consistent voice for modernization and bold thinking in public fleet management.

Al Curtis is the Fleet Director for Cobb County Fleet Management in Marietta, Georgia, and one of the most respected names in public fleet innovation. He began his career as a motor sergeant in the U.S. military before moving through the private sector and into public service, where he has spent more than 22 years with Cobb County. Under his leadership, the department has earned 100 Best Fleets recognition and built a reputation for being willing to go where most government fleets won't, testing new technology early, sharing both wins and failures openly, and developing technicians from within the organization.

Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 

What does it actually take to break into a male-dominated industry, get passed over because of excuses, and still rise to manage a fleet of nearly 3,800 assets?

Shae Davies, Fleet Manager for the City of Aurora, Colorado, joins host Facundo Tassara for the debut episode of the Women in Fleet series on the Fleet Success Show. Shae has nearly 30 years in public fleet, starting as an apprentice mechanic with the City of Seattle and working her way into leadership through grit, skill, and a willingness to be the first.

In this episode, Shae and Facundo cover:

Whether you are a fleet manager, a fleet director, a tradesperson, or someone thinking about entering the industry, this conversation will challenge the way you think about fleet, leadership, and what the next generation of this workforce needs.

Subscribe for more episodes of the Fleet Success Show and the full Women in Fleet series.

Chapters: 

0:00 – Intro to Women in Fleet 

1:48 – Shae's background and 30 years in fleet 

3:19 – The fight with her dad that started it all 

5:17 – Getting hired and entering public fleet 

6:28 – From mechanic to leadership 

10:13 – Being passed over and having to be the first 

13:49 – Navigating bias and building resilience 

17:30 – Hot take: stop calling women "females" 

22:05 – Shae's photo in the US Capitol building 

25:37 – Managing 3,800 assets at the City of Aurora 

28:52 – Telling the executive story to drive capital investment 

32:17 – 230 underutilized vehicles and what the data shows 

33:46 – QR codes on fleet assets as community storytelling tools 

38:18 – The number one thing impacting fleet today 

41:33 – Advice for women thinking about entering fleet 

44:38 – Fleet as a business partner, not a department 

50:09 – The future of mechanic wages and the labor shortage 

55:33 – Closing thoughts and upcoming Women in Fleet guests

Connect with RTA Fleet: https://www.rtafleet.com Learn more about Fleet360: https://www.rtafleet.com/fleet360

#WomenInFleet #FleetManagement #FleetSuccessShow #PublicFleet #FleetManager #Trades #WomenInTrades #MunicipalFleet #FleetLeadership

Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 

What does fleet management look like when your "shop" spans the entire globe?

In this episode of the Fleet Success Show, host Marc Canton sits down with Chief Master Sergeant Adam Walker of the U.S. Air Force at the NAFA Institute and Expo 2026. Adam oversees vehicle management operations across 175 Air Force bases, 100,000 vehicles, and 5,500 military and civilian personnel. His team's mission: keep the vehicles running so the Air Force can fly, fight, and win.

The conversation goes deep on the challenges, the systems, and the leadership principles that hold it all together and what civilian fleet managers can take directly from the military playbook.

In this episode:

If you're a fleet manager, fleet director, or fleet leader who wants to run a tighter, more resilient operation, this episode is for you.

Marc Canton

Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 

Most fleets already have telematics installed.

The problem is, most of the data is wrong, incomplete, or being used the wrong way.

In this episode of the Fleet Success Show, Fleet Hall of Famer Steve Saltzgiver sits down with Lucas Schorer, Founder & CEO of Kestrel Insights, to expose the hidden operational blind spots quietly costing fleets productivity, efficiency, and millions in preventable mistakes.

They break down:

If you manage fleet operations, logistics, transportation, field services, or telematics systems, this episode will completely change how you think about operational visibility.

Subscribe for more fleet leadership, operations, and transportation insights from the Fleet Success Show.

#FleetManagement #Telematics #Logistics #Transportation #FleetTechnology #SupplyChain #FleetSuccess #AI #OperationsManagement

Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 

Government fleets are under more pressure than ever—and most people don’t realize what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

In this episode of the Fleet Success Show, Marc Canton sits down with Nichole Osinski (Executive Editor of Government Fleet) to break down the biggest challenges fleets are facing in 2026, from technician shortages and aging vehicles to leadership gaps and political pressures.

But the biggest takeaway? Success in fleet operations doesn’t look the same for everyone.

If you’re a fleet manager, public sector leader, or just interested in how critical infrastructure actually runs, this conversation will change how you see the industry.

Key Topics:

📌 Subscribe for more insights on fleet strategy, leadership, and operational success.

#FleetManagement #GovernmentFleet #Leadership #Operations #PublicSector #FleetSuccess

Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 

Fleet management may be entering its biggest transformation in decades.

According to NAFA CEO Bill Schankel, AI is about to dramatically accelerate the fleet industry, and the leaders who adapt first will have a massive advantage.

In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Marc Canton, VP of Fleet Strategy at RTA Fleet, and Bill Schankel break down why fleet management is changing faster than ever before, including:

✅ Why AI could “leapfrog” the fleet industry

Marc also shares his perspective that fleet management has historically lagged behind other industries technologically, but that AI may rapidly close that gap over the next few years.

This conversation is packed with insights for:

If you work in fleet, this episode will challenge how you think about the future of the industry.

👇 COMMENT BELOW:

🚛 Learn more about RTA Fleet: https://rtafleet.com

CEO, NAFA Fleet Management Association

Bill Schankel is the Chief Executive Officer of NAFA Fleet Management Association, the world’s largest professional organization for fleet managers. NAFA serves more than 3,500 members across North America, representing government fleets, corporate fleets, and supplier partners across a wide range of industries including public safety, utilities, transit, delivery, and more.

Under Bill’s leadership, NAFA has expanded its focus on fleet education, certification programs, industry advocacy, and professional development, helping fleet leaders build stronger operations and advance the fleet profession.

Vice President of Fleet Strategy, RTA Fleet

Marc Canton is the Vice President of Fleet Strategy at RTA Fleet, where he works with fleet leaders across North America to improve operations, implement modern fleet management systems, and develop high-performing fleet teams.

Marc brings decades of experience in fleet operations, consulting, and leadership development. Through his work with RTA and The Fleet Success Show, he helps fleet professionals build safer, more reliable fleets while strengthening the profession as a whole.

#FleetManagement #AI #NAFA #FleetTechnology #PublicFleet #GovernmentFleet #FleetLeadership #MaintenanceManagement #Transportation #FleetSuccess

Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 

Most fleet managers focus on labor rates and parts costs—but that’s only a fraction of the real story.

In this episode of the Fleet Success Show, Facundo Tassara (RTA) sits down with Brett Dashe (ServiceUp) to break down the hidden costs of fleet repairs, and why downtime, inefficiency, and lack of visibility are quietly draining budgets.

You’ll learn:

This episode is essential for fleet leaders who want to:

Speaker Bios

Facundo Tassara

Fleet Success Ambassador | RTA Fleet

Facundo Tassara is the Fleet Success Ambassador at RTA, where he works directly with fleet professionals across North America to help them improve operations, reduce downtime, and lead with confidence. With hands-on experience in public sector fleet management, Facundo brings a practical, real-world perspective to the challenges fleet leaders face every day—from technician shortages to operational inefficiencies.

Through the Fleet Success Show, industry events, and direct engagement with fleets, he focuses on helping organizations eliminate blind spots, strengthen accountability, and build fleets they’re proud to lead.

Brett Dashe

Co-Founder & Head of Partnerships | ServiceUp

Brett Dashe is the Co-Founder of ServiceUp, a fleet repair management platform designed to streamline how fleets manage outsourced maintenance and repairs. With a background in enterprise software and technology, Brett brings a data-driven approach to solving one of the fleet industry’s biggest challenges: lack of visibility in third-party repairs.

At ServiceUp, he leads partnerships and platform strategy, helping fleets better understand repair workflows, reduce downtime, and uncover the hidden costs impacting their operations. His work focuses on increasing transparency, improving decision-making, and enabling fleets to scale efficiently across complex, multi-location environments.

Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 

What are the simplest, lowest-cost ways to improve your fleet, without new budget, approvals, or tools?

In this episode, Facundo Tassara and Steve Saltzgiver break down the “low-hanging fruit” in fleet management: the overlooked opportunities that can drive massive gains in efficiency, safety, and cost savings.

They cover:

If you’re a fleet leader looking to eliminate blind spots, improve operations, and lead with confidence, this episode gives you practical actions you can implement today.

👉 Because the easiest wins in your fleet… are often the ones you’re overlooking.

If you want to eliminate fleet blind spots and build a fleet you’re proud to lead, it starts with mastering the fundamentals.

👉 Visit rtafleet.com

Facundo Tassara is a Fleet Success Ambassador at RTA, focused on helping fleet leaders simplify operations, eliminate blind spots, and improve performance. With a passion for practical, real-world solutions, Facundo works closely with fleets to turn complex challenges into actionable strategies that drive efficiency and confidence.

Steve Saltzgiver is a seasoned fleet expert and strategic consultant with over 40 years of experience in fleet management and operations. Known for his deep industry knowledge and practical approach, Steve has helped countless organizations improve productivity, reduce costs, and build high-performing fleet operations through proven processes and leadership.

Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 

Are certifications like ASE and CAFM still worth it—or are they becoming irrelevant in today’s technician shortage?

In this episode of the Fleet Success Show, Josh Turley and Drew Morrow break down the real reason certifications are losing traction, why that’s dangerous for fleets, and what leaders should be doing instead.

They unpack:

If you’re a fleet leader trying to build a stronger team, improve performance, and lead with confidence, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Because in a world full of fleet blind spots… certifications might be one of the clearest signals you’ve got.

If you want to eliminate blind spots and lead your fleet with confidence, it starts with investing in your people and your systems.

👉 Visit rtafleet.com

Josh Turley is a fleet industry leader and CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company. With deep expertise in fleet operations, technology, and leadership development, Josh is passionate about helping public sector fleets eliminate blind spots, improve performance, and lead with confidence. As host of the Fleet Success Show, he brings practical insights and real-world strategies to fleet professionals navigating today’s challenges.

Drew Morrow is a fleet professional with hands-on experience in technician development, shop operations, and industry certifications. With a strong background in ASE and EVT certifications, Drew is a vocal advocate for professional standards, continuous learning, and building high-performing teams in the face of ongoing technician shortages.

Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 

Fleet fraud is evolving faster than most organizations can keep up.

In this episode of the Fleet Success Show, Josh Turley sits down with Wil Fitzgerald, fraud and financial crimes leader at WEX, to break down how modern fraud schemes target fleet operations, and what fleet leaders can do to protect their organizations.

From AI-generated documents and deepfake scams to fuel card misuse and account takeover attacks, fraudsters are getting smarter, faster, and better funded. That means fleets need better controls, better visibility, and better operational discipline to stay ahead.

Josh and Wil discuss:

• Why fraud is an adversarial game between organizations and criminals

• How AI is making fraud harder to detect

• The biggest fleet-specific fraud risks (fuel cards, account takeover, mobile apps)

• Why open-loop vs closed-loop payments matter for fraud prevention

• The simple controls fleet managers should implement immediately

• Real-world fraud stories that cost companies millions of dollars

If you manage fleet budgets, fuel programs, or operational risk, this episode will help you understand where fraud actually happens, and how to stop it before it escalates.

Key Takeaways

1. Fraudsters are highly motivated and well funded

Every successful fraud attack funds the next one, which means organizations must continuously evolve their defenses.

2. AI has changed the fraud landscape

Fraudsters can now create realistic fake documents, websites, and phishing campaigns in minutes.

3. Account takeover is one of the biggest fleet risks

Compromised credentials, stored payment cards, and weak security practices create easy entry points.

4. Closed-loop systems reduce fraud exposure

When fleets control where and how cards can be used, they dramatically reduce misuse.

5. Simple operational controls prevent most fraud

Daily transaction monitoring, strong PIN policies, and employee training stop many attacks early.

Speaker Bios

Josh Turley — Host, Fleet Success Show | CEO, RTA

Josh Turley is the CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company and host of the Fleet Success Show podcast. With over two decades of experience in fleet operations and technology, Josh helps fleet leaders improve performance, reduce operational blind spots, and lead with confidence. Through RTA Fleet360, consulting, and educational resources, Josh and the RTA team support public sector and enterprise fleets in building safer, more reliable operations.

Wil Fitzgerald — Fraud & Financial Crimes Leader, WEX

Wil Fitzgerald leads fraud and financial crimes strategy at WEX, overseeing teams responsible for detecting, preventing, and responding to fraud across payment platforms. With a career focused almost entirely on fraud prevention, Wil specializes in identifying emerging fraud threats and developing systems to combat them. His work spans fraud strategy, compliance, regulatory requirements, and advanced fraud detection technologies.

Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213