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 focuses on availability, capability, and total lifetime cost.
• Regulatory Whiplash:
  Frequent shifts in government policies—particularly around EV mandates—create uncertainty. Fleet managers face the challenge of making long-term decisions amidst rapidly changing regulations.
• Supply Chain & Economic Pressures:
  Pandemic-induced disruptions persist, compounded by inflation, material shortages, and potential tariffs (notably the looming 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum).
• Labor Shortages in Skilled Trades:
  Finding qualified welders and technicians remains difficult. Mike emphasizes the need for renewed investment in vocational education.
• Work Truck Week Preview:
  Mike highlights the upcoming Work Truck Week in Indianapolis, featuring the Green Truck Summit, new technology showcases, and solutions tailored for fleet professionals.

🔑 Flexibility is essential: Fleet managers must stay adaptable amid shifting policies and technologies.
🔑 Electrification isn’t one-size-fits-all: EV solutions should align with vehicle use cases and infrastructure readiness.
🔑 Supply chain resilience matters: Companies need contingency plans for sourcing materials and components.
🔑 Invest in people: Addressing labor shortages requires prioritizing vocational training and skilled trades.
🔑 Stay informed: Events like Work Truck Week offer critical insights and connections for navigating industry change.

With over three decades at NTEA, Mike leads advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., representing 2,200+ companies. His work focuses on regulatory affairs, fleet management, and promoting the vocational truck industry’s interests across North America.

Josh brings 20+ years of fleet management experience and leads RTA Fleet’s mission to deliver cutting-edge fleet information systems.

With nearly 30 years in fleet operations and consulting, Marc specializes in data-driven solutions for federal, state, and corporate fleets.

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.

🚨 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 miracles just by switching systems. Take the time to clean, standardize, and validate your data before migrating it.

⏳ Budget for Time—Lots of It – Underestimating the time required to implement a new system is a fatal mistake. If you aren’t carving out time for training, testing, and system setup, your project will drag on for months (or years).

🔄 Process Overhaul is a Must – Saying, "That’s just how we do it," is a surefire way to ensure your fleet stays inefficient. Implementation is the perfect time to rethink and improve your workflows.

📊 Integration Gaps Can Wreck Everything – If your fleet software needs to integrate with other systems, don’t assume it will just work. Vet your vendors early and ensure they can actually deliver. Otherwise, you could be left scrambling when a critical integration won’t be ready for years.

🎓 Training is Non-Negotiable – The #1 reason fleets hate their software? They don’t know how to use it. Skimping on training means missed opportunities, lost efficiency, and wasted money.

🚛 Marc Canton – A 30-year fleet industry expert, Marc has worn many hats, including fleet manager, transportation director, and consultant. Now at RTA Fleet, he’s passionate about helping fleets succeed through smarter technology.

📡 Josh Turley – With over 20 years in fleet technology, Josh has been at the forefront of every major evolution in the industry. He’s seen thousands of implementations—some wildly successful, others absolute disasters—and knows what separates the two.

At RTA, we know implementing fleet software can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With RTA Fleet360, we streamline the process, help you avoid costly pitfalls, and ensure your team is fully trained.

👉 Schedule a demo today and see how RTA Fleet360 can set your fleet up for long-term success! https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo

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, confidence, and peace of mind. The key takeaway? Stop delaying your success. The longer you wait, the more time and resources you waste.

🔧 An FMIS is a game-changer – Stop tracking fleet data with spreadsheets and paper. It’s inefficient and unsustainable.
⏳ Waiting = Wasting – Every moment spent without a modern system is time and money lost.
💡 Invest in the right tool – Choosing an FMIS that fits your needs is like upgrading to an impact wrench—it makes everything faster and more effective.
📊 Data cleanup isn’t a reason to delay – If your data is messy, that’s exactly why you need a system to help manage it.
🛠️ Implementation is key – Training and proper setup ensure that teams actually use and benefit from the software.

👨‍💼 Josh Turley – CEO of RTA Fleet with 20+ years in fleet software development and technology leadership. A proponent of change management and efficiency in fleet operations.

👨‍🔧 Marc Canton – Fleet industry veteran with 30+ years of experience managing public fleets, consulting, and implementing FMIS solutions. He knows the struggles and has the solutions.

Stop wasting time with outdated methods—upgrade to RTA’s Fleet360 today and experience the power of a modern FMIS. Schedule a demo now!

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

1. Embrace Change and Growth: Sara's journey underscores the value of stepping out of your comfort zone to seize opportunities that lead to personal and professional development.
2. Team Empowerment: Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of team members fosters engagement and productivity.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making: Using KPIs and feedback loops can uncover inefficiencies and guide strategic improvements.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Whether through awards, meetings, or recognition programs, highlighting achievements builds morale and encourages innovation.
5. Curiosity Leads to Innovation: Asking "why" and challenging the status quo are key to uncovering opportunities for efficiency and growth.

About Sara Burnam
Sara Burnam is a seasoned fleet management professional with over 16 years of experience in government fleet operations. Formerly the Fleet Manager for Palm Beach County, Florida, she managed a vast operation with 58 employees, a $50 million budget, and thousands of assets. Her accomplishments include earning the 2023 Fleet Manager of the Year award, implementing innovative fleet systems, and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Sara is passionate about professional development, sustainability, and empowering others to succeed in the fleet industry.

Connect with Sara Burnam on LinkedIn to learn more about her journey, exchange ideas, and gain insights into effective fleet management strategies. Don't miss the opportunity to collaborate with a proven leader in the field!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-burnam-msl-cafm-9a354658/

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 such as the hidden costs of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), unintended consequences of CARB regulations, and the ongoing technician shortage.

Key highlights include:
🔹 CARB Regulations: Learn how fleet managers in California are being forced into costly decisions, including having to purchase unnecessary EVs to meet quotas.
🔹 The EV Cost Debate: The hosts debunk the myth that EVs are automatically cheaper, shedding light on higher-than-expected maintenance costs and total cost of ownership.
🔹 Battery Durability News: Promising data suggests EV powertrains could last up to 500,000 miles, challenging preconceived notions about electric vehicle longevity.
🔹 Technician Shortages: Discover how trade schools are struggling as students are poached by fleets, and what needs to be done to sustain the skilled workforce.
🔹 Fleet Startups Risks: An eye-opening discussion about the risks of partnering with new, unproven fleet technology providers and EV companies.

Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ CARB regulations are creating unintended barriers for fleet managers, leading to higher costs and operational inefficiencies.
2️⃣ EVs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Fleets must carefully evaluate use cases, total cost of ownership, and long-term ROI.
3️⃣ Battery health data is promising, but early EV maintenance costs are higher than expected—underscoring the importance of thorough planning.
4️⃣ Bridging the gap between trade schools and fleets is critical to solving the technician shortage.
5️⃣ Avoiding risky fleet partnerships requires evaluating financial stability and long-term reliability of vendors.

Speakers:

• Josh Turley: CEO of RTA Fleet with over 20 years of experience in fleet technology and management.
• Marc Canton: A fleet management consultant with 30+ years of expertise in analytics, operations, and leadership.

Are you ready to future-proof your fleet? Listen now to gain actionable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the fleet industry today. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

🎙️ Check out The Fleet Success Show for more episodes at rtafleet.com.

#FleetManagement #EVTransition #CARBRegulations #Sustainability #TechnicianShortage #FleetSuccess #ElectricVehicles

“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:

• Intentional Culture is Key: Building a positive workplace culture costs nothing but offers immense benefits in productivity and morale.
• Collaboration Fuels Success: Sharing resources and ideas—even with vendors—can lead to fresh solutions and stronger relationships.
• Lifelong Learning Matters: The Fleet Success Book Club has shown how peer discussions can deepen understanding and foster practical leadership skills.

Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your fleet management skills. Request your free copy of the Fleet Success Playbook at FleetSuccessPlaybook.com and start building a safer, more efficient fleet today!

Hosts:

• Josh Turley: CEO of RTA Fleet with over 20 years of experience in fleet management software and a passion for leadership and intentional culture.
• Facundo Tassara: Fleet Success Ambassador at RTA Fleet, bringing a rich background in government fleet management, mobility tech startups, and coaching fleet professionals.

#FleetManagement #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #FleetSuccess #ElectricVehicles #ProfessionalDevelopment #FleetIndustry #StakeholderSatisfaction #FleetManagers #ContinuousLearning

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, the all-in-one platform designed to give you full visibility into your operations. From tracking the right KPIs to optimizing workflows, Fleet360 empowers you to make data-driven decisions that save time and money.

Listen now and learn how to unlock your fleet’s potential with the power of data—and see how Fleet360 can be your ultimate tool for success.

Check out Fleet360 here: www.rtafleet.com 

🚗 Key Highlights:

• Reflecting on the EV burnout and infrastructure challenges faced by fleet managers.
• Addressing technician retention, recruitment, and leadership growth in the fleet industry.
• The role of AI in fleet operations and why early adoption is key to staying ahead.
• Predictions for 2025, including breakthroughs in nuclear energy and clarity on fleet data ownership.
• The importance of continuous learning to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

💡 Learn More:

• Fleet Success Playbook for actionable strategies and tips.
• Fleet 360 Software to optimize your fleet operations.
• Connect with us to evaluate your fleet: Fleet Consulting.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more actionable insights to help your fleet succeed. Leave a comment with your 2025 predictions or favorite fleet moments from 2024!

#FleetManagement #EVChallenges #AIInFleet #Leadership #FleetFuture

Highlights from the episode include:

• Why leaders often avoid difficult conversations.
• The critical difference between hurt and harm in leadership.
• A five-step framework to approach hard conversations with clarity and empathy.
• Real-life examples of success and missteps in managing team dynamics.
• The importance of modeling transparency and accountability for your team.

About Josh Turley
Josh Turley is the CEO of RTA Fleet Management Software and a passionate advocate for intentional leadership and organizational culture. Known for his pragmatic approach, Josh draws on years of experience in fleet management and team building to guide others toward success. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and the driving force behind initiatives like the Fleet Success Playbook.

📚 Resources and Recommended Reading:

• The Motive by Patrick Lencioni
• Radical Candor by Kim Scott
• No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings
• EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey

🔗 Learn more about us:

• Explore our fleet management solutions: rtafleet.com
• Request a copy of the Fleet Success Playbook: fleetsuccessplaybook.com
• Consulting and evaluation services: fleetconsulting.com

👍 If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more actionable leadership insights!

In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, we’re showcasing one of the most exciting keynotes from Connect 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Mike Pitcher, former CEO of LeasePlan USA, delivers an engaging presentation on his "7 Ls of Leadership": Laugh, Learn, Listen, Language, Legacy, Lanyap, and Love. He emphasizes the importance of humor to build trust, continuous learning to adapt, and active listening to strengthen relationships. Mike highlights how thoughtful language and small, extra efforts (Lanyap) can inspire teams and create meaningful workplace cultures. He also stresses leaving a lasting legacy through strong relationships and leading by example, especially in safety and accountability. The session concludes with a heartfelt message on the value of relationships, defining true leadership as the ability to influence others positively.

About Mike Pitcher
Mike Pitcher, former CEO of LeasePlan USA, managed over 350,000 fleet assets and turned the company into a top "Great Place to Work" in Atlanta. With a career spanning Pitney Bowes, Dell, and LeasePlan, Mike is a dynamic leader known for his engaging presentations on leadership, culture, and team success.

Highlights from Mike Pitcher’s Presentation
Mike Pitcher shares his "7 Ls of Leadership," a simple yet impactful framework for personal and professional growth. His message is humorous, authentic, and rooted in real-life experience, making leadership practical and relatable.

Key Points from the "7 Ls of Leadership"

1. Laugh – Build connections, reduce stress, and create a human touch through humor.
2. Learn – Leaders are lifelong learners; focus on technology, relationships, and attitude.
3. Listen – Improve relationships by actively listening and showing others they are heard.
4. Language – Use inclusive, positive language that inspires and unites teams.
5. Legacy – Leave a meaningful impact through relationships and values.
6. Lanyap – A Cajun term meaning “a little something extra.” Small, thoughtful actions build trust and morale.
7. Love – Passion for your work, your team, and your purpose creates lasting success.

#Leadership #FleetManagement #TeamCulture #LearnAndLead #FleetSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #RTAConnect