The Fleet Success Show

By Josh Turley, RTA Fleet, Facundo Tassara, Marc CantonBusiness Technology Careers Management

The Fleet Success Show episodes

June 11Episode 232: Women in Fleet: Shae Davies - 30 Years, 3 Firsts, 0 Apologies
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:
How a fight with her dad led to a 30-year career in the trades

What it means to be the first woman in the room, and what it costs

The real story behind managing an aging, underfunded fleet of 3,800 assets

How she is building an executive-level capital risk narrative to change budget decisions

Why fleet managers need to stop being a line item and start being a business partner

The mechanic labor shortage and why wages are going to get very uncomfortable

Her hot take on language, respect, and how we talk about women in the trades

QR codes on fleet assets and the untapped opportunity to tell your agency's story
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=podcast
56 min
June 04Episode 231: What 100K Vehicles and 175 Bases Teaches You About Fleet Leadership
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:
How the Air Force manages 100,000 vehicles across 175 global locations

Mission Capable Rate, fleet health scoring, and service level agreements: the Air Force way

Why the Air Force ran MS-DOS fleet software until 2016 and what they learned from the transition

How AI is being integrated into Air Force vehicle management operations

The Fleet Gap DoD SkillBridge program and how it can help with your technician shortage

Succession planning lessons from an organization that turns over entire crews every 18 months

Tabletop exercises, psychological safety, and building leaders who thrive under pressure

What civilian fleets get wrong about military fleet operations
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.
Speaker Bios
Marc Canton

Marc Canton is Vice President of Fleet Strategy at RTA Fleet and host of The Fleet Success Show. A recognized fleet industry leader, Marc helps public and enterprise fleets improve performance through data-driven decision-making, operational excellence, and strategic fleet management. Drawing from extensive experience leading fleet organizations and advising fleets across North America, he is passionate about helping fleet professionals solve complex challenges, develop stronger teams, and build fleets they are proud to lead.

Adam Walker

Chief Master Sergeant Adam Walker serves in the United States Air Force as a Major Command Functional Manager for the Vehicle Management community. In his role, he leads workforce development, training, and talent management initiatives supporting approximately 3,500 military and civilian personnel responsible for maintaining nearly 100,000 vehicles across 175 global locations. Beginning his career as a vehicle maintainer, Adam has served in leadership roles spanning maintenance operations, fleet management, and organizational development. He is also a strong advocate for military-to-fleet workforce transition programs, helping retiring and separating service members connect with career opportunities throughout the fleet industry.
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=podcast
1 hr 3 min
May 28Episode 230: Fleet Managers Are Wasting Millions Because of Bad Data
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:
why most geofencing setups fail

how inaccurate fleet data creates false decisions

the real ROI behind telematics

why “Big Brother” fears are disappearing

how AI is changing fleet operations

the $250,000 cargo theft caused by ONE tiny geofence mistake

why most fleets only use 10% of their technology stack
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=podcast
31 min
May 21Episode 229: The Real Crisis in Government Fleets (No One Talks About This)
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:
Technician shortages

Fleet budget constraints

Aging assets & supply chain issues

Leadership transitions

Data-driven decision making

Government fleet operations
📌 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=podcast
37 min
May 14Episode 228: Fleet Management Is 25 Years Behind, But AI May Change Everything
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
✅ Why annual training models may already be obsolete
✅ The real risk of falling behind on technology adoption
✅ Why technician shortages are forcing operational change
✅ The surprising growth of NAFA and this year’s record-breaking I&E event
✅ The future of fleet leadership, safety, and industry collaboration
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:
Fleet managers

Public works leaders

Government fleets

Transportation directors

Maintenance leaders

Fleet technicians

Operations executives

Anyone responsible for keeping essential services running
If you work in fleet, this episode will challenge how you think about the future of the industry.
👇 COMMENT BELOW:
Do you think AI will improve fleet management, or create even bigger challenges?
🚛 Learn more about RTA Fleet: https://rtafleet.com
🎓 Learn more about NAFA: https://nafa.org

Bill Schankel
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.

Marc Canton
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=podcast
44 min
May 07Episode 227: The Hidden Costs Killing Fleet Operations (It’s NOT What You Think)
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:
Why only 30–40% of repair cost is visible

The real impact of downtime on operations and service delivery

How fleets accidentally overspend on repairs without realizing it

The risks of relying on third-party vendors without visibility

Why “cheaper” vendors often cost more in the long run
This episode is essential for fleet leaders who want to:
Reduce downtime

Improve vendor strategy

Make data-driven decisions

Defend budgets with real numbers
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=podcast
26 min
April 30Fleet Management 101: The Low-Hanging Fruit Most Fleets Ignore
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:
Why pre- and post-trip inspections are your biggest missed opportunity

The true cost of ignoring small issues (and how they escalate fast)

How proactive maintenance prevents exponential risk and liability

Easy ways to improve technician productivity immediately

Why shop culture and leadership presence drive real performance

Hidden savings in fuel audits, vendor management, and surplus assets
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.

🎯 Key Takeaways
Preventive maintenance issues escalate exponentially if ignored

Pre/post-trip inspections = frontline visibility into fleet health

Technician productivity gains can offset labor shortages

Culture and leadership presence directly impact performance

Auditing fuel, vendors, and invoices uncovers hidden costs

Surplus vehicles = lost value sitting in plain sight

Most improvements require process, not budget
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
Speaker Bios
Facundo Tassara
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
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=podcast
26 min
April 23Episode 225: Are Certifications Still Worth It? The Truth About ASE, CAFM & Fleet Leadership
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:
Why shops are lowering standards (and the long-term risk)

The difference between factory certs vs. ASE

How certifications create defensible credibility and benchmarking

The hidden leadership gap behind technician shortages

Josh’s real CAFM journey (and what it actually takes to pass)

Why motivated teams outperform “warm bodies in seats”
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.

🎯 Key Takeaways
Certifications = objective benchmarking, not just credentials

Lowering hiring standards creates long-term operational risk

Technician shortages are driving reactive vs. strategic leadership

CAFM and ASE build credibility in leadership conversations

Investing in people—even if they leave—is still the right move

Motivation > requirement when it comes to professional growth
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
👉 Or email us at [email protected]
Speaker Bios
Josh Turley
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
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=podcast
30 min
April 16 Episode 224: Fleet Fraud Is Getting Smarter (Here’s How Fleets Fight Back)
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=podcast
43 min
April 09Episode 223: Outsourcing in Fleet: How to Know What to Sublet, When, and Why
In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, RTA VP of Product, Marc Canton. sits down with Jake Johnson, former fleet maintenance supervisor and current RTA Fleet Success Manager, to break down one of the most critical and misunderstood topics in fleet: outsourcing.
Whether you're a government fleet manager with limited resources, a trucking fleet with scale, or just trying to figure out how to do more with fewer techs, you’re probably outsourcing more than you think—and leaving data and dollars on the table if you're not managing it properly.
Jake brings his 20+ years of hands-on and leadership experience in trucking fleets to share how to decide what to send out, how to build strong vendor relationships, and how to track outsourced work like you would your own shop.

Key Takeaways
Don’t outsource blindly: Use VMRS codes to evaluate where you’re spending the most time and money to decide what to outsource... and what to train for instead.

Tooling and training determine viability: If your team lacks the tools or training, and it’s not cost-effective to invest—send it out.

Vendor performance must be tracked: Track vendor jobs like in-house work, with proper work orders, status updates, and SLAs for turnaround and comeback rates.

Use outsourcing to protect your tech bandwidth: Don’t send out the big, expensive job if small ones can be sublet faster and cheaper, freeing your shop for higher-value work.

Relationships matter: Vendor partnerships should be built on honesty, clarity, and expectations. Think long-term and treat vendors like part of your team.
Speaker Bios
Jake Johnson
Fleet Success Manager at RTA, Jake spent two decades working his way up from diesel tech to service manager to fleet leader in trucking operations. He now helps fleets across the country optimize everything from shop staffing to outsourced vendor networks.
Marc Canton
VP of Product & Consulting at RTA, Marc is a fleet operations veteran and co-host of The Fleet Success Show. He blends hands-on consulting experience with strategic leadership across public and private sector fleets.

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=podcast
35 min

About The Fleet Success Show

From the publisher's feed

The Fleet Success Show is the #1 fleet 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!