The Fleet Success Show

RTA, Josh Turley

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!

  1. Episode 234: AI for Fleet Leaders: Stop Waiting, Start Moving

    1h ago

    Episode 234: AI for Fleet Leaders: Stop Waiting, Start Moving

    The episode covers the arms race happening between major AI companies, the difference between using AI as a search engine versus a true work partner, and why fleet managers who refuse to engage are putting themselves at real risk. Josh breaks down practical advice for three distinct groups: those who haven't started yet, those who are dabbling, and power users ready to go deeper. He also shares how he personally uses AI to build custom learning curricula, run his company with better context, and collaborate on projects in ways that were impossible even a year ago. This is a grounded, no-hype conversation about what AI actually looks like in practice for fleet professionals, and what every fleet leader should do about it right now. Speaker Bios Josh Turley — CEO, RTA: The Fleet Success Company Josh Turley is the CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company. His passion is helping people work ON their fleets, rather than IN them. He is a little crazy about company culture and believes it is the most important thing a company can get right if they want to experience clarity, confidence, and peace of mind instead of chaos and stress. That belief is at the core of what drives the work at RTA, which currently helps nearly 700 public fleets succeed. Josh is the co-author of The Fleet Success Playbook, the host of The Fleet Success Show, and a frequent speaker at fleet events nationwide. Marc Canton — VP of Fleet Strategy, RTA Fleet Marc Canton brings more than 20 years of experience in university transportation, logistics, and government fleet management and consulting. He currently leads fleet strategy at RTA, where he is building the FMIS of the future. Marc takes a data-driven approach to optimizing fleet operations with a focus on high availability and efficiency, and is committed to advancing the industry through education and collaboration. 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

    29 min
  2. Episode 233: EVs, Telematics, and a 340-Pound Naysayer Named Eric

    Jun 18

    Episode 233: EVs, Telematics, and a 340-Pound Naysayer Named Eric

    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

    39 min
  3. Episode 232: Women in Fleet: Shae Davies - 30 Years, 3 Firsts, 0 Apologies

    Jun 11

    Episode 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=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

    55 min
  4. Episode 231: What 100K Vehicles and 175 Bases Teaches You About Fleet Leadership

    Jun 4

    Episode 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=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

    1h 3m
  5. Episode 230: Fleet Managers Are Wasting Millions Because of Bad Data

    May 28

    Episode 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=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

    31 min
  6. Episode 229: The Real Crisis in Government Fleets (No One Talks About This)

    May 21

    Episode 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=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

    36 min
  7. Episode 228: Fleet Management Is 25 Years Behind, But AI May Change Everything

    May 14

    Episode 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=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

    44 min
  8. Episode 227: The Hidden Costs Killing Fleet Operations (It’s NOT What You Think)

    May 7

    Episode 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=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

    26 min
4.5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

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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