In Episode 177 of The Fleet Success Show, Marc Canton and Steve Saltzgiver unload a truth-packed conversation on the painful realities of outsourcing fleet maintenance. From horror stories about seven visits for the same repair to $3,500 upsell attempts during a routine oil change, this episode explores the downside of putting your fleet’s fate in the hands of external vendors — especially without tight service-level agreements (SLAs) in place.

Marc vents his real-world frustrations as a fleet leader turned vehicle caretaker for his entire family. Steve, bringing decades of fleet management and consulting experience, breaks down how fleets can build smarter, more accountable outsourcing relationships. Together, they unpack when outsourcing makes sense, how to hold vendors accountable, and why an in-house shop might still be your best line of defense against inefficiency, comebacks, and ballooning costs.

• You Need SLAs: Every outsourced service relationship should include documented expectations for turnaround time, comebacks, quality control, and performance-based penalties.
• Comeback Rates Must Be Measured: Don’t just fix the same issue over and over — track comebacks and hold vendors accountable.
• Relationships > Random Vendors: Choose trusted local partners and consolidate work volume to increase leverage and service priority.
• Standardization Still Matters: Fleets forced to mix makes/models due to supply shortages must prepare for increased training and parts complexity.
• The Case for In-House: In-house shops offer priority, control, and quality assurance that most outsourced solutions can’t consistently provide.
• Outsourcing Requires Oversight: Treat vendors like your own employees — ask about technician training, measure KPIs, and set clear expectations.

Marc Canton
Fleet expert, product leader at RTA, and longtime voice on The Fleet Success Show, Marc blends passion with firsthand frustration. With a career rooted in both fleet operations and vehicle procurement, he’s a fierce advocate for accountability in vendor relationships.

Steve Saltzgiver
Hall of Fame Fleet Manager and industry legend, Steve has held leadership positions across government and private fleets. His consulting expertise spans outsourcing strategies, in-house optimization, and SLA implementation. A trusted advisor, mentor, and “Fleet Whisperer.”

“Fleet management touches everything in the community. When a fire truck rolls out, we’re behind the scenes making sure it works — not just to get there, but to save lives.”

In this inspiring episode of The Fleet Success Show, hosts Sara Burnam and Facundo Tassara unpack a powerful new movement within the fleet industry: fleet coaching.

Drawing from their own paths from shop floors to leadership, Sara and Facundo explore how coaching can transform technicians into supervisors, fill critical knowledge gaps, and help fleets thrive in the face of industry-wide staffing and training shortages. This isn’t your traditional consulting or training—it’s personalized, ongoing mentorship for all levels of fleet operations.

You’ll hear how fleet coaching empowers future leaders, strengthens technical and soft skills, and builds a stronger sense of community connection. Whether you’re a fleet manager, technician, or just someone trying to figure out your next step in the industry, this episode shows why coaching might be the key to unlocking your team’s full potential.

• Fleet Coaching Fills the Post-Consulting Gap: Most consulting ends at the board presentation. Fleet coaching ensures support after the plan is made.
• Leadership Starts with Listening: Transitioning from technician to supervisor requires a shift from doing to listening—and that’s a teachable skill.
• Every Fleet Is Unique: There’s no “one-size-fits-all” curriculum. Coaching adapts to your team’s structure, challenges, and maturity level.
• Coaching Builds Community: Helping team members understand the why behind their work creates ownership, purpose, and pride.
• It’s Not Just for Managers: Coaching applies to entry-level techs, supervisors, middle managers, and even frontline admin staff.

Facundo Tassara
Fleet Success Manager at RTA, Facundo brings public and private sector experience from mechanic shops to government operations. He’s passionate about coaching the next generation of fleet leaders and designing data-driven processes that actually work.

Sara Burnam

2023 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year and current RTA Fleet Success Manager, Sara knows what it means to grow from the ground up. From shop floor to director, she helps fleets build strong teams and meaningful impact through intentional leadership.

#FleetSuccess #FleetCoaching #FleetLeadership #FleetDevelopment #FleetMaintenanceSoftware #VehicleFleetMaintenance #FleetMentorship #FleetTraining #GovernmentFleetManagement #FleetManagementSystem

In this episode, The Fleet Success Show tackles one of the most underappreciated yet critical foundations of fleet operations: asset class coding.

Marc Canton and fleet consultant Scott Rood dive deep into why classifying vehicles and equipment correctly isn’t just a box-checking exercise—it’s essential for accurate lifecycle analysis, utilization tracking, budget forecasting, and replacement planning. Scott shares his decades of experience—from Air Force maintenance manager to fleet consultant—and breaks down how government, private, and utility fleets can create meaningful, data-driven class codes that drive real ROI.

They debunk common pitfalls like “over-granular” coding, explain the dangers of poor asset grouping, and explore real-world examples from excavators to electric vehicles. Whether you're a fleet veteran or new to the game, this episode gives you practical, actionable advice for transforming your fleet's data accuracy and long-term strategy.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Proper Class Coding is Foundational: Without it, replacement planning, cost analysis, and utilization thresholds are fundamentally flawed.
• Avoid Both Over- and Under-Graining: Overcoding every asset is as bad as lumping too many together—find the “just right” level of detail.
• Fuel Type Matters: A gas-powered truck and its electric twin are not the same class. Different performance, costs, and data outputs demand different classifications.
• Use Available Systems: Tools like NAFA and APWA’s classification systems are free and highly effective.
• Context-Driven Coding: A landscaping fleet needs different granularity than a government fleet. Don’t copy-paste your structure—tailor it to your operation.
• It's Not One and Done: Class codes need to be reviewed and refined over time as your fleet and tech evolve.
  

Marc Canton
Head of Product at RTA, Mark brings over 30 years of fleet management experience across public and private sectors. Known for simplifying complex processes, he's passionate about helping fleets leverage software to drive better decisions.

Scott Rood
Fleet consultant and former USAF Vehicle Maintenance Manager, Scott has seen it all—from government agencies to utilities to international consulting. A go-to expert on class coding and lifecycle analysis, Scott brings clarity to complex fleet structures.

#FleetSuccess #FleetData #FleetMaintenanceSoftware #ClassCoding #FleetLifecycle #FleetManagementSoftware #VehicleFleetMaintenance #FleetUtilization #GovernmentFleetSoftware #FleetOperations

This isn’t just about Baja — it’s a powerful metaphor for running a successful fleet operation. The challenges of off-roading mirror the pressures of leading a fleet: stay alert, communicate with clarity, never leave anyone behind, and always prepare for the unexpected. Whether you’re managing vehicles or navigating career challenges, the desert teaches resilience, strategy, and soul-refreshing perspective.

• Overcommunicate Clarity: Just like convoy radio protocols, great leadership requires repeating key messages until everyone is aligned.
• Fatigue is a Liability: Leaders must recognize when to rest — pushing through without recovery risks the entire operation.
• The Map is Not the Terrain: Real-world execution often deviates from plans; adaptability is non-negotiable.
• Prepare for the Worst: Risk management isn't just smart — it's survival. Always carry the metaphorical "U-bolts."
• Team Number One: In leadership and fleet operations, there are no silos. If one person fails, everyone does.
• Rediscover Joy: Off-roading reminds us to reconnect with childlike wonder. Leaders need soul-refreshing hobbies too.
  

Josh Turley
CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company, Josh is passionate about building leaders and advancing fleet success through strategy, software, and soul. He’s a hands-on adventurer who brings real-world experience into boardroom lessons.

Marc Canton
Fleet Success advocate, co-host, and operational expert with a gift for bringing out deep insights in light-hearted conversation. Marc’s background in enterprise leadership makes him the perfect mirror for Josh’s reflections.

These aren’t just entertaining tales. Each story is packed with critical lessons in leadership, accountability, and the hard realities of managing complex fleets. Whether it's dealing with rogue employees, taking responsibility for costly mistakes, or standing firm under executive pressure, this episode delivers powerful insights for fleet professionals at every level.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to make it to the Fleet Hall of Fame, this episode is the playbook.

• Documentation Matters: Journaling your daily fleet experiences can preserve valuable lessons and build your leadership credibility.
• Check Under the Hood: Always verify vehicle inspections—those “minor oversights” could be bird nests… or worse.
• Own Your Mistakes: Taking accountability can turn a career-defining moment into a career-building one.
• Culture and Leadership: Toxic leadership can drive great employees away. Sometimes walking away leads to bigger opportunities.
• Fleet Safety is Life or Death: Bald tires and missed inspections aren’t just maintenance issues—they can be fatal.
• Fleets Burn (Literally): Garbage trucks, turbochargers, and hoppers go up in flames more often than you'd think.
• Reputation Follows the Logo: Employees driving city vehicles to strip clubs? That’s a PR nightmare waiting to happen.

Fleet Hall of Famer. Nicknamed "The Fixer of Fleet" by Government Fleet Magazine. With decades of experience across city, state, transit, and private fleets, Steve has transformed underperforming operations into high-functioning successes. He’s been a state director, built trucks, sold cars, and led with integrity through high-stakes challenges.

CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company. Fleet tech veteran and strategic storyteller. Josh brings deep insight into operations, leadership, and scaling sustainable fleet systems, along with a passion for mentoring the next generation of fleet professionals.

“Fleet is the most under-resourced industry in the world — and yet, nothing happens without a fleet.” – Marc Canton

From the comeback of in-person networking events to modernized certification programs, Bill shares how NAFA is driving change at the national and local levels. They discuss how the technician shortage, EV mandates, and rapid tech evolution are reshaping the landscape — and how NAFA is preparing fleet professionals to meet these challenges head-on.

Whether you're new to fleet or a seasoned pro, this episode is a rallying cry to get involved, stay educated, and build your network. It’s a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of fleet.

• NAFA’s Local Networking Revamp: Over 100 in-person meetups in 2023, reviving community post-COVID.
  
• Modernized Education: New online Fleet 101 courses and certification programs with real interactivity and adult-learning principles.
  
• Job Task Analysis: Ongoing commitment to updating NAFA's certification based on real fleet roles and industry shifts.
  
• Technician Support: Advocacy for better technician pay, recognition programs, and career path visibility.
  
• Government Advocacy: Expanded state-level involvement to support common-sense legislation for fleet professionals.
  
• Fleet as an Underdog: Why fleet often operates behind the scenes, and how initiatives like the 100 Best Fleets bring overdue recognition.
  

As Head of Product & Consulting at RTA, Marc helps fleets modernize their operations with innovative strategies and the right software tools. He's a leading voice in the industry and co-host of The Fleet Success Show, bringing deep passion and energy to every conversation about fleet excellence.

Bill is the CEO of NAFA, the largest and most influential fleet management association in North America. With a background in leading associations across various sectors, he brings a unique, holistic view to fleet challenges and is laser-focused on education, collaboration, and advocacy.

#FleetManagement #FleetMaintenance #FleetSuccess #NAFA #FleetEducation #TechnicianShortage #FleetAdvocacy #FleetLeadership #GovernmentFleetManagement #FleetMaintenanceSoftware

“No one goes to school for fleet management—so if you’re in this role, you’re already on an unconventional journey. The only question is: what are you doing to bridge the gap?”

Drawing on 35+ years of experience and 450+ consulting engagements across North America, Tony shares hard-earned insights into the two major career paths that land someone in a fleet manager seat—and more importantly, the gaps each path leaves behind. Whether you're lacking technical knowledge or strategic business management experience, this episode offers concrete solutions to help you grow into the leader your fleet needs.

You'll walk away with actionable ideas—from leveraging CAFM/CPFP certifications to local networking, intentional culture, and even why shadowing your techs might be the best crash course you could ask for.

• Two Paths, Two Gaps: Shop techs lack management skills; outside hires lack fleet-specific knowledge.
• CAFM and CPFP: Essential certifications to build business acumen and operational awareness.
• Intentional Culture: Not fluff—an actual strategy for leading people and improving performance.
• Invest in Yourself: Books, courses, conferences—no excuses. Leadership is a skill, not a title.
• The Legacy Factor: Real leadership is measured by how many leaders you develop.

Josh Turley
CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company. A third-generation leader, Josh brings passion and practicality to the fleet world. Co-author of The Fleet Success Playbook and champion of intentional culture and leadership development.

Tony Yankovich
Fleet Hall of Famer and Senior Consultant at RTA. With 35+ years in fleet and 25 years in consulting, Tony has helped over 450 fleets improve operations. He’s a walking encyclopedia of what works—and what doesn’t—in public and private fleet management.

#FleetSuccess #FleetManager #FleetLeadership #CAFM #FleetTraining #FleetManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #RTAFleet

Sara shares how her fifth-year leap into the "100 Best Fleets" was game-changing, and Facundo recounts how being stuck behind a train on his first day led to earning the trust of a skeptical technician. The duo emphasizes networking, certifications, and shutting up long enough to actually hear your team out.

Whether you're brand new or looking for a fleet leadership refresh, this episode is a goldmine of actionable advice—and it's way more fun than a fleet manual.

🎓 Key Takeaways:

🎯 Don’t change everything on day one. Earn trust first.

🧠 Listen to your seasoned staff—they know where the bodies are buried.

📊 Use your fleet data to tell compelling stories and secure resources.

💬 Have an elevator pitch ready with fleet KPIs and facts.

📚 Get your CAFM certification—it’s worth it.

🤝 Build relationships outside your department: procurement, leadership, and customers matter.

🧪 Always pilot before fully implementing a new system or product. 🐍 Beware of snake oil salesmen promising miracle fuel savings.

Sara Burnam – Fleet Success Manager at RTA With over 27 years of fleet and automotive experience, Sara has led large government fleets with multimillion-dollar budgets and 60+ team members. Most notably, she was named Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year (2023). Now at RTA, she brings her leadership and operational insights to help other fleets succeed.

Facundo Tassara – Fleet Success Manager at RTA From wrenching in his dad’s mechanic shop to managing city fleets and working in fleet tech startups, Facundo blends hands-on experience with high-level strategy. His coaching style is candid, practical, and deeply informed by real-world success (and a few hard lessons).

#FleetManagement #NewFleetManager #FleetSuccess #RTAFleet #FleetLeadership #GovernmentFleet #FleetTips #FleetPodcast