Episode 182: From the Shop Floor to the Forest Service: One Fleet Manager’s Epic Ride

"Fleet managers make the world go round, so why doesn’t the world recognize that?"

🎧 Episode Summary

In this compelling episode of The Fleet Success Show, Vice President of Product & Consulting Marc Canton sits down with Scott Conlon, a fleet industry powerhouse whose career has spanned local government, the U.S. Forest Service, and now RTA.

This is more than a “get to know you” episode, it’s a masterclass in what fleet leadership should look like. From wrench-turning student mechanic to managing one of the most complex fleets in the world, Scott shares how leadership, education gaps, data, and stakeholder management collide in public fleet environments.

Expect laughs, stories from the trenches (literally, including Iraq), and raw insight into what the fleet industry is missing if it wants to attract and retain the next generation of leaders.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Fleet’s Career Path is Broken: There’s no formal route from technician to fleet manager, and that’s holding the industry back.
• The Industry Needs Professionalization: Recognition, respect, and structured education are crucial for the future.
• Federal vs. Local Fleet: Scott contrasts massive national fleet logistics (like the U.S. Forest Service) with county-level operations.
• Real-World Complexity: Managing matrix organizations, vendor relationships, fire apparatus, fuel programs, and 23,000 fleet credit cards? Just another day in fleet.
• The Power of Mentorship and Hustle: Scott’s success was built on initiative, military discipline, and the humility to always learn.
   

👤 Speaker Bios

Scott Conlon
Fleet Consultant, RTA | Former National Fleet Manager, U.S. Forest Service
From turning wrenches at University of Maryland to overseeing 18,000 vehicles and 5,000 assets for the Forest Service, Scott brings unmatched operational depth and a heart for elevating the fleet profession.

 

Marc Canton
VP of Product & Consulting, RTA
Nearly 30 years in fleet management, Marc combines industry knowledge with a passion for training, leadership development, and making fleet professionals the heroes they are.