GovCast

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Latest Episodes:

Fleet Leadership Unplugged with Cedric Roberts Feb 19, 2025

What does it take to lead a major municipal fleet? In this interview, we sit down with Cedric Roberts, CAFM, Fleet Director for the City of Birmingham, to explore his journey into fleet management, the unexpected challenges he faced along the way, and the leadership lessons that shaped his career.

Cedric shares insights on how the industry has evolved, common misconceptions about fleet management, and the importance of educating the public on its critical role. He also discusses strategies for maintaining balance in a high-pressure environment and the one piece of advice he would give his younger self.

Don’t miss this deep dive into fleet leadership, industry shifts, and the mindset needed to navigate the challenges of today’s fleet operations.

Watch now and gain valuable takeaways from a seasoned fleet professional!

Topics Discussed:

• The journey into #fleetmanagement and unexpected industry challenges.

• Leadership skills that drive success in #publicfleet operations.

• Common misconceptions about #fleet and how to educate the public.

• Strategies for managing stress and maintaining

#worklifebalance in a demanding industry.#governmentleadership #governmentfleet

Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends ➡ https://www.government-fleet.com

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://www.government-fleet.com/newsletter-signup?utm_source=formcms&utm_medium=email_subscriptions_optins&utm_campaign=gf_website_100

⏱ Timestamps ⏱

00:00 Introduction

00:32 The journey into fleet and some unexpected situations.

05:43 What is takes to become a better fleet leader. 07:12 What has changed the most since starting in fleet. 08:04 Misconceptions around the fleet industry and how fleet leaders can do more to educate the public about what they do.

11:20 Keeping a balance in the workplace.

14:03 Growing your support group for success.

17:09 Advice for a younger Cedric Roberts.

19:37 Planning ahead and what's new for the fleet.

Government Strategies for Safer Fleets and Lower Costs Sep 20, 2024

Learn about the changes governments can expect as EVs become more prevalent. In this episode, our subject matter experts break down how governments can increase their recoveries through collision management. Plus, what governments are doing to address the rising costs associated with body repair.

Element Fleet Management's Bill Collins, Managing Sales Director, Government, and Mark Iorillo, Director of Sales and Marketing, discuss how the transition to EVs impacts the Collision Management business, what changes governments can expect, and more.

Topics discussed:

Factors influencing electrification in the industry, including charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and cost.
Decarbonization efforts in government and commercial fleets, impacted by legislation and incentives.
Decarbonization initiatives for fleets, including government guidelines and infrastructure investments.

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ SIGN UP

⏱ Timestamps ⏱

00:00 Introduction

00:43 What changes can governments expect to see as EVs become more prevalent?

3:26 How can governments increase their recoveries through the Collision Management process? A look at pitfalls that could be seen during the entire collision cycle?

6:52 How can governments use technology to help reduce fleet costs?

9:30 What is being done to address the rising costs associated with body repair and areas governments should prioritize to help minimize cost.

Driving Change: Navigating Fleet Electrification and Decarbonization Realities May 31, 2024

Be a part of the discussion around macro considerations driving the transition to electric vehicles, including incentives, mandates, and change management strategies. Then, explore the challenges of decarbonizing fleets in North America, including addressing charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and cost considerations.

Element Fleet Management's Bill Collins, Sales Director, Government, and Avninder Buttar, SVP and Head of Electrification, discuss the need for cultural transformation and coordination across different parts of an organization to successfully transition to electric vehicles.

Topics discussed:

• Factors influencing electrification in the industry, including charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and cost.

• Decarbonization efforts in government and commercial fleets, impacted by legislation and incentives.

• Decarbonization initiatives for fleets, including government guidelines and infrastructure investments.

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=BOB6226_autogroup&PK=EGFWEBHEAD

⏱ Timestamps ⏱

00:00 Introduction

00:37 How macro factors influence the trajectory of electrification in the industry.

3:13 What are the prevailing realities that might be slowing down the transition towards electrification?

7:12 How legislation is evolving and impacting the decarbonization efforts within the sector.

12:48 How crucial is effective change management in navigating the challenges posed by decarbonization initiatives?

Efficiently Approaching Recruitment & Retention Oct 20, 2023

Finding and keeping good employees can be a challenge, especially when it comes to bringing on technicians. Managers are now trying to find more ways to create a pipeline between schools and the fleet while finding the best ways to support individuals in their training.

We talked with Daryl Greenlee, Monroe County, Florida, Fleet Management Director about his hiring experience and his employee training strategy.

Topics discussed:

• Challenges hiring new employees.

• Employee training and continued success.

• Creating a pipeline between fleets and potential employees.

• How fleets can retain employees.

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends ➡ www.government-fleet.com

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=BOB6226_autogroup&PK=EGFWEBHEAD

⏱ Timestamps ⏱

00:00 Introduction

00:27 What the fleet has seen when filling new positions.

02:39 What is contributing to fewer people entering fleet professions?

05:42 How are you bringing in new recruits?

6:21 Ways to highlight the job to make it more attractive to recruits.

8:12 How can other fleets fill open positions?

The State of the Vehicle Market Today Oct 10, 2023

What is the state of the vehicle market today? What are you thinking about when deciding to order vehicles? What might be some of the considerations for vehicle replacement? Find answers to these questions and more on this episode of GovCast.

We sit down with Bill Collins, Sales Director, Government, and Bill Blais, Director of Strategic Consulting Services to discuss the state of the vehicle market, what to consider when ordering vehicles, and more.

Topics discussed:

• The current state of the vehicle market.

• Vehicle availability and forecasts for the upcoming years.

• Ordering vehicles and looking at vehicle replacements.

• The used vehicle remarketing environment.

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends ➡ www.government-fleet.com

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=BOB6226_autogroup&PK=EGFWEBHEAD

⏱ Timestamps ⏱

00:00 Introduction

00:55 What is the state of the vehicle market today

03:07 Vehicle ordering and considerations for vehicle replacement.

05:18 Used vehicle remarketing environment and expectations for 2023.

7:23 How government fleets can best navigate a potential recession.

9:37 What should fleets be thinking about when fulfilling mandates?

11:59 Approaching fleet differently from the past.

EV Adoption & Charging Challenges Sep 08, 2023

Where is your fleet in the journey of vehicle electrification? If you're still looking for answers to fleet electrification you've come to the right place. Join the conversation with Linda Ellis, Fleet Manager at UCB North & Latin America, and John Donahue, VP of EV Production Strategy & Innovation at Comdata. Topics discussed: • EV growth and where the US market is on that adoption curve. • What has accelerated EV adoption within fleets. • Public versus private charging. • Best practices for assisting driver adoption. 🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends ➡ www.government-fleet.com 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.d... ⏱ Timestamps ⏱ 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Current trends and demands driving EV growth today. 03:22 What has stood out as having accelerated the most for EV adoption. 07:18 Best practices for assisting driver adoption. 13:17 Challenges fleet managers can expect when managing a mixed fleet. 18:30 Challenges the EV charging industry needs to fulfill promises on. 23:06 Recommendations for fleets starting on their electrification journey.

What You Should Know for GFX 2023 May 15, 2023

Are you ready for the 2023 Government Fleet Expo & Conference? If you're still on the fence or new to the event, this episode breaks down what to expect and how you can make the most of your #GFX experience, whether you're just stopping in or staying for the whole event. Andy Campbell, supplier development supervisor for Sourcewell, drops in for a chat to talk about his session, what he's enjoyed about being a repeat GFX attendee, and what to look forward to this year. Topics discussed: • An overview of GFX 2023. • What first-timers should expect for GFX. • How attendees can get the most out of their GFX experience. • A sneak peek of an upcoming session. 🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends ➡ www.government-fleet.com 📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter! ➡ https://bob.dragonforms.com/loading.d... ⏱ Timestamps ⏱ 00:00 Introduction 00:32 A brief overview of Campbell's experience with GFX and his involvement in 2023. 01:54 What GFX attendees can expect to learn at the event in the various sessions. 03:15 Why GFX is a great networking opportunity where attendees can connect with fleet leaders and industry professionals. 05:00 The best way for attendees to get the most out of their 2023 GFX experience.

Making the Switch: Adding EV Infrastructure Feb 18, 2023

Adding electric vehicles (EVs) but trying to understand how to add the infrastructure needed for this change? We catch up with David Renschler, CPFP, who is fleet division manager for the city of Fairfield, California, where infrastructure changes are making way for the vehicles of the future. From his own city's experience, Renschler breaks down his insights and practical advice regarding EV charging equipment, infrastructure planning, cost recovery, safety, and the challenges of transitioning to an EV fleet.

Speaker: David Renschler, CPFP, fleet division manager, City of Fairfield, California

Topics discussed:

• Research and planning need for EV infrastructure.

• Challenges with adding new fleet infrastructure.

• Lessons learned when making the EV switch.

• Understanding your budget and where funding will come from.

• Vehicle replacement funds and how they play into infrastructure.

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

The Big Jump: Making the Switch to EVs Jan 04, 2023

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is moving fast with government grants to support a stronger charging infrastructure and inventory. By 2035 California will no longer be selling fuel vehicles but it will take time for fleets to retire or transition their vehicles to electric. Mixed fleet management will be the way of the near future and fleets must find ways to simplify a very complex ecosystem for fuel + EVs. Keagan Russo and Carolyn Edwards of Fleetcor break down these changes.

Speakers: Keagan Russo, President, North American Local FLEETCOR Carolyn Edwards, Vice President of EV and Sustainability, FLEETCOR

Topics discussed:

• Managing mixed fleets and best practices for doing so.

• Challenges with at-home and at-work charging.

• How to manage and track fuel and EV charging expenses.

• What should municipalities look for when hiring new fleet managers?

• What can individuals in the fleet industry do to stay better connected?

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

Lessons Learned: A Fleet Manager's Role Nov 10, 2022

The role of the fleet manager is ever-changing and issues faced 10 or 20 years ago may look very different now. Mark Stevens, who recently retired from his role as fleet manager for the city of Sacramento talks about his time overseeing a California fleet and what he's learned along the way. We'll cover how the role of fleet manager has changed, what municipalities should do when bringing on new fleet hires, and how those in the fleet industry can stay better connected.

Speaker: Mark Stevens, retired fleet manager for the city of Sacramento

Topics discussed:

• How the role of the fleet manager has changed.

• Biggest challenges people face in fleet management roles.

• What can fleet managers do for better success in the future?

• What should municipalities look for when hiring new fleet managers?

• What can individuals in the fleet industry do to stay better connected?

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

Better Understanding Fleet Utilization and Sustainability Oct 27, 2022

Fleet sustainability and vehicle utilization are two topics that are an everyday part of the ever-changing public sector. Eli Arquilevich, national director, Public Sector, Mobile Field Solutions at AT&T sits down to talk with us about what trends he and his team are seeing in fleet and the issues those in the public sector are trying to solve. Get a better understanding of how fleets can move toward a greener future while utilizing technology for the benefit of the vehicle and driver.

Speaker: Eli Arquilevich, National Director Public Sector, Mobile Field Solutions at AT&T

Topics discussed:

Understanding what issues public sector fleets are trying to solve.
What trends are happening in the fleet industry right now?
Creating a greener fleet and determining the right vehicles for that fleet.
Coaching drivers toward a more sustainable fleet, looking at factors such as idling times.
What can fleets do to keep divers safe on the road?

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

Tackling Today’s Fuel Management Challenges Jun 09, 2022

Fuel prices are sky-high — that means fleet managers, now more than ever, need to ensure a secure and efficient fuel management program. But that’s not the only challenge fleet managers face. Here, we’ll also discuss electrification and how it fits into your fuel management strategy, as well as how to use fuel data to improve your operation.

Speaker: Tom Bates, president, Multiforce Systems

Topics discussed:

How fleet operations are dealing with high fuel prices.
Important factors to look for in a fuel management system.
How EV charging fits in with traditional gasoline/diesel fuel management.
How fleet and fuel managers can better use their fuel data to improve their operations.

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

Practical Advice for Fleet Electrification May 04, 2022

Fleet electrification is a complex topic and choosing which vehicles to replace with electric vehicles (EVs) is just one aspect of this. Here, Sarah Booth from SaWatch Labs talks about vehicle range and maintenance, the biggest barriers to electrification and how to overcome them, and how and when to work with utilities on infrastructure.

Speaker: Sarah Booth, COO, SaWatch Labs

Topics discussed:

How SaWatch Labs helps public fleets with electrification.
Takeaways for fleets from Sarah's reports with the National Renewable Energy Labs.
What are fleets most concerned about when it comes to electrification?
How and when should fleets start working with utilities when it comes to electrification?
Tips for EV procurement in the long term.

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

What to Consider When Crafting a Telematics RFP Apr 22, 2022

Fleet managers are familiar with RFPs (requests for proposal), but they may not be familiar with telematics RFPs. Telematics systems are highly technical and writing an effective RFP can result in better bids, and hence better purchasing options. Learn what you need to do before issuing an RFP, what to consider and include in your RFP, and how to evaluate your bids to ensure you get the right solution for your needs.

This episode of GovCast is sponsored by and created in partnership with TELUS. 💡 Learn more about TELUS ➡ https://www.telus.com/en/business/medium-large/mobility/fleet-tracking

Topics discussed:

How Telematics is different from Other Bid Processes
What to Do When Starting the RFP Process
How Fleet Managers Should Approach Different Types of Vehicles with Telematics
Common Mistakes and Good Examples of RFPs
Evaluating Bids - Other Ways to Purchase Telematics Systems

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

Analyzing Your Fleet Operation's Key Performance Indicators Mar 22, 2022

Key performance indicators are essential to the public fleet management profession, whether that's technician productivity, vehicle availability, or preventive maintenance compliance. Kevin Devery from Goodyear, Arizona, tells us what numbers he focuses on, how to boost numbers that may be lower than targeted, and what you could be getting wrong.

Topics discussed:

How to determine what metrics to measure.
Improving your numbers.
Why you need to be careful when measuring technician productivity.
How fleet metrics compare at different organizations.
Where to start if you're starting measurements for the first time.

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

What the Tulsa Fleet Learned from Its Ransomware Incident Feb 02, 2022

What do you do during two months without fleet data? Go back to paper work orders and clipboards at fuel stations, of course.

Learn how the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma, fleet operation handled its ransomware incident and what it’s doing now to prepare for future attacks.

🎙 Topics discussed:

What it was like going through a ransomware attack.
The impact of the attack on fleet operations.
Losing access to the fuel system and tracking.
What fleets can do to prepare for a ransomware attack.
Much more!

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends.

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 Introduction
0:44 Experiencing a Ransomware Attack
2:09 How the Ransomware Attack Affected Operations
4:11 Losing the Fuel System and Tracking
6:02 How Long It Took to Resolve Issues from the Attack
7:45 What Fleets Can Do to Prepare for a Ransomware Attack
9:59 Final Advice for Fleets

Testing EVs for Police Fleets Jan 12, 2022

🎙 Government Fleet Executive Editor, Thi Dao, sits down with Lieutenant Mike McCarthy of the Michigan State Precision Driving Unit to talk about testing electric vehicles for police fleets.

🗣 Topics discussed:

The vehicle testing program.
Biggest takeaways from the 2021 vehicle testing.
Does the Ford Mach-E work as a police vehicle?
How big of a factor are ergonomics and ease of installation when choosing a police vehicle?
Are EVs the future of police vehicles?
Much more!

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends.

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 Introduction
0:53 Overview of Mike, His Role, and the Precision Driving Unit
1:25 The Vehicle Testing Program
2:08 Mike’s Biggest Takeaway from Vehicle Testing This Year
2:54 Purchasing Criteria for New Vehicles
3:29 Driving the Mach-E as a Police Vehicle
4:07 How Police Agencies Should Use Driving Test Results
6:19 How Big of a Factor is Ergonomics and Ease of Installation?
7:33 EVs: The Future of Police Vehicles
9:08 How Much Battery is Used for Performance?
10:10 Highlights from This Year’s Testing

Improving Fleet Efficiency with Motorpool Technology Jul 20, 2021

This episode of GovCast is sponsored by and created in partnership with Ridecell 🤝

Government Fleet Executive Editor, Thi Dao, speaks with Daniel McGehee, Head of Sales, US, and APAC, Ridecell, about top concerns for motorpools, keyless technology, and how motorpools have transformed the way fleets are managed.

💡 Learn more about Ridecell

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends.

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 Introduction
1:03 Pain Points for Motorpool Fleet Owners
2:23 Motorpool Technology + Keyless Technology = Pain Relief
3:26 Top Features to Look for in Motorpool Technology
4:38 How Long It Takes to Implement Motorpool Technology
5:28 How Motorpool Technology Improves Fleet Management

How the Right Public Works Equipment Can Ease Your Bottom Line Jun 24, 2021

This episode of GovCast is sponsored by and created in partnership with Gradall and Vacall 🤝

Government Fleet Executive Editor, Thi Dao, sits down with Mark Allison, Director of Excavator Products, Gradall, and Tod Ebetino, Director, Vacall Products, to discuss the importance of using the right equipment that can make jobs more efficient and cost-effective.

Episode topics include:

How public works professionals can do more with less.
Equipment efficiency, spec’ing tips, emergency response, and water savings.

💡 Learn more about Gradall and Vacall.

🚨 Visit Government Fleet to stay up to date on industry news and trends.

📰 Sign up for the Government Fleet newsletter!

🎥 You can watch these episodes on the Government Fleet YouTube Channel!

⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 Introduction
1:00 How to Be More Efficient and Cost-Effective
3:21 Tips for Spec'ing When Purchasing New Equipment
4:55 How Gradall Helps with Emergency Response
6:22 Why Water Recycling is Important

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