President's Message
“Don’t do your best, do whatever it takes.”
-Anonymous
The quote above represents FleetPros and our membership in more than one way. The world of fleet is evolving at a record pace that gives no other option, but for fleet professionals to have to do whatever it takes. Those of us that have the fortune of working in this industry get to focus on ever-changing policy, alternative power trains, vehicle autonomy, and more. Fleet has advanced from oil and tires, which we still have, to mechanics that seem more like computer technicians or fleet managers that seem more like data analysts, pouring over sheets and sheets of information to review shop operations. And all while this is occurring, FleetPros is the group that brings us together to address so many of the challenges and opportunities, whether it is a local chapter shop talk addressing current issues with colleagues or a member vendor helping to bring new technology to make the fleet or our operations more efficient and effective.
The second part of this quote is that it is not known who said it. Fleet personnel live in a world where if everything is going right then they are not discussed, being anonymous in a way. However, if Fleet is not performing or an accident occurs, fleet quickly becomes the “Talk of the town.” FleetPros is constantly working to bring recognition to the industry with local chapter meetings, FleetCon, and individual awards recognizing both FleetPros members, vendors, and others in the world of fleet. The work of fleet can often be construed as ‘quiet is good,’ but we must make sure that good isn’t confused with complacency or to leave those working in the industry as forgotten.
As FleetPros approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, I think back on the invitation that I got to go to my first FleetPros meeting nearly a decade ago. I thought, what is this group and why do they exist? Little did I know at that time that this is the premier organization to network and gain valuable insights for fleet challenges from colleagues that may be going through the same issues or have already conquered them. Now, being honored to serve as the national board president I’m proud to say that if you want to enhance your career in fleet, there is no better organization to be a part of.
FleetPros recently held its annual FleetCon conference in Galveston and following suit with prior FleetCons it continued to set the bar as the standard to be met. The conference brings both vendors and members together to share resources and ideas that aren’t found at other fleet conferences. Additionally, the conference served as the final course of a new educational series called Fleet Management 101 that helps mechanics and technicians learn skills to make the jump from the shop floor into the office. In the coming year, FleetPros will be rolling out Fleet Management 201 and seeing the students grow to represent their organizations or be hired into new roles or with other organizations.
As we look forward to the next year, we are excited to bring the 50th anniversary back to Colorado for FleetCon 2026 with a stop in Glendale, AZ for FleetCon 2025 first. The collaboration between members, vendors, and sponsors has our organization in a firm financial position to continue our mission of supporting fleet professional through education, networking, and resources for the next 50 years. I want to send a sincere thank you to all the local chapters, their officers, the national board, our management company, vendors, sponsors, members, and anyone that I may have missed as this group wouldn’t be what it is today without you and the former folks that have filled these roles.
Zac Haffner
FleetPros President
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