From Brisket to BHAGs: How RTA’s Spirit Week Builds an Unbeatable Fleet Culture

This article is based on a recent episode of The Fleet Success Show podcast. Watch the full episode here: 

Fleet managers are no strangers to planning, structure, and solving the daily chaos of operations. But how often do they invest in culture with the same level of intention? At RTA, culture is strategy, and Spirit Week is our boldest proof.

The Why Behind Spirit Week

Born from a simple idea to celebrate the founder’s birthday, Spirit Week has become a pillar of RTA’s identity. It's a high-energy, full-company experience where remote and in-office employees come together in Phoenix to connect, compete, and celebrate.

Why go to all this trouble?

Because culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built deliberately with food, games, laughter, and shared moments that turn coworkers into teammates.

“You don’t have a budget? Order Domino’s. Start there. Just don’t let money be your excuse.”

What Spirit Week Looks Like

Here's what makes it epic:

• Full Team Fly-In: Every remote employee joins the in-office crew in Phoenix.

• Games Galore: From Mario Kart and ping pong to escape rooms and basketball challenges.

• Theme Days: Yes, costumes. Yes, competition. Yes, it’s hilarious.

• Legendary Food: Home-cooked meals from the exec team, brisket smoked for hours, and a potluck that becomes the week's food coma highlight.

• The BHAG Bash: This year, we shut down the office to celebrate saving our customers over $100 million—a nod to our Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG). The whole team hit Topgolf for catered food, games, and bonding that felt like a sitcom dream come true.

“We literally shut down the office and went to Topgolf to celebrate a BHAG. It was surreal—and totally worth it.”

 

Lessons for Fleet Managers: How You Can Do This Too

RTA’s Spirit Week might look extravagant, but the spirit behind it is 100% replicable in any fleet—on any budget.

1. Start Small

Begin with a single day. Throw a pizza party. Host a parking lot cornhole tournament. What matters is doing something.

2. Own the Calendar

Block it out early—months in advance. Avoid trade shows and travel weeks. Set expectations that everyone shows up.

3. Customize It

Love basketball? Build a bracket. Got a grill master on staff? Host a cook-off. Know what your team loves and lean into it.

4. Make It Accessible

Can’t shut down for a whole day? Shut down at noon. Or run it on a Saturday. Have a backup plan, communicate with customers, and just make it happen.

5. Be the Example

Leaders who play, laugh, and cook become more human to their teams. It builds trust and creates a lasting bond.

“The goodwill it creates between team members—you can’t overstate it.”

Why This Matters in Fleet

This isn’t fluff. Culture plays like Spirit Week reduce turnover, increase engagement, and improve collaboration. In a high-pressure industry like fleet management, those aren’t bonuses—they’re lifelines.

Plus, events like this reinforce the mission behind RTA’s fleet maintenance management software: to make fleets more efficient, more successful, and more human.

Final Thought

Culture is a strategy. It’s not just cookouts and costumes—it’s connection. It’s how you build a team that stays, strives, and thrives together.

So if you're a fleet manager wondering how to inspire your team, start by investing in people, not just parts. Throw your own Spirit Week—even if it’s just one afternoon.

And if you want help? RTA is only an email away.

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