How Reflecting on Our Wins Helped Us Raise the Bar, And Get the Recognition We Deserved
"When I stopped focusing on the fear of being judged and started focusing on my team’s success, everything changed."
For a long time, I had no intention of applying for NAFA’s 100 Best Fleets.
I wasn’t sure where we’d rank, or if we’d even make the list. A past leader in our organization had placed in the top 20, so there was pressure. And truthfully, I was afraid of failing. I don’t enjoy being the center of attention, especially when it comes with judgment.
But in 2022, I had the chance to see the program from a different angle. I helped announce the winners for NAFA’s 100 Best Fleets, and what I saw completely changed my mindset. Behind the scenes, I saw the level of excellence, detail, and intention that goes into the submissions. I realized that this wasn’t just a competition, it was a celebration of real progress in our industry.
At the same time, I had been working hard to elevate my team. I wanted them to be seen, valued, and appreciated for everything they were doing to improve our operations. That’s when it clicked: this wasn’t about me. It was about them. They deserved the spotlight.
So I applied.
Submitting that application was more than a task. It became a moment of reflection. I finally took time to look back at:
Fleet leaders often stay focused on what’s broken or what’s next. But this forced me to pause and see how far we’d actually come.
In 2023, we landed at #16. In 2024, we broke the Top 10.
More importantly, my team saw the results of their hard work displayed in banners that now hang proudly in our shop. That feeling—seeing them recognized and celebrated—is something I’ll never forget.
The recognition was great. But the real ROI came in what we gained from the process itself. Here’s what our team walked away with:
And yes, some well-earned bragging rights.
See why 7x NAFA 100 Best Fleets winner Facundo Tassara believes every fleet should apply this year.
If you’re on the fence about applying, here’s my best advice:
If you think you need a perfect fleet to apply, you’ll never do it. The application isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about telling your story. And that story includes progress, resilience, and creativity.
Create a simple system to document your successes as they happen. Upgraded your fleet maintenance software? Write down how it improved workflow or reduced downtime. Improved a process? Track the labor hours or cost savings. You’ll thank yourself later.
Don’t just say you automated something, connect it to results. For example:
Remember, these are the types of things that help protect in-house maintenance programs from outsourcing. When you can tell a data-driven story, you prove your value.
Get even more tips from Fleet Whisperer and NAFA 100 Best Fleets judge Steve Saltzgiver.
If stepping outside your comfort zone is what it takes to make your team feel proud, empowered, and seen. What do you have to lose?
NAFA’s 100 Best Fleets isn’t just a title. It’s an opportunity to raise the bar, tell your story, and inspire the next level of fleet excellence.