Episode 180: From Budget Cubicle to Fleet Jungle: One Fleet Manager’s Wild Ride to the Top of Public Works

Episode Summary

In this laugh-out-loud, wisdom-packed episode of The Fleet Success Show, hosts Josh Turley and Marc Canton sit down with Harold Siguenza, the Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Avondale, Arizona. Buckle up—because Harold’s story isn’t your typical “fell into fleet” tale. It’s a full-throttle leap from car sales to budget analyst to fleet operations and beyond.

Harold shares how he transformed from “the guy asking what a budget office even does” to the trusted leader of multiple divisions including fleet, solid waste, transit, and pavement preservation. Along the way, he exposes the harsh reality of “finance PTSD,” breaks down how to actually get your fleet replacement budget approved, and drops truth bombs on leadership, trust, and the secret to building a legacy beyond the garage.

This one is for every fleet manager who’s ever wondered, “What’s next?” Harold shows that fleet isn’t just a job—it’s a launching pad for a purpose-driven career in public service.

Key Takeaways

• Fleet + Finance = Power: Understanding how budget offices think helps you win more resources—and influence.
  
  
• Squeaky Wheels Win Replacements: You get what you ask for—so stop lowballing your budget out of fear.
  
  
• Leadership is Trust First: Harold reveals how trusting his team (and asking tons of questions) built powerful alignment.
  
  
• Fleet Pros Isn’t Just a Club—It’s a Career Accelerator: Why Fleet Pros' new 101 series is grooming the next generation of leaders.
  
  
• Succession Planning is Not Optional: Your legacy isn’t your title—it’s who comes after you.
  
  

Speaker Bios

Harold Siguenza
Assistant Director of Public Works, City of Avondale
A fleet outsider turned fleet champion, Harold’s story blends public administration, fleet management, and a relentless drive to serve the public. He’s also a board member with Fleet Pros, where he helps up-and-coming techs and supervisors rise into leadership roles.

Marc Canton
Head of Product & Consulting, RTA
With a background in consulting and analytics, Marc now leads the design of tomorrow’s fleet management software—one that meets real-world needs in the shop and the boardroom.

Josh Turley
CEO, RTA: The Fleet Success Company
As RTA’s CEO, Josh brings decades of insight into building better fleets through smart leadership, technology, and systems. His mission: help fleet managers lead with confidence.

PODCAST HOT TAKES:

Fleet Managers: Shut Up and Starve? Nope. SPEAK UP and Get Fed

“Who’s THIS Guy?” Earning Trust as the New Fleet Boss

Fleet Managers Are Retiring. Who’s Gonna Replace Them?

 "What if They Leave?" Who Cares? Help Them Grow Anyway