Episode 188: Blame Steve: The Fleet Episode That Might Get You Promoted

“If you’re not being challenged, if you dread Monday mornings, or if leadership just doesn’t get it, that might be your sign. It’s time to go.”

Episode Summary

In this no-holds-barred episode of The Fleet Success Show, host Marc Canton sits down with fleet industry legends Steve Saltzgiver and Scott Rood to unpack one of the toughest decisions a fleet professional faces: When is it time to leave your organization?

Pulling from decades of personal experience in government fleet management, military service, and private sector consulting, the trio dives deep into the emotional and professional triggers that signal it's time to move on. From toxic leadership and stagnating career growth to missed training opportunities and the importance of networking at fleet conferences, nothing is off-limits.

Expect wisdom, laughter, and a few hard truths from three guys who’ve seen it all, and left when it mattered most.


Key Takeaways

  • Leadership Matters: If trust or belief in leadership is gone, it might be time to move on.

  • The Dread Factor: Dreading Monday mornings? That's a red flag.

  • The Growth Ceiling: If there’s no more challenge or path forward, consider the next step.

  • Training is Non-Negotiable: If your organization won’t invest in your professional development, that’s a problem.

  • Don’t Burn Bridges: The fleet world is smaller than you think, so leave gracefully.

  • Networking Is Career Fuel: Conferences aren’t just education, they’re lifelines to your next opportunity.

Speaker Bios

Marc Canton
Fleet data guru with nearly 30 years in the industry. Formerly led fleet operations at Fordham University and across the New York region. Now a sought-after consultant and host of The Fleet Success Show.

Steve Saltzgiver
Fleet Hall of Famer and industry icon. Former Fleet Director for the States of Utah and Georgia. VP roles at Koch and Republic Services. Now a NAFA Fellow and dedicated fleet mentor.

Scott Rood
Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and long-time public sector fleet leader. Formerly led fleets for Washington State and Clark County. Current NAFA Education Committee member and passionate advocate for technician training.

 

PODCAST HOT TAKES:

Why I Walked Away From a 15-Year Transit Career (With 5 Kids & a Mortgage)

 

“You Were on Track to Be Superintendent,” Too Bad No One Told Me

 

“Blame Steve!” How One Call Changed My Fleet Career

 

Fleet Managers: If You’re Not Using Your FMIS, You’re Failing Your Team

 


#1 PODCAST FOR FLEET PROS

Subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Fleet Podcast Show

Spotify Apple-Podcast-Yellow

 

iHeartRadio-Yellow

 

SocialMedia-_0006_YouTubeOrange