Episode 189: The Hidden Perks of RTA Connect (That Aren’t on the Agenda)

“Supporting your staff’s goals—even if it means helping them leave your shop—might be the best retention strategy you’ll ever try.”

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Josh Turley (CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company) and Nathan Schafer (Public Sector Fleet Veteran & RTA Trainer) pull back the curtain on RTA Connect—the ultimate annual gathering for fleet managers, technicians, and industry leaders.

Nathan shares his journey attending RTA Connect first as a public sector fleet manager and later as part of RTA’s training team. They explore how the event blends leadership development, fleet management best practices, and deep-dive software training into an immersive experience that benefits both RTA users and non-users.

From learning leadership lessons that transform team culture, to mastering quick navigation shortcuts like Control+Q, to building industry relationships over go-kart races or behind-the-scenes aquarium tours—the episode shows how RTA Connect delivers impact far beyond a typical conference.

Key Takeaways

• Not Just for RTA Users – Non-customers gain just as much from leadership, fleet management, and networking tracks.
  
  
• Leadership Changes Retention – Supporting employees’ long-term goals boosts morale and loyalty.
  
  
• Hands-On Software Learning – Live training sessions help attendees discover hidden features and powerful reports.
  
  
• Networking is Gold – Breakfast conversations and after-hours events connect fleet pros with 400+ years of combined expertise.
  
  
• Expect the Unexpected – From hurricane cancellations to party buses, flexibility is a key fleet (and event) management skill.

Speaker Bios

Josh Turley – CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company. With 20 years in fleet management software, Josh blends technology expertise with a passion for leadership and culture, helping fleets maximize efficiency.

Nathan Schafer – Former public sector fleet manager with years of experience leading city fleet operations. Now an RTA trainer, Nathan specializes in applying fleet management principles to real-world challenges using RTA’s software.

PODCAST HOT TAKES:

The Surprising Way to Boost Fleet Staff Retention: Support Goals Beyond the Job

Fleet Management on the Fly | When Your “Luxury Coach” Turns Into a School Bus

The Fleet Management Software Shortcut That Changed Everything: Control Q

Fleet Managers Gone Wild: The Most Epic RTA Connect Events