Episode 207: Inside the Judge's Room: What It Really Takes to Be a NAFA 100 Best Fleet

“You can run a fleet out of a spreadsheet, but you’ll never succeed with one.” – Steve Saltzgiver

Episode Summary

In this behind-the-scenes episode of the Fleet Success Show, Josh Turley sits down with long-time NAFA 100 Best Fleets judge Scott Rood to reveal what really goes into scoring top public fleets across the country.

With over six years of judging experience, Scott unpacks the nuances of what separates a winning application from a forgettable one. From incomplete data and wordy essays to fleets getting creative with technician shortages, this episode is a goldmine for any fleet manager looking to stand out in the competition, or simply improve their operation.

If you're serious about benchmarking your fleet, increasing asset availability, retaining technicians, and proving your team's value to stakeholders, this conversation is a must-listen. It’s full of hard truths, hilarious judging stories, and actionable advice that will make your next NAFA application stronger, and your fleet operation smarter.

Key Takeaways

• The #1 Mistake applicants make when filling out their NAFA 100 Best application (and how to avoid it)
• Why data transparency—not just storytelling—is essential for scoring high
• The importance of application reviews and how they directly impact next year’s ranking
• Why recruiting from trade schools is becoming a smart strategy for solving the tech shortage
• A behind-the-scenes look at how judges standardize scoring across 200+ applications
• What judges are really looking for when evaluating KPIs like fleet availability and comeback rates

Speaker Bios

Josh Turley – CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company. A passionate fleet advocate and leader, Josh brings real-world experience and thought leadership to modern fleet operations. He’s dedicated to helping fleets succeed through smarter technology, better training, and stronger culture.

Scott Rood – Fleet industry veteran and NAFA 100 Best Fleets judge for over six years. Known for his no-nonsense evaluation style, Scott is committed to holding fleets to high standards—because he knows that’s how fleets get better. His blend of experience, insight, and dedication to the craft makes him a trusted voice in public fleet management.

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