“If you hand me a 100-page application, I’m going to skim it. That means you’re leaving your ranking up to luck.” – Steve Saltzgiver
Episode Summary
In this episode, Josh Turley sits down with veteran fleet leader and NAFA judge Steve Saltzgiver to pull back the curtain on the NAFA 100 Best Fleets competition. With over 200 applications pouring in each year and only 100 winners chosen, the margin for error is razor thin, and knowing how to tell your story effectively can make all the difference.
Steve shares invaluable advice for fleet managers on how to stand out, what separates the top 10 fleets from the bottom 10, and why AI-generated applications often backfire. They cover everything from storytelling and metrics to why consistency and culture are just as important as availability and PM compliance.
Whether you're a seasoned applicant or considering submitting for the first time, this episode offers essential insights to improve your chances, and your fleet operations.
Key Takeaways
- Tell a compelling story. Data alone won’t get you to the top. The story matters.
- Answer every question. Incomplete applications are automatically at a disadvantage.
- Metrics matter. Know the industry benchmarks, not just your peers' numbers.
- Design matters. Clean formatting, visuals, and team photos can tip the scale.
- AI won't save you. Judges can spot ChatGPT a mile away, so use it with caution.
- Talk to the judges. Get feedback to improve and apply again.
- Treat your application like a continuous improvement project.
Speaker Bios
Josh Turley
CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company and host of The Fleet Success Show. Josh is a passionate advocate for elevating the fleet industry and helping fleets achieve operational excellence through data, systems, and culture.
Steve Saltzgiver
A fleet management legend with nearly five decades of experience, Steve has served in both public and private sector roles, judged hundreds of NAFA 100 Best applications, and is a trusted voice on what it takes to build a high-performing fleet team.
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#1 PODCAST FOR FLEET PROS
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