Episode 237: 40 Years in Fleet Management: Hurricanes, Hostile Takeovers, & Becoming #1

After more than 40 years in fleet management, Patti Earley has seen just about everything: from managing a statewide fleet consolidation to leading fleet fuel operations for Florida Power & Light (FPL) through hurricane response and emergency operations. In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Women in Fleet Series, Patti shares the lessons she's learned throughout her career, why stepping outside your comfort zone can change everything, and what today's fleet professionals can do to become stronger leaders. Whether you're a fleet manager, maintenance supervisor, public works leader, or someone considering a career in fleet, this conversation is packed with practical leadership advice and real-world experience. In this episode, we discuss: Patti's 40+ year journey in fleet management Managing one of the nation's largest utility fleets How FPL prepares for hurricane season Lessons from consolidating a 4,000-vehicle state fleet Women in fleet leadership and how the industry has evolved Why networking through NAFA can transform your career The importance of mentorship and professional development Public speaking, leadership growth, and building confidence Winning the NAFA Tom Johnson Award and the 100 Best Fleets Award Advice for the next generation of fleet professionals If you're looking to become a more effective fleet leader, this episode offers decades of experience you can immediately apply. Speaker Bios Facundo Tassara Facundo Tassara is the host of The Fleet Success Show and a fleet industry leader passionate about helping fleet professionals grow through practical conversations, leadership development, and real-world operational insights. With experience managing public fleets and serving the fleet community through NAFA and industry advocacy, Facundo brings engaging discussions with the people shaping the future of fleet management. Patti Earley Patti Earley is the Fleet Fuel Operations Manager at Florida Power & Light and has spent more than 40 years in fleet management. Throughout her career, she has led fleet operations in higher education, state government, and one of the nation's largest electric utilities. A former NAFA President, educator, and recipient of the Tom Johnson Award, Patti is widely respected for her leadership, commitment to advancing the profession, and passion for mentoring the next generation of fleet professionals. She also helped lead FPL's fleet to the #1 ranking in NAFA's 100 Best Fleets Commercial category.   👍 Like this video if you found it valuable. 💬 What has been the biggest leadership lesson in your fleet career? Let us know in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the fleet industry's top leaders. Connect with RTA Fleet 🌐 https://www.rtafleet.com Learn how fleet leaders are improving availability, reducing downtime, and building fleets they're proud to lead. #FleetManagement #WomenInFleet #FleetSuccessShow #NAFA #PublicWorks #FleetLeadership #FleetManager #UtilityFleet #FloridaPowerAndLight #Leadership #PublicFleet #FleetOperations #MaintenanceManagement #EmergencyManagement #ProfessionalDevelopment Looking to take the next step to fleet success? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here: https://rtafleet.com/resources/fleet-success-playbook?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213 Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers: https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=simplecast&utm_medium=footer_notes&utm_campaign=episode_213