How to Reduce Fleet Costs in the Trades - Renee Milum

For many trades owners, trucks are one of the biggest expenses in the business, but fleet decisions are often made by habit instead of strategy. A paid-off truck can feel like a smart move until repairs, downtime, fuel, maintenance, and lost production start costing more than expected.In this episode, Tyler sits down with Renee Milum, Fleet Advisor at JumpSpark, to talk about how HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and home service company owners can make better decisions around their vehicles. Renee explains what a fleet advisor does, how to think through lease versus buy, and why the true cost of a truck goes far beyond the monthly payment.They also discuss when to replace vehicles, why the 80,000 to 100,000 mile range matters for many gas engines, how downtime quietly impacts revenue, and why fuel cards, cameras, and maintenance management can help owners protect the business.If your shop depends on trucks to generate revenue, this conversation will help you look at fleet management as a business strategy, not just another operating expense.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeWhat a fleet advisor does for trades and home service companiesWhy paid-off trucks are not always the cheapest optionHow downtime affects revenue, labor, repairs, and customer serviceWhy owners should look beyond the monthly paymentWhat total cost of ownership means for service vehiclesThe difference between retail leases and commercial fleet leasesHow leasing can help preserve cash for other areas of the businessWhy upfitting, wraps, ladder racks, and shelving should be part of the vehicle planWhen gas vehicles should typically be reviewed for replacementWhy diesel vehicles may have a different replacement timelineHow maintenance management programs help control repair costsWhy fuel cards are useful for fleets of any sizeHow cameras can support safety, accountability, and liability protectionWhy proactive fleet planning is better than waiting for a breakdownHow AI and fleet data are helping owners make smarter replacement decisionsMore From Profit & GritBook your complimentary Financial Insight Session with Tyler Martin, fractional CFO for home services and the trades, here:http://cfointrocall.comLearn more at http://cfomadeeasy.comFollow the show for weekly interviews with HVAC, plumbing, and home service owners and experts who share what it really takes to grow, scale, and profit in the trades.If you listen to any of the following shows, we’re sure you’ll love ours too! To The Point Home Services Podcast, Toolbox for the Trades, Masters of Home Service, Home Service Business Coach With David Moerman, BlueCollar.CEO, The Home Service Expert Podcast, Next Level Pros, Blue Collar Business Podcast, Home Service Millionaire with Mike Andes, The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber, and Blue Collar Success Group.🎙️ Profit & Grit by Tyler Martin Real stories. Real strategy. Real results for service-based business owners.🔗 Website: ProfitAndGrit.com 📍 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thinktyler 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @profitandgritTyler Martin, a fractional CFO for home services and the trades 📅 Want to grow your business with smarter financial strategy? Book a free intro meeting