Success isn't always about sticking to a routine; many times, it means being flexible, especially as fleet evolves. We caught up with 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Daryl Greenlee to talk about this and how experience, leadership, and strategic thinking while addressing both current challenges and future trends.
The Monroe County, Florida, fleet management director answered our questions on adapting to industry disruptions, building a resilient team, and preparing operations for a more data-driven and sustainable future.
GF: Biggest lesson(s) learned in fleet and how has that shaped your role?
Greenlee: A key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. The fleet industry is constantly evolving with new technologies, regulations, and societal expectations.
Early on, I realized that being open to change and continuously learning about emerging trends, whether it's electric vehicles, telematics, or regulatory updates, has been crucial. This mindset has helped me stay ahead of the curve and proactive approach to my role with a solutions-oriented perspective.
GF: What are some unexpected challenges you’ve faced and what do those look like now?
Greenlee: One unexpected challenge has been the shortage of vehicle parts and supply chain disruptions. It has affected vehicle repair times and vehicle availability. To deal with this, I’ve implemented more proactive fleet maintenance schedules, established strong relationships with multiple suppliers, and increased vehicle uptime through preventive maintenance measures.
We’ve also started exploring flexible lifecycles to include the build times for vehicle replacements, incorporating projections from the industry, to ensure we have the necessary fleet resources available for critical operations.
GF: What do you think makes a successful fleet leader and in turn, a successful team?
Greenlee: A successful fleet leader must balance technical expertise with strong communication and leadership skills. They need to be visionaries who embrace new technologies while ensuring that the team feels supported and motivated.
A successful team is one where each member feels valued, understands their role, and is given opportunities to grow. As a leader, it’s essential to foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and mutual respect.
GF: What projects are you working on now?
Greenlee: Currently, we are working on implementing our Web based (FMS) Fleet Management System to better track preventive maintenance schedules, streamline repair processes, and minimize vehicle downtime.
We’re also evaluating the feasibility of transitioning to electric vehicles for certain segments of the fleet to reduce emissions and lower operating costs in the long term. Additionally, we’re updating our fleet replacement strategy to align with both budget constraints and sustainability goals.
GF: What is your advice for new fleet managers?
Greenlee: My advice is to never stop learning. The fleet industry is complex and constantly changing, so staying informed about trends, technology, and best practices is essential. Build strong relationships with your team and stakeholders. Lastly, always be proactive with maintenance, planning, and forecasting. By staying ahead, you can avoid many common pitfalls and position yourself—and your fleet—for long-term success.
GF: What do you think the future of fleet looks like and how can fleets prepare for what’s ahead?
Greenlee: The future of fleet is definitely heading toward increased electrification, autonomous vehicles, and integrated technology solutions like AI and machine learning for predictive maintenance and routing. Fleets will need to prepare by investing in sustainable technologies, upskilling their teams, and being open to new ways of managing vehicles and assets. Preparing for a more data-driven and environmentally conscious future will be key for fleet operations.
GF: What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Greenlee: What I enjoy most is the problem-solving aspect of fleet management. Every day presents a new challenge, whether it’s optimizing operations, managing budgets, or integrating new technologies. I love the feeling of making a tangible impact, whether it’s improving efficiency, reducing costs, or enhancing the safety and performance of our fleet.
