Top fleet in industry players share what they do in their off hours, who they admire in the industry, and what advice they wish someone had given them before entering the fleet business.

Jim Anselmi, Director, Fleet Operations & Travel, Lorillard Tobacco Co.

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

I love to snow ski, cycle, golf, exercise, and play with my 110-lb. golden retriever "Harry." My new passion is to ride my Harley with the wind in my "hair" and my wife.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My all-time favorite movie is the The Sting. I read books by Robert Ludlum, John Grisham, Ken Follet, and James Patterson. These authors and their books are all pretty much the same.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

The top personal achievement is my family, including two grandchildren, two daughters, and my wife Diane who has tolerated me for 34 years.

Who do you consider to be the best fleet manager, other than yourself?

There are too many to list. I've been fortunate to meet and know many top fleet professionals, who also include suppliers and affiliates. I would like to think that I have learned a lot from them and continue to learn.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

I've always been involved in some function of the car or fleet business, first as a mechanic, then automotive engineer, and finally fleet manager. I thought each of these was challenging and rewarding. No one ever advised me of the diversification of the fleet industry.

 

Ray Fisher, VP, Fleet & Remarketing, DaimlerChrysler Fleet Operations

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

I love to practice golf. I practice more than I play, although you wouldn't know it. I also enjoy family time at our lake house in northern Michigan.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

The last book I read is usually my favorite. I've been reading David Baldacci's books. I also enjoy World War II books and just finished Flags of Our Fathers.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Raising there teen-age boys whom I am very proud of, although my wife would give me a tough time for taking credit for it.

What has been your most interesting experience in life?

A few years ago, my wife and I had a private audience with the Pope. It was a remarkable experience to have a conversation with him.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

The fleet business is very competitive and demanding, so you better come prepared. It's also a fascinating business with tremendous people and the opportunity to build great relationships.

 

Kim Brown, Fleet Manager, Heidelberg USA Inc.

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

In the summer, vacationing at the beach and snorkeling. In the winter, skiing and ice skating (without breaking any bones!). I enjoy working in the yard and renovating the house. I love spending time with my family and friends.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My favorite recent movie is Lord of the Rings.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Personally, raising three great children, Daniel, Michael, and Nicole, and my recent marriage to a wonderful man, Curtis. Professionally, enjoying the challenges of being Heidelberg's fleet manager for the past seven years.

Who do you consider to be the best fleet manager, other than yourself?

There are many good fleet managers, but it's impossible to choose one because of the variety of fleets in the industry. You have to consider the private and public sector and the type and size of the fleet managed.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Always remember there are two sides to every story. Expect the unexpected.

 

Gino Francescangeli, Director, National Accounts, Pep Boys

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Coaching my kids' basketball and soccer teams is a great thrill. My passion is spending as much time as possible at the beach with my family. I especially enjoy fly fishing with the girls.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My favorite book is Customers for Life, by Carl Sewell. I use it routinely to remind me to accept the challenges our customers present to us and deliver on them so they become lifetime customers.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Getting Colleen to marry me 21 years ago. Through this loving partnership we are experiencing the joys and challenges of raising our four children. It was my greatest sale.

 

What has been your most interesting experience in life?

Getting involved in coaching my children. It allows me to spend time with them in an environment where I am something other than their "dad."

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Twenty years ago, I became a national account manger in the fleet arena. I had no idea that once you "get in" and combine your love of people, service, and cars that you can't "get out." There have been days when I wanted out, but the spirit of the relationships you have with the very special people in this industry, customers and competitors alike, won't allow you to leave.

 

David Carr, Manager, Motor Pool Operations, University of Washington

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Mostly my family! I have a wife and three kids. The kids are 4 months, 3 and 5 years old. I love to get down of the floor and play with them. We make up stories, act out plays and dances, and just have a great time. I play basketball twice a week and just love the competition. I golf when I can but don't get to play enough.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

Mouse Soup and Independence Day

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Having a family and getting my education.

Who do you consider to be the best fleet manager, other than yourself?

It's a tie between Bill DeRousse, city of Everett, and William Roberts, University of Minnesota.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Apply at Microsoft (just kidding). Make a point to establish good relationships with senior management and remind them from time to time just how important the fleet is to the operation. Don't let them take you for granted.

 

Brenda Davis, Fleet Manager, Baker Hughes

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Spending time with my great nieces and nephews, Erin, Jackie, and Zack. Also, when I'm not at Chuck E. Cheese's, my husband and I enjoy kicking up our heels to country-and-western music.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

The Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

First and foremost, being married 21 years to my wonderful husband and the close relationship I have with my family. Second, my invitation as an advisory board member for Ford North American Fleet, Lease & Remarketing Operations.

Who do you consider to be the best fleet manager, other than yourself?

If I have to name one person, I would say Patsy Brownson, CAFM. We actually started out in fleet at the same company. Patsy has shown her dedication by serving on many committees, and as president of the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). I admire her greatly for her accomplishments.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

I wish I had been told sooner how much I would love working in fleet! Look at all the time I wasted. No two days are alike, and I have had the opportunity to meet and form new friendships that will be with me after my career ends.

 

David Maxsimic, Senior Vice President of Sales and Lines of Business, Wright Express

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

My children and family, I have two girls, Mae, who is 12 and Stephanie, who is 8. Both are very active and enjoy softball, snowboarding, and skiing. I have a great time coaching their softball teams, and the girls keep me very busy.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

I just finished reading Jack: Straight from the Gut, a biography of Jack Welch at GE. Also, I am an avid John Grisham fan and have just finished reading The Summons.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

One of my most enjoyable personal achievements was to give a presentation to Jack Welch when he was the chairman of GE. The presentation was well-received by Jack and his team.

What has been your most interesting experience in life?

My most interesting experience was being a market maker at the Chicago Board of Options Exchange. Trading in "the pit' each day was an extremely competitive, challenging, and fast-paced experience.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

I've been involved into the fleet business for more than 15 years. I've truly enjoyed the people that I've had the opportunity to work with and have found the business extremely rewording. Developing partnerships and friendship with customers and finding unique solutions to their needs is an exciting, ongoing challenge. I just wish somebody would have told me about fleet earlier in my career.

 

Charlie Gibbens, Fleet Manager, County of Henrico, VA

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

My favorite hobbies at the moment are playing my Martin HD-28 acoustic guitar and fresh water fly fishing for small-mouth bass on the James River in Richmond, VA.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My favorite book is A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan, and my favorite movie is Top Gun with Tom Cruise.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

My top personal achievement would be the renovation of our 1936 "fix it up home" that my wife and I purchased 10 years ago and that we still occupy. I love to work with my hands and we always wanted a two-story brick house on a couple of acres. I've touched every part of that house to include painting, wiring, plumbing, and grounds work. I stand back and marvel that I really did it all, but I don't think I would do it again!

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Network with other fleet managers to find out how they dealt with or solved many of the same problems you will experience - don't reinvent the wheel! The sharing of information with my colleagues ahs been one of my most pleasant and rewarding experiences as a fleet manager.

 

Jerry Frick, Commercial Fleet Sales Manager, Ford North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Operations

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Sports (golf, tennis, running), travel, reading, and theater. I am most passionate about spending time with my wife of 32 years and three children.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

Favorite book: Shogun. Favorite movie: The Shawshank Redemption.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Balancing a career with Ford Motor Co. while helping to raise three terrific children. As a family, we moved 12 times in the first 26 years to both domestic as well as international assignments.

What has been your most interesting experience in life?

To live in England and work as director of truck sales and marketing for Ford of Europe. It was very special to travel for the company and personally throughout Western and Eastern Europe in the early '90s.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

I wish I had the advice or opportunity to enter the fleet industry earlier. It is an exciting and dynamic business and one where friendships as well as professional relationships are highly valued by all who are in it.

 

Joe Clark, Fleet Manager, Qualex Inc.

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Golf, watching ACC college basketball/football games. Relaxing at the family beach home at the Carolina.

What is your favorite book or movie?

A Few Good Men and most recently John Q.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Starting the Carolina NAFA Chapter in 1979. Raising a loving family with my wife of 28 years. Hiking in the Arizona mountains with my wife and son (I don't like hiking).

Who do you consider to be the best fleet manager, other than yourself?

Carl Gloutnay, Imperial Tobacco; Sam Visintine, Mallinckrodt; Bob Ward, Gelco; Elvie Pizzo, Hiram Walker; and Bob Mayfield, Gelco.

What advices do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

'Buckle up" and enjoy the best ride of your life.

 

Dennis LaLiberty, VP, International Marketing, Wheels Inc.

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

I enjoy traveling. My hobby is golf. I am also interested in all aspects of the car business, especially classic cars.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My favorite book is F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. My favorite movie is Casablanca.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Personally, raising my four children, now grown and out on their own. Professionally, growing with Wheels and our industry from the early days in the late 1950s to today's high-tech world.

What has been your most interesting experience in life?

Observing the changes in our society and our workplace over the last 60-plus years. We are, after all, the sum of our experiences.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Over the years, it has become more important to understand many other elements of our business, e.g., finance, accounting, economics, information technology, human resources, etc. But no matter how proficient one becomes in these areas, I don't think they can ever be completely happy and successful in our business without a deep interest in cars.

 

Debbie Mize, Fleet/Relocations Manager, Hallmark Cards

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

I love to be outdoors, Flower gardening, fishing (especially being on the lake at sunrise and sunset), water skiing, golfing, and my 2-mile daily walk with my dog are some of my favorite outdoor things. I also enjoy and value spending time with family and friends and traveling.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

Dirty dancing.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Completing my undergraduate degree and MBA while working full-time at Hallmark. Also being named Automotive Fleet's "Fleet Manager of the Year."

Who do you consider to be the best fleet manager, other than yourself?

There are truly so many great, talented people in this industry, it is impossible to name one. The most unique aspect to fleet is that everyone is so willing to help and to share his or her knowledge and experience.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

That is an ever-changing industry. I feel very fortunate to have had the national experiences and exposure which have greatly increased my knowledge and also resulted in many wonderful friendships. There are many opportunities both at the local and national levels. My advice to someone starting in fleet would be to join industry organizations and take advantage of any volunteer or learning opportunities - the knowledge and satisfactions you receive back is unbelievable.

 

Bob Martines, President, Corporate Claims Management

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

I am a fanatic for sports: baseball, softball, soccer, and racquetball. I still play and coach softball. I enjoyed coaching my daughters in soccer and softball. It was especially rewarding when we were able to get all of the girls to work as a team, and winning the championship with them just proved what great things can happen when you work together rather than as individuals.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

It's a Wonderful Life for me epitomizes the underdog, nice guy who somehow makes it all work. I have an old-fashioned work ethic that you need to push yourself every day to prove you belong. I believe in commitment and loyalty, which in the long run usually don't let you down, very similar to the end of the movie.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

I truly believe that I have quite a bit to be thankful for, such as my business, my long-term relationships with people I have worked with - and still do - for more than 26 years. More important than anything else, though, is the incredible support of my wife Emily and three daughters, Tara, Lisa, and Terese.

What has been the most rewarding experience in your life?

Seeing my daughters come into this world and what they have become is wonderful. Also, having Pat Summerall Productions singling me out of thousands of business owners across the country for my accomplishments makes me very proud.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Unless you are willing to commit 100 percent of yourself to learning your job, taking full responsibility for your actions (such as not being ashamed to sign your name to everything you do regardless of the outcome), then don't get involved. This job is not easy, so if you're not determined to apply yourself, you will be demoralized by failure.

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Jim McCarthy, Director, Vehicle Management Services, Siemens Shared Services

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Family, music (especially oldies and blues), jogging, the New Jersey Shore, and all college sports and "watching" golf.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My favorite book is Day of Confession by Allan Folsom. My favorite movies are probably Remember the Titans and The Blues Brothers.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

My two daughters, Shelly and Jenny. They are two very special people who have been nothing but a joy to raise and to call family.

Who do you consider to be the best fleet manager, other than yourself?

There are many fleet managers who are outstanding because of how they give back to the industry through tireless volunteering and effort. If forced to choose, Michael Bieger and Stephen Levine come to mind.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Recognize that the fleet industry is a multi-dimensional, mulit-faceted world where technology, information, and resources are the primary "professional" tools, and patience, perseverance, and flexibility are the primary "personal" tools required to not only succeed, but survive as well.

 

Scott Mawaka, VP, Integrated Vehicle Systems, a Division of Rental Concepts

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Traveling with my wife Julie, I also enjoy playing golf and visiting Jacobs Field to see the Cleveland Indians.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Developing my marriage with love, support, passion, and spontaneity.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My favorite book is Deep Shaker by Les Roberts, who is also my favorite author. My favorite movie is a tie between Bull Durham and Rudy.

What is your most interesting experience in life?

Developing my career at Rental Concepts Inc. (RCI) and Integrated Vehicle Systems. I started with RCI during the late 1980s as a customer service representative and have worked in every position in the company to my current role as vice president.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Always be striving to find the next improvement and answer the next question.

 

Milton Reid, Director of Fleet Management, City of Grainesville, FL

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

I enjoy playing tennis, driving my toy (1981 Porsche 928), cooking, and watching most sports. My best moments are those spent with relative and/or friends.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

The Partner by John Grisham is my favorite book, and The Godfather is my favorite movie.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

My top personal achievement is parenting my children to adulthood. I am very proud to see the values that each has adopted.

Who do you consider to be the best fleet manager, other than yourself?

Jim Anselmi is at the top of that list. He has the total package; i.e., all the prerequisites to become that exceptional fleet manager.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

That once entering this profession, you are hooked. The challenges from an ever-changing industry, the need to stay current with so many disciplines, etc. One is always learning, and before you know it, retirement approaches.

 

Gary Rappeport, President/CEO, Donlen Corp.

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Spending time with my two young children, golf, sailing, and my involvement in a number of charitable causes.

What is your favorite book and /or movie?

Favorite book: War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk, a wonderful novel about WWII.

Favorite movie: Caddyshack - it never seems to get old and is as funny today as it was 25 years ago.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Not being thrown out of college.

What has been your most interesting experience in life?

Bareboating (sailing without a crew) through the British Virgin Islands on a 40-foot yacht for a week with just my wife, who did not know how to sail back when we were dating. We had a number of amazing adventures and mishaps that we laugh about every time we tell the stories.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Be extra nice to Ed Bobit.

 

Monica Riley, Director-Distributor Finance, Tupperware

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

I am an avid collector of African-American figurines. One of my favorites and prized possessions is Ebony Visions collection of "The Storyteller" by Thomas Blackshear.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My favorite movie is Coming to America starring Eddie Murphy. This movie is a love story about an African prince coming to America in search of his bride. I have seen this movie more than 50 times and I still enjoy watching it.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

My top personal achievement was being honored in Chicago as one of Dollars and Sense magazine's Very Important and Prestigious Outstanding Business Woman. This award was presented to me based on my contributions to the community and my leadership abilities and strong work ethics in the business world.

Who do you consider to be the best fleet manager, other than yourself?

That's a tough question because over the years I have had the pleasure of working and interacting with many fleet managers who are "the best" in their roles as fleet managers. I have learned from all of them and they have shared their special area of expertise with me.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering the fleet?

Invest in the company that sells Tylenol!

 

Leoni Von Halle, Fleet Manager, Computer Sciences Corp.

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

I love to travel and have visited many countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. It's great to meet the people and learn the different cultures. I also enjoy bike riding along the beach. My passion is going to the gym and taking a spinning (cycling) class - great stress releaser.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My favorite book is Atlas Shrugged, and my favorite movie is Dr. Zhivago.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Going back to school to obtain my bachelor of science degree.

Who do you consider to be the best fleet manager, other than yourself?

There are several very good fleet managers. I really admire Ellie Walsh and Patsy Brownson.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Network. You will learn more from other fleet managers than any other source. Join fleet organizations for networking and education.

 

Doug Weichman, Director, Palm Beach County Fleet Management

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Hobbies include boating/fishing/snorkeling, football fan attending Miami Dolphin games, motorcycling, racquet ball, and golf. Passions: family, being part of my wife's (Terri) life and my two children (Kyle and Rebecca), good friends.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

Favorite book: Wheels. Favorite movie: Swordfish.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Becoming director of Palm Beach County Fleet Management Division at age 34.

Who do you consider to be the best fleet manager, other than yourself?

Although there are many, I feel, because of what my old boss from Miami-Dade County has accomplished and was my mentor when I first started in this business after graduating from college, that Mark Glaiber would be my choice.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

It is not just about vehicles? You have to be an expert at many fields, i.e. human resources, risk management, purchasing law, information systems, etc.

 

Tim Rowe, Commercial Fleet Sales Manager, Volvo

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

My hobbies are limited to three areas: my athletic daughters and their various sporting events, cooking, and playing ice hockey.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My favorite book is Citizen Soldier. World War II history is quite interesting, and I enjoy reading any books on this subject.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

I was lucky enough to spend some college studies living in France, which allowed me to travel throughout many countries and experience many different cultures (and enjoy some wonderful cooking!).

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Prior to Volvo fleet, my background with Volvo was spent mainly on our retail side, which a 30-day cycle. Fleet is a long-term business, which takes time to develop. The fleet manager, in comparison to the retail-price shopper, realizes there is more to a car than the monthly payment and appreciates the long-term value of the cars and truly understands the importance of business relationships.

 

Brian Warner, President, ADESA Corp.

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

I have young children, so most of my free time is spent watching plays and going to hockey and soccer games. I love to watch my kids participate in sports and theater. When I do have time, golf and riding my Harley Davidson give me the most joy. I'm also an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

Most of my reading is literature, and occasionally I will read a business-related book. The Winds of War and War and Remembrance are great historical fictions, written by Herma Wouk; these books are my favorites. However, I enjoy any good literature, such as The Three Musketeers (Alexandre Dumas) and For Whom the Bell Tolls (Ernest Heminigway).

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Convincing my wife to marry me. She has often been more than I deserved, but after 10 years, two kids, two dogs, four houses and countless "date nights," we have it figured out pretty good.

What has been your most interesting experience in life?

During my college years, I lived in Mexico City for the better part of six months. When I first arrived, I spoke little Spanish and definitely stood out in a crowd. The isolation, combined with later adapting to and being embraced by a different culture, changed my view of life and the world.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Fail often, but fail fast. It's the only way you can learn new things and grow.

 

Ted Lee, National Fleet Sales and Marketing Manager, Toyota

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Spending quality time at home with my wife, family, and friends. Improving my golf game to be more competitive and consistent; beating Sherb Brown (Automotive Fleet's associate publisher) on a regular basis. Good quality food and service. Tennis - the one-on-one competition.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My favorite book is Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf by Harvey Penick, who taught Tom Kite and other professional golfers. It helped change my attitude and outlook of the game and mellowed me out to enjoy the game more, but it also carried over to my personal life.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Making it through boot camp and becoming a Marine (Semper Fi). Becoming a husband, father, working full-time, and going to school that resulted in a B.S. degree in business administration and minor in mathematics.

What has been your most interesting experience in life?

Being married to Kaye - what an experience! Attending a New York Yankees (old-timers) baseball fantasy camp. A few old-timers included Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Moose Scowron, and Ralph Houk. Our team came from behind in the last inning to win first place in Fantasy Camp World Series.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Get to know Ed Bobit and Sherb Brown - very knowledgeable individuals of the fleet industry. Have candid communication with customers. Build credibility and relationships. Work hard for your company and customers. Enjoy life, the industry, the people, and play hard with the people and associates you meet.

 

Wayne Smolda, CEO. The CEI Group

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Golf, frequent travel to out-of-town residences, reading, the beach, dinning in wonderful restaurants, and wine.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, and Don Quixote. I don't go to the movies.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Creating a family enterprise from very little and developing a workplace environment and culture that can meet the highest expectations of employees, clients, and business partners; and of course outdistancing competitor firms by an extremely wide margin is exciting too. Making a difference and discovering best practices has been very fulfilling and a perpetual journey with no named destination. Maintaining long-term professional relationships where people can rely on our team has been the cornerstone of what work we do is all about. Maintaining a vision of excellence and excitement within the organization promotes the spirit that makes coming to work a worthwhile endeavor for everyone. Building a $100 million business in the process.

What has been your most interesting experience in life?

Being able to work with my wife, children, and family partners in a common endeavor of work, and sharing both-on-the-job and off-the-job experiences and milestones regularly throughout the year with them.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

I actually like the idea that no one did. I truly feel this would have been limiting. Starting with a "blank page" helped foster the process of discovery and innovation that has brought greater value creation for all of our stakeholders who depend on our enterprise for employment, services, and partnering opportunities.

 

Marian Powell, Senior VP, Commercial Operations, GE Capital Fleet Services

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Family time with husband Steve, son Christopher (12), daughter Virginia (10), and three dogs. I read four books a week, all types. Also, painting, gardening and cooking (on the weekends!).

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

I love books and movies that focus on extraordinary people and relationships, with lots of plot twists: Jane Eyre, Anna Karenina, and A Prayer for Owen Meany. Movies: The Piano, Manhattan, and Star Wars.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Raising a healthy, happy, busy family while having an exciting and impactful career at GE.

What has bee you most interesting experience in life?

After college, I worked for a James Joyce scholar - making pottery - in County Mayo, Ireland. I lived in a cottage, with peat fireplace for heat. I rode my bike to the pottery.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

I got lots of great advice. Of special note was to develop relationships - people in this industry care about each other. And that has been both fun and helped me learn about the industry quickly.

 

Scott Kolb, Regional VP of Sales, Auction Broadcasting Co.

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

The thing that I truly enjoy the most in my life is my family, our friends, and our faith.

I am playing in my 32nd year of competitive lacrosse (the greatest sport on earth) and coaching the kids. My real passion is the development of my auctioneering practice in support of noble causes (the children).

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

My favorite book is Oh, The Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

The honor of being mentored in the same industry by my father, Don Kolb. Then having Dad tell me that he loves me and how proud he is of my accomplishments. I am truly blessed.

What has been your most interesting experience in life?

Experiencing the miracle of childbirth with my wife and true love. Shawna.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

To always get a good night's sleep and to drink lots of water! God Bless America!

I believe that our industry develops the finest brand of people I have ever encountered! Let's always remember those who have passed on and retired - they have provided a great path for us to broaden.

 

Bill Gibson, Director, Sales, GM Fleet & Commercial Operations

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

Golf and family.

What is your favorite book and/or movie?

Book - Dune Trilogies by Frank Herbert (or anything science fictions). Movie - anything science fiction.

What do you consider to be your top personal achievement?

Sometimes it's difficult to view in the larger context (simply because the day-to-day work is all consuming), but to step back and realize that I was able to make a contribution (however small) to GM's Fleet & Commercial Operations efforts.

What has been your most interesting experience in life?

Other than family events, through General Motors, having the opportunity to be a host at the 2000 Syndey Olympics (an awesome experience).

What advice do you wish someone would have given you before entering fleet?

Focus on customer service first and foremost. Listen to the customer, learn to build long-term relationships, and know your product. Also, take advantage of the breadth of opportunity within the fleet business (i.e., financing, remarketing, sales, service etc.).

 

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