Three new Fleet Hall of Fame inductees were announced recently at the 2024 Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association (AFLA) annual conference in San Antonio.

In the second installment of the 2024 Hall of Fame series, Automotive Fleet is highlighting inductee Matthew Betz.

Hall of Fame inductees have over 10 years of fleet experience and are recognized for the "indelible mark each has made within the commercial fleet management profession," according to AFLA. 

This year's three honorees join the 97 others inducted into the Hall of Fame since it was established in 2008. The program is sponsored exclusively by AFLA and presented by Automotive Fleet. 

"I can't think of a single honor or award that would create the sense of gratitude, awe, appreciation, and humility that I feel tonight," Betz said in his speech at the AFLA conference.

From Accidental Beginnings to Lifelong Passion

Although Betz began working at Wheels, Inc. in 1986, he held sales and operations positions with several vehicle renting and leasing firms being hired to represent the company in the Midwest and eventually becoming assistant vice president of sales. After devoting 19 years to the company, Betz continued a path in fleet to Amerifleet Transportation, LeasePlan USA, Motus, LLC, and more.

"Like most of you, I fell into fleet by accident but stayed because I love it. One reason that I came to love fleet is the people involved in the fleet industry," Betz said.

In his speech, Betz reflected on his decades-long career, where a lot of his friends were made because of his involvement in the industry. He acknowledged Kathe Carter and Duane Berger, who got him involved in fleet organizations, and Kate Vigneau and Chris Amos, who he counts as his closest friends.

Betz explained that prioritizing client relations can come at the expense of friendships, but it's well worth it in the end.

"One good friend and customer, Steven Levine, retired. After a while, he called and was upset that I hadn't called him in a while. He said, 'I thought we were friends.' I had to explain to Steve that he had moved from my 'customer' list to my 'friend' list," Betz said. It's important to Betz that he takes care of his customers before communicating with friends, which he acknowledges is something many fleet professionals may empathize with.

In thanking his family, Betz also recognized the understanding and support he received from them throughout his career.

"My daughter, Ali, is here, and she knows how much I was away from home, and she and her sister, Sarah, never complained and, to my dismay, turned into the kind of daughters that I could not be prouder of," Betz said.

Transferring Knowledge, Shaping the Future

Betz's nominator characterizes him as an industry leader who is always helpful and involved, proving true as he currently serves as AFLA president, Global Fleet Conference chair, and in various board positions with NAFA.

His experience, according to his nominator, as a fleet manager and selling solutions to fleet operations made him excel in every area of fleet, and he always made sure to transfer his knowledge to others.

Friends of Betz echo these sentiments as they share their excitement towards the news of his Hall of Fame induction.

"Matt has been a pillar for the fleet industry; he has been a mentor, leader, and friend of mine for over 20 years. His passion for learning and helping others develop their fleet management skills has made a positive impact for so many fleet professionals," Craig Cheatle, vice president of business development at Discount Tire, said. " Over the years, Matt has navigated the ever-changing fleet industry with an unrelenting dedication to safety, efficiency, and technology."

According to Betz, others who have helped shape him over the years, through his career and life, include Otto Krause, Lou Fisher, Pete Egan, and Helene Kamon.

A Seat Among the Greats

Betz was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside other leaders and friends he considers industry giants who played a pivotal role in establishing fleet management companies and early OEM fleet programs.

"From the first day I stepped into fleet as a fleet manager, Matt has always been a strong presence and leader," Sherry Calkins, 2023 Hall of Fame inductee and senior vice president of global strategic accounts at Geotab, said.

"He has always been one to share his knowledge, connect me with others who could assist me, and always willing to get involved and dedicate his time to helping others in the industry. When I think of the Hall of Fame, Matt is one that certainly deserves to be included, and I am honored to be alongside individuals like him in this amazing club!" Calkins continued.

Betz explains that he was fortunate enough to work in different capacities with giants like Mike Antich, Ed Bobit, Dennis LaLiberty, Joe LaRosa, and Mike Sims.

"These are people that left a huge impact on my life. I can only hope that I, in turn, have had a small impact on other people's lives and careers," Betz said.

Celebrating a Legacy of Hard Work

With a career spanning more than five decades, it's clear that Betz's legacy is one of dedication, leadership, and profound impact on the fleet industry.

In closing his speech, Betz quoted the famous Vince Lombardi, "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."

"I realized early in my career that I was never going to be the smartest guy in the room, but I could work harder than others," Betz concluded.

More Awards News

Other 2024 Hall of Fame inductees include:

• Theresa Belding

• Bill Gibson

Check out other 2024 award winners:

• Sharon Etherington Wins 2024 Fleet Manager of the Year

• Ernie Garcia Named 2024 Fleet Visionary