As Director of Fleet and Business Systems for Gothic Landscape, Inc., Ernie Garcia saw a vision in fuel initiatives and researching better fuel programs.

For his leadership in helping Gothic Landscape achieve substantial annual fuel savings through restructuring the company's fleet and introducing electric vehicles (EVs) through a pilot program, Garcia was named Automotive Fleet's 2024 Fleet Visionary.

Sponsored by Merchants Fleet and presented at the recent Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association annual conference in San Antonio on Sept. 16., the Fleet Visionary Award spotlights an industry leader who promotes and champions innovation, resulting in more efficient, cost-effective, and safer fleet operations.

"I want to thank Gothic for empowering me and investing in me to be successful. I want to thank everyone that voted for me. And finally, thank you to my family and my wife," Garcia said.

Fueling Change and Efficiency Through Data

Garcia joined Gothic Landscape in 2019 following a period as a project manager and then payroll manager at Darmont Construction. Gothic Landscape is one of North America's largest landscape companies and, since its inception in 1984, has grown to operate full-service branches throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona.

With over 1,800 landscaping professionals, Gothic's fleet comprises over 2,300 units, including about 960 vehicles and trailers, industrial mowers, and 400 units of yellow iron, as reported by Automotive Fleet.

Garcia directs Gothic's fleet and focuses on driving efficiencies by researching, collecting data, analyzing the entire fleet, and restructuring. Garcia's nominators also highlight his success in fuel initiatives and researching a better fuel program at Gothic.

"Gothic has invested in my future by supporting me through DOT and BIT certifications and enabling me to earn my CAFM through NAFA. While the responsibility to apply oneself lies with the individual, Gothic ensures that hard work is rewarded," Garcia said. "I am incredibly proud to be part of an organization that truly empowers and rewards employees who think outside the box and take chances through the filter of continuous improvement."

With a target of reducing fuel costs, Garcia introduced EVs through a pilot program and gained insight into home charging, public charging, the EV market, and the pros and cons of ICE vs. EV.

Adapting Fleet Strategies to Unique Needs

Although the EVs did not perform well for certain fleet functions, Garcia reorganized the Gothic fleet with hybrid vehicles. Each unit saved roughly 65% of an F-150's monthly usage by introducing smaller hybrids, like the Ford Maverick hybrid.

"I advise anyone in the fleet industry to learn as much as possible. Understand best practices, compliance requirements, and industry standards, and apply this knowledge to the unique needs of your specific fleet. Fleets vary greatly, and no two are the same. Not every best practice will work for every situation, so it's essential to implement creative solutions within a collaborative environment," Garcia said.

Garcia achieved substantial annual savings by changing the specifications of vehicles assigned to certain positions, like making the hybrid swap for drivers who weren't hauling as much and just had to get from point A to point B.

In a rapidly evolving industry, Garcia's leadership exemplifies how innovation, backed by data, can transform fleet operations for a more efficient and sustainable future.

"[My family and my wife] are going to have to hear about how I'm a visionary for some time. Hopefully, now I can win an argument," Garcia quipped during his acceptance speech.

More Awards News

2024 Hall of Fame inductees:

• Theresa Belding

• Matthew Betz

• Bill Gibson

Additionally, check out details on the 2024 Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year award winner.