Fleet is often measured in numbers–cost, uptime, safety, efficiency–but the real stories lie in those who tell them. The real story is human. Automotive Fleet wants to highlight this with an interview-driven series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the leaders who shape the fleet world.

The series starts with industry trailblazer and serial entrepreneur Kathyn Schifferle.

Meet Kathryn Schifferle

AF: What’s your professional background, and how did you get involved with fleet?

Schifferle: I am a serial entrepreneur. I have started multiple companies, and the last few were software companies. I ended up publishing Ford Pros magazine in 2007, fell in love with the industry, and then launched Work Truck Solutions to solve data/configuration problems I found in fleet vehicles.

AF: What do you love about the industry?

Schifferle: Here’s what I love about fleet: hard-working people. The industry is the salt of the earth, the backbone of the U.S. economy, and always ready to share and help.

AF: What’s your biggest piece of life advice?

Schifferle: In business, if you want to be terrific, you have to be specific. In my personal life, family is everything, and you can only be sure you have them for today.

AF: What are your hobbies outside of work?

Schifferle: Reading, fitness (mental and physical), and spending time with my family.

AF: If you were an animal, what type of animal would you be?

Schifferle: Octopus… they love to solve problems. :)

AF: What is the best part about being an entrepreneur, and what is the most challenging?

Schifferle: The most challenging part is keeping balance in your life—being an entrepreneur is time-intensive, requires dedication and focus, and, to survive, an entrepreneur must keep a balance with what is truly important in life — family — in the broadest sense of the word. The best part for me is solving problems that help others, problems that might not have been solved without me...

If you would like to submit a nomination for the series or participate yourself, please email faith.howell@bobit.com.