The Women in Fleet Profile series introduces fleet managers to some of the most influential women in fleet. Every month, we will get to know another positive force in the fleet industry. 

This month, we spoke with Laura Jozwiak, SVP sales and client relations for Wheels Inc.

Getting into Fleet

Jozwiak has been involved in the fleet industry for the past 26 years. She began her fleet career at fleet management company Emkay, where she worked for 10 years. Her fleet career is like many of ours, “falling” into fleet at some point. 

“I needed a job and was a fast typist and organized. That got me in the door as a sales admin at Emkay and I fell in love with the industry as I continued to learn and grow in my career,” she said. 

After a brief stint at Caritas Fleet, she joined the Wheels team.

“I oversee and support Wheels’ Sales, Account Management, Client Services and Client Analytics teams, which provide fleet administration, strategic guidance, and analytic resources to assist our clients in making informed decisions that improve the performance of their fleets,” Jozwiak said. 

One of her proudest successes in fleet is due to her tenacity. 

“One of the successes I am the proudest of was starting out as the executive assistant to the VP of Sales and then becoming the SVP of Sales. I am very grateful for the support and opportunities I was given to make that happen. I am also proud to be the first person from an affiliate to earn their CAFM, many moons ago,” she said.

Staying motivated in fleet is easy for Jozwiak due to the consistent change. 

“Every day, fleet changes. New vehicle models, new people to engage with, new problems to solve, new services to explore — it is never dull or boring! It is motivating to keep learning and creating that future vision,” she said.

She feels that everyone is welcome in fleet, adding that “you don’t choose fleet, fleet chooses you!” she said, encouraging anyone to look at a position within fleet. 

“Come on in! The support in this industry is tremendous. I find that this industry looks to each other for support and guidance, regardless of whether you are a fleet manager, vendor, FMC, or even competitors. We are all fleet. Use networking opportunities to meet new people and expand your knowledge,” she said.

Get to Know Me

Experience is only part of our story and what someone likes to read, watch, and listen to can help paint a fuller picture of their personality. Here are some of Jozwiak’s favorites: 

• Book: “'Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting That Revolutionized Wine,' by George Taber. First, I like wine; second, I love an underdog story; and third, it demonstrates the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.’ Understand and appreciate before you judge,” she said.

• Movie: “My favorite is 'West Side Story.' I love the music, the message, and seeing Romeo and Juliet from a different perspective. But, I will watch 'Napoleon Dynamite' and 'Pulp Fiction' any time I see it flipping channels,” Jozwiak said.

• Songs: “Anything by Prince or Poi Dog Pondering. They always make me smile and want to dance!” she said. 

• You May Not Know: “I am a huge NFL fan and I also play classic piano,” Jozwiak concluded.