Robert Harper, who has worked in the fleet leasing industry since 1971, passed away at his home in Chandler, Ariz., on June 16, 2022 following a three-year battle with multiple myeloma. He was 76.

Harper retired in 2017 after working as the commercial fleet sales manager at Courtesy Chevrolet and Isuzu Truck Fleet Sales Group in Phoenix, Ariz. Prior to relocating to Arizona, Harper worked in Memphis, Tenn., as the senior vice president and general manager of Dobbs Fleet Leasing, Inc.,  responsible for the company’s overall growth and profitability. He worked at Dobbs Fleet Leasing from 2003 to 2006.

Earlier, Harper worked for LeasePlan USA, where he served as vice president and general manager of LeasePlan ADVANTAGE, an outsourcing program focused on serving smaller fleets providing ancillary services such as maintenance management, fuel programs, license & title, accident management, and driver record management. He worked at LeasePlan USA from 1996-2003. 

Harper started his fleet management career in 1981 at US Fleet Leasing (USFL) and held several positions in sales and marketing. In 1991, Harper relocated to Boston following his promotion to regional sales manager for USFL, where he had sales responsibility for the New England states.

He graduated from California State University, San Francisco with a Master in Business Administration degree in 1971. Following graduation, Harper worked for several companies such as Merrill Lynch, Del Monte, and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals before joining USFL.

An avid tennis and pickleball player, Harper also enjoyed golf and had a reputation for his distinctive form of body English when putting. Harper is survived by his wife, Connie.