By Tod Trousdell, Fleet Marketing Consultant and Owner, RobertsTrousdell Communications
December 18, 2024
This week’s fleet professional profile features Dario Ramos, Fleet Maintenance Manager for GCC, a ready-mix concrete company headquartered in El Paso, Texas. Dario provides insight into his management style, as well as the challenges fleet managers face today. He also allows us a brief look into life away from the fleet.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the fleet industry?
Right now, maintenance and the cost challenges around it. Obviously, the more maintenance we can do internally the better, but the price of maintenance – especially when we have to outsource – is a major issue and something I think will continue to be a growing issue going forward.
What are the biggest challenges facing your fleet at GCC?
Finding and retaining young men and women to enter and stay. I would say 60% or more of the people we have driving vehicles are 50 and up and that presents some challenges, but at the same time, that’s what excites me the most!
OK, I’ll bite – what about that is so exciting to you?
For me, it is the huge opportunity this problem presents to re-establish the transportation culture with a new generation. With so many over 50 drivers just naturally moving on, I’m hoping the influx of new, young drivers can help expedite the modernization and create a culture that fits what these newer younger drivers need and want.
What about the fleet industry keeps you up at night?
Parts availability. It’s gotten way better since Covid but there are times when I am ordering items, and the leads times are consistently 3-5 days out. That can be a problem, especially when the part is a common wear item that has to be replaced at a moment’s notice.
How would you compare the industry before Covid vs. today?
I would say that today, the transportation industry is having a resurgence in general. There is a new energy about the way things can be done and with all the new technology improving things like driver and public safety, there is a lot to be excited about. It does feel like the dust is settling a bit from what we went through with the pandemic and we are finally coming out of a very slow recovery.
Tell us something about the way you like to manage your fleet?
My management style is people first. I heard this once before and I’ve applied to every leadership job I’ve had since to great success. ‘Train people well enough they can leave. Treat them well enough they don’t want to.’ It brings a people first approach that fosters team building and people development over all else. When employees are given a voice and are empowered to make change and lead, it’s a game changer I don’t think enough businesses take advantage [of].
And on a personal note?
I love being a dad, and nothing makes me happier than sharing my hobbies and interests with my daughters!
And now, Dario Ramos answers our Lightning Round questions…
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado.
Family: Dad, Mom, three brothers, two daughters.
Years in fleet: 6
Favorite food: Chicken Wings.
Favorite musician and why: I like all types of music, be hard to choose one.
Favorite color: Purple.
Favorite pastime: Hanging out with friends and family.
Favorite movie: The Last Samurai.
Passion: Listening to people. It’s amazing how much you learn about someone if you just listen.
Superpower: Hopefully entertaining my children – I’ll have to ask for confirmation.
Dog or cat: Dogs.
Tod Trousdell is partner at RobertsTrousdell Marketing and Communications and a periodic contributor to Fleet Management Weekly. He works with several companies in the fleet space and can be reached at [email protected].
