By Tod Trousdell, Fleet Marketing Consultant and Owner, RobertsTrousdell Communications
August 14, 2024
This week’s fleet professional profile features transportation industry veteran Mike Hooten from Gaylor Electric, where he’s well into his second decade as a busy Fleet Manager. Mike shares his thoughts and concerns about the current state of the industry, as well as what’s on the horizon. We also get a glimpse into what’s meaningful to him outside of work.
What do you see as the biggest issues facing fleet today?
Finding vehicles is still the most challenging part of my job even though it has gotten a little better the past couple of months.
What are the biggest issues facing your fleet at Gaylor Electric?
Finding vehicles; interest rates on leased vehicles are very high; waiting on parts has been an issue [impacting] our ability to get vehicles back in service quickly after they’ve been involved in accidents.
What excites you most about the future of the industry?
Things are starting to get back to some kind of normal [after the pandemic] slowly but surely! I still think a big part of the future of fleet will involve hydrogen-fueled fleet vehicles.
What keeps you up at night – both good and bad?
I am currently installing cameras in our fleet which I believe will help us tremendously with determining who the good drivers are and then being able to coach the bad drivers and help make us a safer company.
What is your personal motto or creed?
Grit is one of my favorite words which to me means just get it done!
And now, Mike Hooten answers our Lightning Round questions…
Birthplace: Indianapolis, Indiana.
Favorite pastime: Spending time with family.
Family: Daughters, Cassie 46, Haley 32, granddaughter June 5 (pictured above with Mike).
Years in fleet: 14. But have been in transportation industry since 1978.
Favorite food: Filet from St. Elmo’s.
Favorite musician and why: Neil Young; he is such a great song writer and guitarist and can play just about any instrument and has played so many different kinds of music.
Favorite color: Blue.
Favorite pastime: Spending time with my granddaughter – it’s what life is all about!
Favorite movie: Jaws; my favorite part is when he describes the USS Indianapolis going under and all the sailors lost to sharks!
Passion: Spending time with my family and friends! And I love to throw frisbees!
Superpower: Storytelling, I have lots of stories.
Dog or cat: I have had plenty of both, but currently pet-less. Dalmatians are my favorite breed of dogs.
Fleet Pro Focus is a series compiled by Marketing Consultant Tod Trousdell of RobertsTrousdell Communications who along with his partner Kathi Roberts has been helping customers in the fleet, hospitality, sports, and technology sectors for more than 23 years. He can be reached at [email protected].
