By Tod Trousdell, Marketing Consultant
June 12, 2024
At Fleet Management Weekly we’re big fans of fleet managers, who are the very backbone of our industry and some of the smartest, most talented people we know. This week’s featured fleet manager is no exception. Sharon Etherington of Roche Diagnostics is a real ‘rock star’ in the industry, as well as a leader in the world of EV adoption.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing fleet in 2024?
- Adopting Longer Range Electric Vehicles. Selection of EVs with adequate range and capabilities to meet the specific needs/fit for purpose for our industry. Infrastructure development is happening; I just wish it would happen faster.
- Managing Rising Maintenance Cost. The rising costs of maintenance, glass, tires, and auto repair presents ongoing challenges. However, this also provides opportunities for innovation and strategic collaboration with predictive maintenance, strategic partnerships, and sustainable practices.
What are the biggest challenges facing your fleet at Roche?
Ensuring a sufficient supply of vehicles in a timely manner to support our industry growth was a significant issue. This challenge has been largely addressed through strategic measures such as:
- Bulk Pre-Ordering: This proactive approach helped mitigate the risk of shortages and use of rental cars for all of our new hires.
- Strong Partnerships with Car Manufacturers: These partnerships facilitated the bulk pre-orders and ensured that Roche’s needs were prioritized.
- Timely Availability for New Hires: Ensuring that new hires had access to vehicles from their start date was critical for smooth operations.
Looking at the industry today, what excites you most about fleet?
- Artificial Intelligence (AI). I believe we will learn more than we know from using AI. The information will help us make better data driven decisions and influence our drivers in a positive way.
- Electric Vehicles. The building of EV infrastructure across the US and Tesla opening up their charging stations!
What about the fleet industry keeps you up at night?
The technology around fleet management is changing rapidly with AI, Telematics, Connected Data, IOT, to name a few. Do we continue with a “slow and steady wins the race” approach or do we take “leaps and bounds” jumps? Is this the “end-all-be-all” or just the beginning?
How would you compare the industry before Covid vs. today?
I believe we rely on each other more than we ever have before. (We also) listen more, (have) created deeper relationships, and are more accountable from a fleet management perspective.
And now, Sharon Etherington answers our Lightning Round questions…
Birthplace? Indiana – Crossroads of America.
Family? 3 Grown Children and 4 Grandchildren.
Years in fleet? 8, however, my first role at Roche was in procurement, where I managed the fleet contract 8 years prior! So does that count?
Favorite food? Scallops.
Favorite music? Country.
Favorite color? Red.
Favorite pastime? Running, being with family, vacationing, girls’ weekends.
Favorite Show? Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Sopranos.
Superpower? Being Calm – The house could be on fire and I would be the calm one.
Dog or cat? Neither – love both, just don’t want one.
Fleet Pro Focus is a bi-weekly 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].
