​The fleet management industry has such a diverse range of people and roles, and everyone has a unique story of their journey in our industry. This month we talk to Paul Riley, Fleet Management Supervisor – Port Stephens Council, New South Wales.

FI: How did you get started in fleet and plant, and what was your first job in the industry?

PR: I started as an Apprentice Motor Mechanic at a new car dealer, Newmans of Kogarah in 1981 – progressed through roles as Foreman and Service manager. Later, moving to the State office of Hyundai Australia, Jeep Australia, Mercedes-Benz Australia then CJD Volvo Construction. In various roles including Tech Support, Service, and Parts and Sales managing from 14-16 new car dealers.

FI: Tell us about your role and the kind of fleet and plant you manage.

PR: We have a separate fleet structure where the workshop team sits in the public domain section and fleet management team are in the assets section. We have 8 staff in our 2 workshops and 3 staff in fleet management. We manage plant items for council operations and 5 holiday parks and some RFS vehicles.

FI: What’s the favourite part of your job?

PR: My history has provided the opportunity to do many automotive roles except the fleet manager role – this knowledge of the other side is quite valuable in each part of the current role. I enjoy bringing the benefit of ‘best value’ to council. Each day new situations arise [which are] quite diverse and we are involved in most sections of the council throughout the year. It is a very diverse role.

FI: What are some of the biggest challenges you see facing fleet professionals this year and beyond?

PR: My current focus is selecting a fleet management system or suite of systems to best manage our operation. IPWEA Conferences have been ideal in settling my thoughts and plans on the foundation software and building specialist software for peripheral needs. I find the presentations on what makes a good fleet management system great, however, difficult to find in a commercial sense.

Future developments such as electric vehicles and self-driving cars are interesting, however, [it’s] slow progression to full take up by industry and customers. When are the electric / hybrid ute’s coming?

FI: How do you think the fleet department can make sure it has buy-in and support from the rest of the organisation?

PR: Communication. Take the opportunity to chat with other internal clients about their needs / troubles. They are human too. They have a trailer or a spray unit, a ute, a fuel card or a question regarding someone’s novated lease or next car choice. All these little conversations go towards a healthy relationship and in times of need can be called upon to support.

FI: If you weren’t in the fleet industry, what would you be doing?

PR: Interesting question, I have a fascination with Top Fuel Drag racing and their ability to put so much power to the pavement…Top Fuel Crew Chief.

Editor Note: Since Paul brought it up…pictured is Tony Schumacher (on the left) who set the Top Fuel national speed record at 336.57 mph (541.67 km/h) with a time of 3.667 seconds for 1000 ft (305 m) at the NHRA Arizona Nationals in 2018.

Would you like to share your story as a fleet practitioner with others in the IPWEA FLEET community? If so, then please email your interest to the editor.