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 Kris Browne, A/Fleet Asset Management Officer, Organisational Services (Carrara Depot) – City of Gold Coast, Queensland.
FI: How did you get started in fleet and plant, and what was your first job in the industry?
KB: My start in Fleet and Plant Asset Management in 2015 was a natural progression coming from an agricultural and construction background of plant and transport operations.
When I was 17, I was heavily into Golf at the time (best 24-handicap player going around at the time) and always wanted to become a Greenkeeper.
FI: Tell us about your role and the kind of fleet and plant you manage.
KB: My role is the procurement, delivery and management of the City’s service trucks, tippers ranging from 4T to 12T, landfill equipment including track loaders and compactors, construction equipment ranging from small to large excavators, skidsteers, front end loaders and backhoes and material handling including forklifts and telehandlers.
FI: What’s the favourite part of your job?
KB: Being in the field to inspect the City’s equipment before delivery.
FI: What are some of the biggest challenges you see facing fleet professionals this year and beyond?
KB: I think cab chassis delivery time frames and local body suppliers and parts availability will be our biggest challenge in 2020 and beyond.
FI: How do you think the fleet department can make sure it has buy-in and support from the rest of the organisation?
KB: Through consultation with the user area, standardised fleet of agreed body design or specifications.
FI: If you weren’t in the fleet industry, what would you be doing?
KB: In the Golf Course maintenance/construction industry.
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.