From Farming to Fleet: A Winding Road of Grease and Grit

My Daughter Lucy and I feeding cows

Picture this: a young farm girl, knee-deep in mud, wrangling cattle and dreaming of her future. Little did I know, those early lessons in hard work and persistence would lead me down a winding, snowy, diesel-fueled path to the municipal fleet department.

I started out with lofty dreams of civil engineering. I wanted to build bridges, quite literally, and lay down the roadways that connected towns and hearts alike. Public works seemed like the perfect fit - an ideal blend of engineering and my desire to constantly improve things. But amidst the snow banks and storm ponds, something was humming along in the background, quietly waiting for its moment to shine - the municipal fleet.

Fleet management was always there, like that one true friend who without fail tags along but never quite shines. In my mind, it was a bunch of trucks, graders and equipment that needed occasional fixing or an increase in budget, not something to lose sleep over. Besides, I had bigger fish to fry, like ensuring the aging water lines didn’t turn into a reenactment of Old Faithful.

But life has a funny way of steering you onto unexpected routes. After years of managing roads operations, my life was on the brink of bedlam and so I took some time to re-align and unwind on the farm. Then a neighboring municipality needed a Fleet Supervisor - they needed someone to lead the charge - someone who could organize, budget and rally a team. Who better than a farm girl who could MacGyver a broken tractor with little more than a screwdriver , a hammer and some wire?

So there I was, stepping full on into the world of fleet management. I quickly realized that it wasn’t just about fixing trucks; it was about keeping the wheels of the entire community turning. From fire trucks to snow plows, every vehicle played a vital role in the community’s daily life. My farm and public work days had prepared me well for the gritty, hands-on work, but now it came with spreadsheets, lifecycles, specifications and budget meetings. The more I dove into fleet , the more I saw its unique charm. It’s a bit like a puzzle where every piece, no matter how small or greasy, fits perfectly into the grand scheme of things. I started to appreciate the complexity and the importance of keeping our fleet running smoothly. Plus there is a certain satisfaction in knowing that my knack for paperwork and my team’s hard work is what helps keep the municipality from grinding to a halt.

These days, I’ve stepped back from the day-to-day operations of running the fleet and focus on ordering new vehicles and equipment. It’s a different kind of challenge, ensuring that we have what we need at the best price. On top of that, I’ve started a business of my own - doing mindset coaching. It’s been incredibly rewarding to help others become aware of how mindset can impact their sucess.

Looking back, it’s funny how I ended up here. From farm life to public works and now municipal fleet, my journey has been anything but straightforward. Yet, I wouldn’t trade if for anything. Each twist and turn has taught me valuable lessons and given me a deeper appreciation for the often overlooked heroes of public works.

So here’s to fleet and to all the farm girls out there who find their paths in the most unexpected places. Remember, no matter where you start, it’s all about keeping the wheels turning - both in life and on the road.