When Matthew Betz, semi-retired fleet professional and owner of Ore Creek Fleet Consulting, reflected on being called a “fleet legend,” he laughed.

“When you use that word legend, a quote comes to mind,” Betz said. “Somebody once said legends are all to do with the past and nothing to do with the present. So, I hope that doesn’t mean I’m already irrelevant by way of this interview.”

Irrelevant couldn’t be further from the truth. With more than 50 years in fleet, Betz has been at the forefront of change, helping managers, companies, and drivers adapt to new realities while never losing sight of what makes fleets successful: people.

He recently joined us for a Legend of Fleet interview, sponsored by Legend Fleet. Here are just a few highlights from the conversation. Watch the full interview in the video above. 

Six Decades in Fleet

“This is my sixth decade in fleet,” Betz shared. “I believe it’s 53 years ago that I started. Like most people, I didn’t intend to be in the fleet business, but I found my way in and I stayed.”

His early days taught him a simple lesson: fleet isn’t just about vehicles. It’s about how vehicles connect to drivers, customers, and entire businesses. That perspective shaped the career he built and the reputation he carries today.

Embracing Change

Betz has seen it all: fuel shortages, new regulations, telematics, alternative fuels, and now the shift to electrification and AI. Rather than resist change, he welcomed it.

“The fleet industry is always changing,” he said. “You can’t control that. What you can control is how you respond.”

That adaptability became a defining trait. From rolling out new technologies before they were mainstream to finding creative solutions for budget challenges, Betz became known for striking a balance between innovation and common sense.

People Over Processes

Despite all the changes, Betz always came back to one truth: fleet is about people.

“You can have the best system in the world, but if you’re not listening to your drivers, your vendors, and your team, you’re going to miss the real issues,” he explained. “Listening isn’t passive, it’s hearing what’s unsaid, catching the small details that make the difference between a fleet running smoothly and one constantly putting out fires.”

He credits mentors who gave him space to learn and colleagues who pushed him to grow. Now, as others turn to him for guidance, he makes it a point to do the same.

Advice for Tomorrow’s Fleet Leaders

What would Betz tell the next generation of fleet professionals?

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” he said. “You don’t have to know everything. What you need is the willingness to learn, to keep adapting, and to never forget the human side of this industry.”

Trust, he added, is the most valuable currency. 

“Trust will open more doors than any piece of technology or any contract negotiation. It’s what makes the difference between being a manager and being a leader,” Betz said.

Looking Back with Gratitude

Asked to reflect on his career, Betz doesn’t list titles or accomplishments. Instead, he talked about being fortunate. 

“I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing people, fortunate to be part of an industry that touches so many lives, and fortunate to still be learning after all these years,” he noted.

That humility and generosity of spirit are exactly why he stands out. Matthew Betz isn’t just a fleet veteran; he’s a reminder that the best leaders listen first, adapt often, and measure success not by what they achieve alone but by how they lift the people around them.