The Women in Fleet Profile series introduces fleet managers to some of the most influential women in fleet. Every month, we will get to know another positive force in the fleet industry. 

This month, we spoke with Susan Miller, senior fleet account manager at Geotab. 

Deep Commercial Fleet Experience

Miller has been an integral part of the fleet industry for 39 years working in fleet-related positions for ServiceMaster, A.B. Dick Company, Keebler Corp., and McDonald’s. Currently, she works for fleet management software and GPS tracking company Geotab, overseeing a team of account training specialists and account relationship coordinators.

Miller’s “getting into fleet” story is one of making things happen. 

“I was first hired as the executive assistant to the treasurer of ServiceMaster. Part of my role was to pay bills for anything ‘car related.’ There was a drawer full! Long story short, within six months of my hire, I developed a new job position with the help of some local Chicago fleet legends and NAFA, pitched it to the treasurer and VP of purchasing, and my fleet career was born! I’ve never looked back, except to give thanks. It’s been and continues to be an amazing and fun journey!” she explained.

Her biggest motivator to continue her fleet success is the people.

“Fleet is a large family that truly cares for each other and defines the ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality! Change also motivates me and the fleet industry has a consistent and deep undercurrent of innovation and evolving use of technology and data,” Miller explained. “There are so many layers of industries and people that work together in the lifecycle of a vehicle or other equipment, the companies that use them, and the drivers who operate them; boredom is not an option.”

Miller has celebrated many successes in fleet management and accolades from her peers. 

“I’m blessed to have a few accomplishments I am very proud of, including Automotive Fleet’s Professional Fleet Manager of the Year, being a Fleet Hall of Fame inductee, a founding member of Women in Fleet Management (WIFM), and recipient of McDonald’s coveted President’s Award and Golden Arch Partner Award,” Miller said. 

And, as someone who has been in fleet for almost four decades, Miller has a little bit of advice: 

“Thinking of my brother who just recently passed, he always told me to keep my head down, eyes up, and ears open. Show up every day ready for action, set goals, and then achieve them! Never stop learning. Be adaptable; change is your best friend. Blend that with my mother’s advice on kindness and do everything with love. Looking back, it’s been darn good advice,” she recommended.

Get to Know Me

Experience is only part of our story and what someone likes to read, watch, and listen to can help paint a fuller picture of their personality. Here are some of Miller’s favorites: 

• Book: “Most recently, my favorite book is The Obstacle is the Way, a refreshing pragmatic view of managing life and its stuff,” she said.

• Movie: “Currently, I love Moana and Guardians of the Galaxy. But I love the oldies too: Some Like it Hot, and I LOVE old Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Fred Astaire, and Gene Kelly movies. They are fun, hope-filled, energetic, silly, hilarious, and filled with amazing talent,” Miller said.

• Songs: “Back by Randy Houser, because it just hits home, and I love the passion in his beautiful voice,” she said. 

• You May Not Know: “I love working out, the great outdoors, hiking, canoeing, tent camping (back in the day, I prefer “cabin style” now), campfires, and a good bourbon. I also love dogs, especially my boy Floyd (the haircut or as in Pink Floyd), and doing anything with my grown daughters — we are great friends!” Miller concluded.