Every fleet has those ideas that seem small but end up making a big impact. Sometimes they come from a brainstorm; and sometimes they come from, well… Halloween trends.

Did you know, this year for Halloween, candy didn’t steal the show? Potatoes did. Yes, potatoes. Regular, old russet potatoes.

Across social media, kids were gleefully pulling spuds from their trick-or-treat bags like they’d just hit the jackpot. The humble potato became the unexpected star of spooky season.

Even my own daughter got in on it. She decided potatoes were going to be an option this year, putting them in our candy bin, and they were all taken. And, when she had the chance to choose potato or candy at one house, she dropped one in her bag and was over the moon, yelling "POTATO!" Forget the chocolate bars; this kid was thrilled about a potato.

That’s when something clicked for me: maybe fleets could use a “potato moment,” too. Hear me out.

Innovation Doesn’t Have to Be Flashy

That same principle applies to fleet management. When we talk about innovation, it’s easy to picture cutting-edge trucks, new technology, or major process overhauls. But often, the best ideas are smaller: the tweaks that make things smoother, smarter, and more personal.

Maybe you’ve reorganized your maintenance schedule so drivers spend less time waiting. Maybe a simple driver shout-out on your company intranet boosted morale. Or maybe someone on your team found a clever $10 hack for tool storage.

Those are your fleet potatoes, small, creative wins that deliver way more value than anyone expects.

The Power of the Unexpected

Fleet operations can feel repetitive: inspections, scheduling, compliance, repeat. But sprinkling in something unexpected keeps people engaged and connected.

Think about:

• Swapping dry training slides for short, engaging videos starring your own drivers.

• Adding nameplates to trucks so drivers feel more ownership.

• Showing up with donuts on a random Tuesday, no reason, just because.

They’re not grand gestures, but they stand out precisely because no one sees them coming.

How to Find Your Fleet’s Potato

Start by asking your team what little things make their workday easier or more enjoyable. You might be surprised by the creativity that comes out when people feel heard.

Then, test one idea. See what happens. Celebrate it if it works (and laugh it off if it doesn’t, this is supposed to be fun). The point isn’t perfection; it’s building a culture that welcomes curiosity and creativity.

Because in the end, the Halloween potato wasn’t really about the potato. It was about the feeling it created, a moment of surprise and connection that made people smile.

And let’s be honest, every fleet could use a little more of that.

So, what’s your fleet’s potato?

Lauren Fletcher
Lauren.Fletcher@bobit.com