What does it take to go from turning wrenches to leading one of the largest municipal fleets in the country? In this episode of Fleet Legends, sponsored by LEGEND, we sit down with Robert Martinez, a true industry veteran whose career spans nearly four decades of hands-on experience, leadership, and transformation.
Hosted by Lauren Fletcher, Robert shares how an early start in a motorcycle shop led to a career with the NYPD, eventually rising to Deputy Commissioner. Along the way, he navigated massive industry shifts, from paper records to telematics, while building teams grounded in trust, respect, and continuous learning.
He was also named the 2026 Tom Johnson Award winner at the NAFA Conference in Cleveland, one of the industry’s highest honors.
Watch now to learn more about:
Robert’s unconventional start in fleet, and how a motorcycle shop set the foundation.
The evolution from index cards to advanced fleet technology and telematics.
Leadership lessons from managing teams through change, conflict, and growth.
Why trust, honesty, and giving employees a voice are critical to success.
Real-world advice for new fleet managers entering a tech-driven industry.
Robert’s story is a reminder that fleet isn’t just about vehicles, it’s about people, perspective, and the willingness to keep learning.
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