What keeps people in fleet for decades? For Sarah Carlson, it’s the relationships, the pride in the work, and what she calls having a true “truck head.”
In this episode of Faces of Fleet, Lauren Fletcher sits down with Sarah, truck ordering manager for Element, to talk about a 25-year career built from the ground up, starting in a maintenance call center and growing into a leadership role supporting truck fleets across the country.
But fleet isn’t the only thing fueling Sarah’s passion. She’s also been competitive in chainsaw racing for more than a decade. Yes, really.
Sarah shares how a storm at home led to a surprising hobby, what chainsaw racing has taught her about competition, humility, and confidence in a male-dominated industry, and why having something physical outside of work matters more than ever.
You’ll also hear about her love for classic trucks, including her 1948 Power Wagon, why slowing down can make the journey better, and how hobbies have a funny way of creating connections with customers, suppliers, and fellow truck people in the most unexpected places.
This episode is a reminder that fleet is more than vehicles and specs. It’s people, passion, and the relationships that make the work matter.
👇 Topics covered in this episode:
Building a long-term career in fleet
What chainsaw racing actually is and how Sarah got into it
Lessons from competition that translate to fleet leadership
Work-life balance and finding physical outlets outside the office
Classic trucks, Power Wagons, and enjoying the journey
Why relationships are at the heart of the truck industry
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