Key Takeaways from the Episode 

#1: Embrace a Decentralized, Collaborative Approach 

Ernie doesn’t run a top-down fleet—Gothic’s decentralized structure encourages collaboration and collective decision-making. By acting as an advocate for his team and building strong relationships with fleet managers, Ernie fosters buy-in and ownership over decisions. “We make a decision as a collective versus us just pushing stuff down. When it sticks, it sticks very well because everybody has that buy-in,” Ernie shares. The takeaway? Include your team in decision-making, and you’re likely to see more sustainable and effective results. 

#2: Prioritize Safety and Adaptability in Mixed Fleets 

With a fleet that spans multiple regions and a variety of equipment types—from yellow iron to light-duty trucks—adapting to different environments is key. “Some of this equipment that works well in California may not work well in Nevada or Arizona. The environment is just different, so we have to specialize the fleet in each region,” Ernie explains. And above all else, safety is priority #1. Creating tailored solutions for each fleet and region while keeping safety at the forefront ensures success in tackling these unique challenges. 

#3: Trust and Advocacy Build Strong Fleet Teams 

Building trust with fleet managers isn’t just a goal for Ernie—it’s a cornerstone of his strategy. Acting as an advocate means understanding the pain points of those on the ground and bringing solutions that resonate. The key to this trust-building? Leveraging data to identify problems and present clear, actionable solutions. “I wanted them to believe that … they had an advocate for them at corporate that they had somebody on their side who wanted to push their initiatives as well,” says Ernie. 

#4: Gamification and Metrics Drive Efficiency 

One of Ernie’s most impactful strategies has been introducing a gamified approach to tracking fleet performance. Each month, fleet managers and technicians compete in a friendly competition to improve metrics like downtime, inspection compliance, and utilization rates. The winning branch earns bragging rights—and more. “We tried to give technicians some recognition. They are the unsung heroes… And now, you know, ‘Hey, I’m being recognized every month,’” Ernie shares. It’s not just fun—this approach has led to real improvements in efficiency and cost reductions. 

#5: Long-Term Success: Focus on Efficiency and Career Development 

Ernie’s long-term goals focus on maximizing efficiency and developing career pathways for fleet admins and technicians. By identifying “low effort, high impact” solutions, like improving how available equipment is tracked through their fleet management system, Gothic ensures they’re continually evolving. And with initiatives like their “Cultivate Your Potential” program, the company promotes from within, offering growth opportunities for team members. “This is Gothic’s culture… We really, really try to push and instill in all of our employees,” Ernie highlights.