Sam Lamerato
 |
Thirty-eight-year fleet veteran Sam Lamerato, CPFP, superintendent of fleet maintenance for the City of Troy, Mich., was named the 2011 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year by
Government Fleet magazine at the 2011 Government Fleet Expo & Conference June 8, in San Diego.
Lamerato was one of three finalists that also included Paul Condran, equipment maintenance/fleet manager of the City of Culver City, Calif., and Erle Potter, PE, CEM, state equipment manager of the Virginia Dept. of Transportation (DOT).
Joe Frantz, vice president, sales support, of award sponsor ARI presented the award to Lamerato, who thanked his staff, industry peers, Government Fleet magazine, family, and fellow fleet managers.
"It is an honor. I'm thankful for all of my mentors, which includes all of you other fleet managers out there," Lamerato said. "I'm thankful to my staff. I'm thankful to my wife of 36 years for sticking by me and understanding what I, and those of us in the public sector, have to do to serve the public - encourage your staff to be better and make your systems, communities, and departments sustainable."
Lamerato also said he owes thanks to his biggest life influences: his parents.
"My father led by example of dedication and leadership in his work," he said. "To this day he will call me at night and ask, 'Did the City get its money's worth today?' My answer is always, 'Yes, dad, and then some!' "
Honored for Initiatives & Industry Involvement
Lamerato's initiatives include the successful implementation of an in-sourcing program by the International City Management Association; being named the 2010 No. 1 Fleet in the "100 Best Fleets;" receiving the Professional Manager of the Year award for Public Fleets from the American Public Works Association (APWA); and developing, organizing, and producing two fleet conferences.
He is also a member of the APWA (at both the state and national level), the Rocky Mountain Fleet Management Association (RMFMA), past chair of the APWA Fleet Service committee, past chair of the APWA CPFP Governing council, Chrysler Police Advisory board, and contributing author of several APWA fleet manuals.
With an annual fleet budget of $7.5 million, the City of Troy's fleet department includes 16 full-time employees on a two-shift operation and two maintenance facilities. Lamerato manages a fleet of more than 500 pieces of equipment used for 15 public services departments, including fire, police, public works, engineering, assessing, building, and parks and recreation personnel.
He also oversees two fueling locations, 13 in-sourced service agreements, and the security and maintenance of the public works facility.
Running the City Fleet Like a Business
Lamerato believes a municipal fleet needs to be run like a business.
"The fleet manager must keep his finger on the pulse of his customers to ensure he is providing the best, most economical and most timely services available in the area," he said.
He also stressed the need for continual communication with City management and department directors to ensure the fleet division meets all expectations.
"I think what makes anyone successful is a passion for their job. It is not an 8-5 job for me - it is 24/7," he pointed out. "I am always observant, searching for new or better ways to improve our operation and reduce our costs, while providing dependable and efficient vehicles and equipment."
Lamerato also emphasized that an important part of the City's smooth-running operation comes from a devoted team, well-trained staff, and technicians who work together to give the best and most-efficient service to the City of Troy's customers.
"Over the years, we've developed a very dedicated team of fleet professionals who enjoy the challenges of today's vehicles and technology," he said. "The team takes extreme pride in their work, which is demonstrated by their finished products, completed on schedule, and to a high standard."
Lamerato also pointed out the importance of assembling a team that includes complementary talents and strengths.
