Breakfast for Top Techs

Departure for Tech Challenge

NationaLease Tech Challenge (off site)

PTLN

Enrich User’s Group Meeting
Please click here to register

Registration

Dinner at Hotel for Top Techs and Judges

First Timer Reception (Invitation only)

Registration

Breakfast

Howdy Y’all!
Welcoming and Introductions
Kenny Watts, Vice President of Maintenance, Carco NationaLease

Right Out of the Chute
President’s Welcome
Dean Vicha, President, NationaLease

You Can Do What Old Dogs Can't: How to Evolve and Succeed in a Rapidly Changing World
Jim Whitt might be best described as a cross between Dr. Phil and Jeff Foxworthy. He makes people think and laugh… all at the same time. During his presentation, Jim will discuss with members the power of change. His purpose in life is "To help people reach their full potential and their purpose."

“Keep a Tight Rein” on Your Electrical Systems
Moderator: Joe Puff, Vice President of Truck Technology and Maintenance, NationaLease
Panelists: Gale Kimbrough, Technical Services Manager, Interstate Batteries
Arnold Kowal, Director, After Sales Service Support, Maxon Lift Corp.
Brian Thompson, National Fleet Manager, Remy International
Phil Walsh, Manager of National Accounts, Mack Trucks

Break

Bet Your Boots
Idea Session
During this time, members will be asked to present an idea or best practice utilized within their business that offers savings in money, time, productivity, improved morale, and/or increased customer satisfaction. Each member throws a set contribution into the kitty. Members will then vote on the best idea and prizes will be awarded to the top three with the most votes. This is a great opportunity to not only share and hear innovative ideas, but also a chance to win some fantastic prizes! Don’t miss this exciting session for a lot of fun and friendly competition.
Facilitator: Ronny Brown, Maintenance Director, Catawba Rental Company, Inc., a NationaLease Member

Lunch

Saddle Up for CNG
CNG is in the news every day.  What do you need to know about it from a maintenance perspective?  Kevin will discuss overall service readiness, including shop modifications, training, service documentation, parts information, technical support, and issue resolution. He will also share information on tank and fuel system inspection requirements, and collaborating with drivers to maximize uptime on natural gas trucks.
Kevin Holland, Manager, Natural Gas Sales, Daimler Trucks North America

Boot Scootin’
Spouse Activities
NationaLease member spouses are invited to join us for two fun activities planned – line dancing and cowboy hat decorating. From 1:30PM – 2:30PM, slip on your boots and learn some of the most popular country line dances around. From 2:30PM – 3:30PM, bring your country creativity along as we will supply you with a cowboy hat to decorate and wear that evening to the dinner and entertainment.

Break

Home on the Range
Member Services Update
Find out what’s happening at the NationaLease home office as Jane Clark provides an update on new programs and services available through NationaLease and an introduction to new members.
Jane Clark, Vice President of Member Services, NationaLease

Shoot From the Hip
Shop Talk Part 1
Part 1 of this year’s Shop Talk will be a members-only open discussion on any issues that you are currently facing. This is your chance to get input from the best in the business—your peers!
Kenny Watts, Vice President of Maintenance, Carco NationaLease

Welcome Reception
Polish your spurs and brush off your cowboy hat for an evening of Western fun! A prize will be awarded for the best Western wear.

Dinner

Entertainment
Join us for a hootin’ and hollerin’ good time!

Breakfast

Grab the Bull by the Horns
Reducing the Pain of Downtime and Maintaining Vehicles
The increasing vehicle downtime is a major issue for members. Jack will talk about why this should not be tolerated and why, in many cases, it may be unnecessary.  Jack will share statistics on major downtime causes, their costs and the ways in which they can be conquered – permanently, using in-house repair techniques and enhancing the skill sets of your current staff of technicians. You will hear hands-on, illustrated examples from experienced maintenance professionals who have “lived the pain” and have overcome it by “taking control of their business.”
Jack Schickler, Founder, Pro-MECH

Stick to your Guns
Shop Talk Part 2
Part 2 of Shop Talk will be open to suppliers to hear discussions on current issues the members face and give your input.
Kenny Watts, Vice President of Maintenance, Carco NationaLease

Break

Smart as a Whip
Warranty Panel Discussion
Today, more than ever, warranty is a significant factor in the overall profitability of the trucks we operate. During this session, panelists will discuss their best practices regarding vehicle purchasing relating to extended warranty programs, in house and supplier based warranty administration, and maximizing the value of truck, component, and parts warranties. This is an open question and answer session so bring your warranty questions to share with the panel.
Moderator: Tom Boyer, Vice President of Maintenance, Hogan Truck Leasing, Inc., a NationaLease Member
Panelists: Stephane Godbout, Vice President of Fleet Management, Location Brossard NationaLease
Jill Nowlin, Account Executive, Cummins Inc.
Ken Singleton, Director of Maintenance, Aim NationaLease
Matt Ward, Volvo Trucks North America

Wanted: Dead or Alive
Technician Recruiting
NationaLease and Universal Technical Institute formed a Strategic Partnership last fall.  Representatives from their Dallas campus will join us to give an overview of the campuses and training they offer, as well as the ways they partner with employers to help them find qualified diesel techs.
Jesus Miranda, Campus President, Universal Technical Institute

Lunch

Straight from the Horses’ Mouth
A Conversation with the Supply Management Team
Learn about new programs and how you can best maximize your purchasing power through the NationaLease programs. Hear best practices and have your questions about Supply Management programs answered.
Moderator: David Nitzsche, Senior Vice President of Supply Management, NationaLease
Panelists: Rob Garcia, Director of New Business Development, NationaLease
Joe Puff, Vice President of Truck Technology and Maintenance, NationaLease
Andy Stopka, Vice President of Member Programs, NationaLease

Product and Technology Fair
Be sure to mosey on over to the suppliers’ booths to learn about their products and enter in their drawings to lasso up some great prizes!

Cocktails

Recognition Rodeo
Awards Dinner

Breakfast

Fast on the Draw
NationaLease Road Rescue
Join Andy as he discusses NationaLease Road Rescue and explores the latest enhancements for you and your customers. Learn how NationaLease Road Rescue will help take NationaLease to the next level in the continued evolvement of the best-in-class, over-the-road breakdown system in the industry. 
Andy Stopka, Vice President of Member Programs, NationaLease

Regulation Roundup
Telematics
Receive an overview of fleet management system technology adoption along with a discussion of the near-term regulatory horizon and the impact on transportation management.
Charles May, Director of OEM and Strategic Business Development, Teletrac

Dig in Your Heels
Greenhouse Gas Regulations
Greenhouse Gas 2014 (GHG 2014) regulations apply to all heavy-duty vehicles starting with Model Year 2014.  Learn which vehicle component systems are affected, the restrictions on certain vehicle modifications and ECM changes, and what you need to do to stay in compliance.
Joe Puff, Vice President of Truck Technology and Maintenance, NationaLease