The FleetPlus Group launched in 2001, founded by four business partners who identified an opportunity to provide a vehicle leasing and management product, differentiated in the market place by exceptional customer service. The Group expanded two years later to include a specialised division focused on novated leasing, followed by a salary packaging business and their eventual launch into New Zealand in 2006. The FleetPlus Group, comprised of FleetPlus, FleetPlus Novated, PackagePlus and FleetPlus New Zealand proudly remains wholly Australian owned and operated, completely private and independent from dealers, manufacturers and financiers. PLUS has become the acronym for the Group core values: passion, leadership, unity, solutions and forms the basis of all communication, decisions and partnerships with clients and suppliers.

We met with Rebecca Nelson, General Manager of the FleetPlus Group in November 2008 to gain further insight into what it is like to work there.

How would you describe the company culture?

Being privately owned and operated creates a unique culture where healthy competitiveness, performance success, unlimited opportunity, open communication, and team orientation are all encouraged. Non traditional and entrepreneurial by nature, respectful and diverse in culture, the team are an absolute credit to themselves and a key factor in the continued success of our business.

What are the key challenges you face in locating and hiring appropriately qualified and experienced people for your business?

Obviously there are specific functions and roles which require relevant formal qualifications however it is initiative, motivation, enthusiasm and energy which will differentiate a successful candidate. We aim to engage a team who can create a diverse and interesting career path through the business, of course dependant on desire and supported by ability. Given our founding leaders are all self made successes through determination, diligence and dedication; we are committed to rewarding individuals who also display these characteristics.

What initiatives are in place to support your people in their personal and career development?

There are a variety of mechanisms which appeal to the various expectations of our team. The in house training is standard for all team members and in addition we offer extracurricular options which include sponsorships for study on personal and professional levels

Do you focus on creating dedicated career paths for your employees?
At FleetPlus we are obviously dedicated in ensuring our people have clearly articulated ambitions, however we have consciously made it unrestrictive. This allows greater flexibility particularly where individuals wish to diversify their skill set. An example of this flexibility is demonstrated by a particular group within the business who are qualified in a specific trade however due to an opportunity which arose, have elected to develop their careers in completely new fields (i.e. Mechanic to IT Manager, Account Manger to Financial Controller). Of course this career development has encompassed significant commitment from the individuals which has been supported by our business.

What are some of the retention strategies you have in place?

Retaining people is always a challenge for business. People move for many reasons which are not always a reflection of the actual business, including things such as travel and family commitments. Our intention is to retain those people who want to be in an employment partnership with us. Annual performance reviews, study assistance, health initiatives, weekly fruit supplies for the team, spontaneous reward and recognition like fuel vouchers or attendance at special events are some of the initiatives we have in place to ensure FleetPlus is a desirable place to work. We have also retained the popular ‘Friday night’ end of week team drinks which is a great forum for people to interact in a more casual setting.

Who is your oldest and youngest employee? (Pictures)

Our oldest team member is Ross Gammidge (nicknamed ‘father’) who is well into his 60s (67 in fact – lucky he isn’t shy about it!) and as handsome and vibrant as ever. He also still surfs everyday! Our youngest is a high school graduate Luca Madden. We have every age and every culture represented within our organisation which contributes to some hilarious moments.

Who are some of the unique characters of the company?

There are many interesting characters at FleetPlus with big personalities, big hearts and a penchant for practical jokes! There are people on the team involved in competitive sports as well. Our CEO is a competitive game fisherman, a couple of the team have histories in swimming and netball, our director of operations races, we have a group who keep fit walking together a couple of times per week, an accountant who is black belt in martial arts and the list goes on…

Why did you join this company and what advice would you have for someone thinking about working here, if any?

I was fortunate to have an exceptional opportunity arise with the Group after approximately one year of part time contract work. Of course I jumped at the chance of working with such a passionate, professional and successful business. I think having worked in both the private and public sectors previously assisted me greatly in making the transition. The dynamics in an entrepreneurial environment are unique, and therefore exceptional for developing strategic business skills. I believe it is of the utmost importance that any member of a team is in an environment where they can contribute something of value, be productive and enthusiastic about their employment choice, fulfil objectives of the roles and themselves and most of all continue to thrive – naturally this is a choice of the individual, not a responsibility of an employer.

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