Client Development: Behind the Scenes at Merchants Fleet
Client Development
At Merchants Fleet, our mission is to enable the movement of people, goods, and services freely and responsibly. As the fastest-growing fleet management company in North America, there is a lot going on behind the scenes to make it all happen.
Take a walk through the halls of our Hooksett, NH, or Rosemont, IL offices and you’ll meet the people leading the charge at Merchants. Every department plays a role in pushing Merchants to be a cutting-edge fleet services and technology provider. Whether your fleet needs to acquire vehicles, remarket them, or any of the fleet management in between, Merchants is true end-to-end source for your fleet and mobility needs.
The Client Development team advocates for clients and makes sure their fleets have the tools, services, and support needed to be successful. They unite the Merchants teams internally to make sure the strategy for each fleet is sound, and that all of the moving parts are well-oiled and properly configured.
I recently met with Dan Fisher, a Strategic Account Executive and part of the Client Development team. He shined light on the value his team adds to being a Merchants Fleet Client and why a fleet manager would trust their fleet with our team.
| Q: How long have you been working at Merchants Fleet? |
| A: I just hit my first-year anniversary this month. |
| Q: You have well over a decade of fleet experience. Why did you make the move to Merchants? |
| A: For many years I kept an eye on the innovative and disruptive offerings Merchants brought to the industry. I’d see them post company awards on LinkedIn and it seemed like the culture was better than most companies. When I became aware of an opportunity, I had to take the chance. |
| Q: So… what does a Client Development Manager do, exactly? |
| A: First and foremost, CDMs are advocates for every Merchants client to make sure they have the right products, services, and teams to be successful. In many ways, it’s weighing the needs and wants to align the best resources for the best outcomes. You need to be engrained with the ins-and-outs of a fleet, the vehicles, pain points, and drivers to make recommendations and formulate a plan to help them be successful. |
| Q: With everything you’ve seen throughout your career so far, what’s your favorite fleet story? |
| A: I’m always amazed at the different scenarios you can encounter. I’ve been in fleet for close to 15 years and it really keeps you on your toes. I can’t call out one specific scenario, but anyone that has worked in fleet knows the excitement you get when you help a client overcome a hurdle. |
| Q: What do you want the other departments to know about Fleet Consultants? |
| A: The entire team is dedicated and what they all do is extremely valuable and important for client satisfaction. It’s a team effort, it never really falls on the shoulders of one CDM. What we do is like customer service on steroids. Honestly, each of our operating groups deserves praise! |
| Q: How would you say Merchants has helped you in your career? |
| A: Merchants invests heavily with training opportunities and has made a substantial commitment to teambuilding through employee events. The opportunities are endless, and I think Merchants actions speak louder than words. Leadership understands that client success is heavily reliant on the satisfaction of employees, and it’s very evident that the company looks to promote from within and help people grow within the organization. |
| Q: What is your favorite part about working at Merchants Fleet? |
| A: The team interaction is awesome. As a remote employee, the tools and events we have to stay connected are key. Interaction with teammates is valuable and it’s great that Merchants has invested in the technology to keep a living and breathing team dynamic. |
| Q: What’s your favorite Hooksett, NH restaurant? |
| A: When I’m in the office, I’m usually booked with meetings and don’t get to try much. I’ve been to the Thirsty Moose a few times with the team and it’s always great. |
| Q: What is your favorite movie of all time? |
| A: Christmas Vacation is an absolute classic. I’ve seen it countless times but find new subtleties each viewing. |
| Q: Any teams you’re currently rooting for? Have any pets you want to add to the growing list of Merchants fur babies? |
| A: I’m a Packers fan; we may be nearing the end of a good run (regular seasons at least) so I’m holding onto that. Indiana University is my alma mater, so I love their teams… but it’s generally a painful experience. My wife and I have a seven-year-old dog named Brauer. |
Our Client Development team is ready to provide fleet solutions that can take your fleet management to the next level. Contact us today to learn more.
