When you work closely with a strong fleet leader, you know delivering results is only part of the story. What sets Joe Lukacs apart is how he gets there: challenging the status quo, continuously improving and never losing sight of the bigger business objectives.

His recognition as the 2026 Global Fleet Manager of the Year, following his selection as last year’s Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year, reinforces what I’ve seen firsthand through my role at Wheels.

So, what sets Joe apart? Several qualities stand out, offering valuable lessons for anyone responsible for managing a fleet.

He Sees the Big Picture Without Losing Sight of the Details

Managing more than 12,000 vehicles across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific is no small undertaking. Each market presents different regulations, infrastructure, and business requirements. Joe brings these complexities together under a unified global strategy while allowing flexibility at the local level.

Under his leadership, Sherwin-Williams has evolved from a predominantly North American fleet program into a globally coordinated operation with consistent performance standards, stronger reporting, and a shared strategic vision. Joe understands that global fleet management isn’t about imposing identical solutions everywhere. It’s about establishing common goals while giving regional teams the flexibility to achieve them.

He Never Stops Asking, “What Can We Do Better?”

One of the qualities I admire most about Joe is his commitment to continuous improvement. As a Six Sigma Black Belt, he brings a disciplined, analytical mindset to fleet management, always looking for better ways to operate.

From developing a vehicle remarketing forecasting model that improved financial planning to introducing a custom vehicle ramp that increased efficiency and safety, Joe consistently turns challenges into practical solutions. His approach demonstrates that meaningful innovation doesn’t always require sweeping changes. Sometimes it’s about finding smarter ways to get things done.

He Balances Innovation with Operational Reality

Sustainability is a complex challenge for fleet managers, particularly those responsible for operations across multiple countries.

Rather than pursuing electrification simply to meet a target, Joe focuses on where new technologies make operational and financial sense. Through research, pilot programs and performance analysis, he has helped Sherwin-Williams expand its use of hybrid and electric vehicles across multiple markets. Even as the fleet has grown, Sherwin-Williams has improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

Joe balances long-term objectives with business realities, recognizing that successful innovation must support operations, deliver measurable value and work for the employees who depend on those vehicles.

He Understands That Fleet Management Is About People

While fleet metrics are essential, Joe understands that successful fleet management is ultimately about people. Whether introducing new vehicles, technology or policies, he prioritizes communication, training, and safety, helping Sherwin-Williams reduce preventable collisions and accident-related costs.

His collaborative approach extends beyond Sherwin-Williams through his participation on the General Motors Fleet Advisory Board and Wheels Customer Advisory Board, where he exchanges ideas and helps advance industry best practices. Joe understands that strong partnerships are built on open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to better outcomes.

Recognition Well Earned

Winning Fleet Manager of the Year is a remarkable achievement. Following it with Global Fleet Manager of the Year the very next year is an extraordinary recognition of sustained leadership and impact.

But what impresses me most about Joe isn’t the awards themselves. It’s the qualities behind them: his strategic vision, analytical discipline, openness to innovation, commitment to people, and determination to continually improve. And, after 29 years with Sherwin-Williams, and leading Fleet Operations for 11 years, Joe continues to look ahead, asking what’s possible and how things can be done better.

Congratulations, Joe, on another well-deserved honor. I’m proud to work alongside you.