ESTABLISHED IN 1982, Idealease has become a premier truck rental and leasing company, operating in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company has five locations in the metro area and operates more than 1,000 Class 6, 7 and 8 commercial vehicles. Mario Delgado has served as company president for the last 21 years.
HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INVOLVED IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY AND IN LEASING?
When I was 20 years old and considering careers, I thought it would be a good idea to be in the transportation industry, since everything a consumer touches is moved by a truck.
I started in the industry in 1978 as a rental agent with Hertz Truck Rental and Leasing in Miami, Florida. Over the last 45 years I have met many great people, customers and industry leaders who have positively impacted my life.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WORK TOWARD A LEADERSHIP ROLE? WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES TODAY?
Building and maintaining a strong leadership team, fostering a positive company culture, and ensuring effective communication and collaboration across different departments and levels of the organization.
As president, I am responsible for setting the company’s overall strategic direction and goals. These include long-term planning, adhering to the Idealease core values of expertise, stability and responsiveness, and identifying opportunities for growth and expansion.
WHAT IS YOUR MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY?
My management philosophy is to focus on integrity, honesty and ethical decision-making. I pride myself on inspiring and motivating employees to achieve their full potential. My motto is “Do what you say you are going to do,” and I apply that to both associates and customers.
HOW HAVE CHANGES IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY CHANGED YOUR APPROACH TO WORKING WITH TRUCKING COMPANIES ON LEASING?
In the last 15 years, there has been a lot of disruption in the industry, from federal regulations to technological advancements. That has allowed us even more opportunity to provide value-added services to our customers’ businesses.
Having the immense amount of data available to us with new technology has given us a crystal ball, enabling us to access real-time information on the health of a vehicle. With these tools, we have been able to reduce potential breakdowns and maximize our customers’ operational efficiency.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR YOUR COMPANY?
By defining our purpose and objectives and evaluating our company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. All senior management personnel and I collaborate on a bi-weekly basis to review and ensure we are focused on our monthly, quarterly, annual and long-term (five-year) goals.
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LEAD YOUR COMPANY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
It has been my constant goal to double our market presence every five years and to ultimately own our market. My extremely experienced and tenured staff has bought into our corporate philosophy and has consistently performed in the top 10 percent of our North America organization. That has made it easy for me; they are an extremely self-motivated group.
LEADERSHIP CAN BE STRESSFUL. WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?
Not being able to deliver on our customers’ expectations on new vehicle builds due to ongoing global supply chain issues. Furthermore, the challenges of the future with regard to electrification and how it will impact our industry.
WHAT’S THE LAST GOOD BOOK YOU READ ON LEADERSHIP? HAVE YOU TAKEN ANY GOOD LEADERSHIP COURSES?
“Great Leaders Grow,” by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller.
Over the last 45 years I have attended and been a part of many leadership programs, but what I’ve found has been as important, if not more important, are the mentors who have impactfully guided me through the years. They taught me to make sure you empower your employees with decision making and have them learn from their mistakes so they will grow.
HOW DO YOU STAY ON TOP OF YOUR GAME?
Continuous learning, networking and seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors and customers.
I continue to have a passion and love for what I do; I still get excited in the morning when I get up and know that I have work to do.
I also make sure I have balanced personal life alongside work. That’s very important, and something that I preach a lot to my employees.
