Women in Fleet Management
Meet Isabella Gross on Women in Dealerships
WORDS BY ANBY ALCOMENDAS
Dealerships are spaces in the automotive industry that have been largely traditionally perceived to be male dominated, but times are definitely changing: Meet Isabella Gross, Fleet Account Manager for Essendon Isuzu UTE, who along with other women in the industry, are changing that narrative.
Now in her second year with the company, Isabella shared with the AfMA Team her journey into the industry, the challenges faced by her fleet customers, and her advice for women considering a career in dealerships.
Falling into the Industry
Unlike many who enter the automotive industry with a passion for cars, Isabella’ s journey was more serendipitous. After completing a marketing degree at university, she found her way into the dealership world through a relative of a friend who told her about a marketing role. At just 21, she took her first steps into the business and dealership land, quickly realizing that while marketing wasn’ t her passion, the dynamic nature of dealership operations fascinated her.
“ I didn’ t love the marketing side of things, but I got to learn how dealerships work and how many different aspects there are,” Isabella recalls. This early exposure allowed her to make valuable connections, including with her current boss, who years later offered her an opportunity in fleet sales— a sector she had never previously considered.
“ I had no idea what fleet was at first,” she admits.“ But I came on board, and I just learned to love it.”
Why Fleet?
For Isabella, fleet sales provide a refreshing alternative to traditional retail sales. Instead of high-pressure transactions, fleet is about building long-term relationships.
“ You don’ t have to jump on every person that walks in the door and push for a immediate sale,” she explains.“ It’ s more of a marathon than a sprint. You build relationships, and when those customers come back, it’ s incredibly rewarding.”
Her role involves working closely with leasing companies, brokers, and business owners— creating partnerships that often lead to repeat business. Fleet, she believes, brings stability to a dealership, making it a crucial yet sometimes overlooked division.
A Day in the Life of a Fleet Manager
Isabella’ s role at Essendon Isuzu UTE differs from working with other brands due to its more streamlined model range. Despite dealing with a more focused customer base, her day is packed with coordination, communication, and problem-solving.
“ We start the day catching up as a team, checking emails, and reviewing quote requests,” she says.“ From there, it’ s about making calls, ensuring deliveries are on track, and coordinating with different departments to fit accessories onto vehicles.”
Isuzu UTE customers frequently request modifications, meaning Isabella must liaise with service teams and suppliers to ensure orders are fulfilled correctly. With a focus on strong internal communication and alignment with other dealership departments, she helps maintain efficiency within the dealership.
The Best Part of the Job For Isabella, variety is the spice of life.
“ No two days are ever the same,” she says.“ You meet so many different people— customers, business owners, suppliers. You’ re not just sitting at a desk all day; you’ re moving around, handling deliveries, and problem-solving.”
This constant engagement, changing requirements of her customers and the fast-paced nature of fleet sales keep her motivated and excited about her role.
42 ISSUE 53 JUNE 2025 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU