I’m Ron Burgundy? Ranked Forbes Top 7,000,000 LinkedIn Connections | Content bruh-fessional | Weird and Sassy | Sometimes I share my guitar skillz | My mom says I’m funny… oh and Smiling is my favorite

After more than a decade in the automotive and fleet world, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. 

And honestly, I’ve made peace with the fact that vehicles always choose the worst possible moment to breakdown. 

Today, I lead Fleet Maintenance & Safety for a 5,000+ asset fleet at Wrench Group. 

I’m all about smart, fast decision making, controlling costs, navigating accident repairs, and knowing when it’s time to repair, replace, or politely retire a vehicle that’s been around the block one too many times. 

I enjoy turning complex fleet challenges into clear, practical solutions that keep operations moving and drivers supported.

If there’s a chance to streamline a process, improve performance, or save the team a few headaches, I’m on it.

Jacob Schwer

We have cameras in all of our company vehicles, it's a non negotiable. I WISH we didn't need them, but when you're a large organization with thousands of trucks on the road, all people see is a payday. 

Last year, we had a lady try to go after us for 500k or a million dollars I don’t remember, but it was ridiculous. She claimed our vehicle backed into theirs in the parking lot. 

First off, the tab was so light it didn't even trigger an event. 

Second, when I found the clip, we were backing out, our driver noticed them, stopped and honked, then they hit us.

Third, the other party tried offering US money not to report it. 😬 

It was resolved. We protected ourselves and our employee. Without a camera, who knows. 


So, due to the fact that people are literally insane, we will continue to have cameras in our vehicles.


*** hello world, it’s been a minute. Say hi. If you want to hear more about my fleet/automotive/corporate world thoughts, experiences learnings and more insane stories, give me a follow/connect. I really love my org, and It’s my goal to share more and network with fellow fleet/safety pros out there.

#fleetmanagement

If you’re new to fleet management, buckle up.

This job is less “office professional” and more “triage nurse for a rolling circus” 

Every day is a fresh adventure you never asked for. 

You’ll log in Monday morning expecting to review PM schedules, and instead find out one of your trucks is on the side of the highway because “the engine was making a weird sound but I figured it would stop eventually.” It did not stop. It got louder. Then it made other noises.

But that’s just the warm-up.

By Wednesday, someone will file an incident report that reads like a riddle. Something like:
“Vehicle contacted object. Object was stationary. Vehicle was also stationary. Unsure how contact occurred.”

You will also be unsure. Physics will be unsure. No answers will emerge.

And by Thursday, you’ll receive three emails marked “URGENT,” none of which are even remotely urgent, while the actual urgent issue will arrive with the subject line “Quick question,” followed by a photo of a wheel that has completely removed itself from the vehicle and is living its best life 40 feet away.

Friday will bring the real plot twist: a driver insisting their van “always sounded like that,” as if the high-pitched squealing of mechanical agony is part of the original factory specifications.

But here’s the beautiful part: this madness is where new fleet managers become seasoned ones. 

You develop instincts.
You develop patience.
You develop an internal radar that detects chaos before it happens. 

You learn to handle it all with grace, or the closest approximation of grace possible while on your third coffee and your fifteenth ping of the morning.

Here are the skills they don’t list in the job description, but absolutely should:

• The ability to interpret vague driver complaints using only context clues and spiritual intuition.
• The emotional strength to open repair invoices without flinching.
• The composure to say “Tell me exactly what happened” without sounding like you’re bracing for impact.
• The mental resilience to discover brand-new, never-before-seen types of vehicle damage.
• The optimism required to believe—against all evidence—that someday, someone will report damage within 24 hours of it happening.

And somehow, through all this, the fleet moves, the work gets done, and you become the quiet hero keeping an entire operation from collapsing into logistical anarchy.

So to all the new fleet managers out there: welcome. The job is chaos, but it’s the good kind. 

The kind that turns you into a better leader, a sharper problem-solver, and someone who can handle absolutely anything.

If you can survive fleet management, you can survive pretty much anything.

#fleetmanagement #thriving

EVs are being sold as a fleet solution. Yet many of them are still an experiment.

Sure electric vehicles have their benefits. Fuel savings, slightly less maintenance, and environmental benefits that matter.

But for a large, service based fleet, the reality still looks like this:

• Lower resale, fewer configurations, and real unknowns around batteries under load
• Charging that is inconsistent where our techs actually work
• Higher accident repair costs, higher chance of total loss (even minor repairs become major)
• Fewer body shops and vendors equipped to handle EV repairs 
• Range that works on paper and falls apart on long days, not to mention route planning concerns

EVs are not a bad idea. They are just not the right idea for us… yet.

Right now, I care most about trucks starting every morning, techs getting to jobs on time, and everyone getting home safely.

Because when a tech runs out of gas, they are mildly annoyed.

When a tech runs out of charge, suddenly I lose my will to live.

We will get there when the timing is right.

Until then, I am perfectly comfortable letting someone else be the case study.

#fleetmanagement #ev

I am not interested in being a leader that avoids hard conversations.

I am not trying to fit into some stereotypical leadership mold. Cause tbh, the current mold is broken. 

- I'm not trying to make bosses happy
- I'm not in it for the bonuses or promotions
- and I refuse to play corporate politics

I'm not about that life.

I care a lot about what I do, and I care about the people I do it with. I simply refuse to put my success above the needs of others. 

If the corporate ivory tower is making decisions without communicating with those in their charge, mistakes will be made. Trust will be lost. And the whole system fails. 

There's gotta be a consistent, real talk, open feedback loop. You gotta encourage honesty rather than getting a bunch of "yes men" 

That's what I bring to the table

I'm real
I'm kind
I'm unapologetically honest 

We have roughly 35-40 fleet/safety managers in our organization and I try to stay in touch regularly with each of them, and get to know their strengths and struggles. 

I'm not perfect at it, but I do my best. 

I'm confident that if you ask any of our fleet/safety personnel about me, you'll hear positive feedback. 

That's not me being cocky, I just know my people and I've been able to build trust with them. They know their voice matters just as much as mine

These folks in the trenches every day are smarter than me, many have more experience than me in a variety of areas. Why would I NOT lean on their expertise? 

Sure, we can't please everyone. And I get that leadership isn’t about being "liked"

But shouldn't we at least try? 

I'm not perfect, but I do believe I have the potential to elevate Wrench Group because of who I am as a person.

Hey so quick PSA… eating & driving do not mix well 

especially if it involves a fork, spaghetti and/or meatballs, 

oh and definitely not when going around corners. That’s a no no. You will indeed ruin your pasta/hit a tree. 

Thank you. 🙏🏼 

#protip #besafenotstupid

If you’re looking for marketing genius, go follow Morris-Jenkins 

They have a friggin ice cream truck. It’s beautiful and brilliant. And it’s free! 

I find their social media strategy to be one of the more refined ones. 

They’ve got humor, testimonials, videos, memes, educational, and they get their techs involved which is always cool to see. 

It’s beautiful. And I don’t think they get enough attention for their hard work building such an awesome brand. 

I don’t know the marketing people there, but I love them. And I’ve been a fan for years, even before joining Wrench. 

Any other underrating brands you follow? I wanna know about them

No alternative text description for this image

Brake lights don’t tell us the full story… 

Whether you slam em or lightly tap them, the brightness is the same. 

Because they tell us so little, safe driving habits become even more important.

If you wanna avoid collisions, do this

1. Keep a safe following distance.
With only one brightness to work with, space becomes your reaction time. It is the buffer that turns a surprise into a manageable slowdown (Hint - you need way more space than you think)

2. Avoid harsh braking whenever possible.
Smooth braking helps everyone behind you stay in control and reduces unnecessary ripple effects through traffic. (How? See point # 1) 

3. For the love of Moses, put that cell phone down. It’s never that important. Mount it, use bluetooth but don’t touch it. And eyes on the road, not the radio. 

Follow those 3 pieces of advise and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a safer driver. 

Make sense? 

#fleetmanagement #safety

This is how oversimplified math turns into bad business advice 

This is LinkedIn math, not fleet math.

Comparing total rent paid vs purchase price (while ignoring repairs, downtime, insurance, depreciation, financing, and cash flow) is how bad decisions get justified with clean numbers.

Renting isn’t “wasted money.” Especially if it’s only $2500 per month, what a steal! 

It’s paying for flexibility, risk transfer, and guaranteed uptime. Ownership only wins when utilization is high and risk is acceptable.

If your rent‑vs‑buy analysis fits in a post, it’s probably incomplete.

Real world operational math > social media math

#fleetmanagement #hottake

The #1 Work Truck Upfit Creator | Helping 6,000+ fleet managers & upfit pros avoid costly truck mistakes and build smarter, safer, more profitable fleets.

𝗛𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟭𝟴 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀. 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱'𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.

Contractor renting a dump truck at $2,500/month for a "temp" gig.

18 months later: still renting.

Let's do the math:

→ 18 × $2,500 = $45,000 down the drain
→ Comparable used dump truck = $35K–$45K
→ Equity after renting = zip

Paid premium to own nothing.

Now look, renting makes sense sometimes:

→ One-shot specialty hauls
→ Trialing a new service line without full commit
→ Peak season overflow

But "temporary" has a way of becoming permanent. And every month you rent, you're funding someone else's asset.

The rule I tell fleet managers:

If you're renting the same gear for more than 6 months, crunch the buy vs. rent numbers. You might already be bleeding cash.

Renting = flexibility. Owning = equity.

What gear are you renting that screams "buy me"?

Great interview Meghann McNally 👏🏼 

It’s a fantastic group to be a part of. Talent is everywhere.

From national expansion to local execution, scaling home services requires alignment across brand, performance, and customer experience.

Our CMO, Meghann McNally, shares how Wrench Group is navigating that balance in this interview at ICR Conference 2026 with Exec Edge.

Watch here: https://bit.ly/4ag2GE1
#WrenchGroup #WrenchLife #HomeServices

Open article: Wrench Group CMO Meghann McNally on Scaling Home Services: ICR Conference 2026 – ExecEdge by executives-edge.com

Wrench Group CMO Meghann McNally on Scaling Home Services: ICR Conference 2026 – ExecEdge

I help Leaders build their LinkedIn brand through creating engaging community and converting content. Ghostwriter. Coach. Speaker.

Are you struggling on LinkedIn
- To build a strong community?
- To attract clients or employees?
- To position yourself as a thought leader?

If this applies to you, welcome!

Looks like we could be a perfect match.

So far, I've worked with over 300 CEOs, executives and entrepreneurs
- on their growth mindset and personal LinkedIn strategies
- on building a strong LinkedIn community and brand
- on attracting customers and employees

I've written over 3000 posts.
I've optimized over 300 profiles.

In 2025, my method was featured in Forbes.

Since 2021, I've continuously invested in my personal development and LinkedIn skills.

Before that…

I spent 20+ years in marketing and sales building genuinel relationships, winning clients and writing compelling copy for journalists and companies.

"Working with Sarka goes far beyond learning how to do LinkedIn.
It’s about shifting your mindset, building confidence, and learning how to execute consistently and authentically." - Gregorio Uglioni, Associate Partner, Forward

My offer to you?

We change the way you think about LinkedIn. We realize your goals with LinkedIn. Together.

I will show you exactly what to do.
You will be seen, heard and valued.

3 ways you can start working with me:

1. LinkedIn Coaching - 6 weeks, topic related
2. LinkedIn Training - for teams and leaders
3. Speaking - as a keynote and TEDx speaker

Interested?
Book a free consultation here:
https://calendly.com/sarka-risch/15min

I’m grateful to have you in my space.

Sarka Risch

I thought I had no story.

If you think the same, start here.

I stayed quiet for years - like many of my clients before we started coaching.

Belief shift:
If you don’t share, you can’t inspire or help anyone.

In summer 2021, I filmed my first LinkedIn video on a hike.

The quality was rough, I partly read a script - but I showed up as myself.
The community responded.

Since then:
• I’ve published almost 200 LinkedIn videos.

• I delivered a TEDx talk on overcoming perfectionism, a mindset keynote, and had my method featured in Forbes.

What I learned: 

1. You don’t need to be perfect: publish the honest version.
2. Courage + consistency beat polish.
3. Intention matters: share to help.

Done is better than perfect when your intention is right.

What’s one imperfect story you’ll publish now?

Win clients on LinkedIn™ confidently I Featured on Forbes I TEDx Speaker

If you think you don’t have a story, make this mindset shift.
Sarka Risch, LinkedIn coach, trainer, mindset strategist, and speaker, stayed quiet for years, just like many of her clients before they start coaching with her, until this mindset shift:
If you don’t share, you can’t inspire or help anyone.
This shift led to her TEDx talk on overcoming perfectionism, a mindset keynote, and a Forbes feature of her method.
Done is better than perfect when your intention is right.



Ghostwriting is booming.

I don't outsource my voice.

Since 2021, I’ve coached and managed LinkedIn for busy leaders, learning their voice and stepping into their shoes.

I respect great ghostwriters (some of my friends do it).

But I kept hitting the same wall:
I want to connect with the real person, not with the ghostwriter.

So I stopped.
Now I coach and speak - and help leaders show up as themselves.

What my clients do daily instead:

1. Block 30 min for LinkedIn
2. Write their own messages
3. Write their own comments
4. Check their inbox every day
5. Prioritize quality over volume

Writing for yourself carries a different energy.

You attract the right people and build a durable brand.

Do you write your own content?

Ghostwriting is booming.

Sarka Risch, LinkedIn trainer, coach, mindset strategist, and speaker explains how her clients - busy leaders - manage LinkedIn. They learn it and realize it themselves.

In the picture, Sarka shows how writing for yourself radiates energy (which you attract) and builds a real brand.



Full calendar. No time for LinkedIn.

Take 5 minutes to change it.

A 3-step reset clients use to regain momentum:

1. One growth task
Define the "win of the day" in one sentence.

Ask: "What single LinkedIn task moves the business forward today?"

Focus beats volume. Clarity compounds.

2. Comment with intent
Find five posts your ideal buyers engaged with in the last few days.

Leave one skimmable comment with a concrete takeaway.

Unique perspectives build relationships and reach.

3. Nurture relationships
Select five clients or prospects from last year.

Send a brief thank-you and a one-line check-in:
"Quick note to share appreciation for our work - how are things on your side?"

Consistent appreciation builds trust.

Focus on relationships today to build a stronger network tomorrow.

Which one will you focus on: 1, 2, or 3?

Meditation? Pointless.

Now: my edge.

I used to believe self-care had no place in business - until I tested it.

In 2023, my first Dr. Joe Dispenza meditation retreat changed everything.

Since then I’ve attended 5 - and yesterday I booked Denver.

What changed:

1. Experience
Meeting like-minded people led to genuine relationships and new ideas.
In 2024 I visited the USA for the first time.

2. Focus
Meditation taught me to disconnect, be present, and prioritize what matters.
I cut big decisions from days to hours.

3. Resilience
60 minutes every morning, 30 minutes every evening keeps me grounded.
Better sleep, clearer energy, sharper execution.

Calm is a system, not a mood.

The more I align my mind and heart, the better life I create.

What habit protects your focus?

Meditation? Pointless. Now: my edge.

Sarka Risch, LinkedIn trainer, coach, mindset strategist, and speaker, explains how Dr. Joe Dispenza's retreats changed her life. His daily guided meditations helped her discover new experiences, better focus, and stronger resilience.

In the picture, Sarka shows her energy in the moment at one retreat in the USA.



Gratitude has changed my life.

Apply this to change yours.

In 2019, I was an employee taking many things for granted.

In 2021, I became an entrepreneur and everything changed.

I became my own boss.
I led my life through curiosity.
And I filled my life with gratitude.

How can you change your life through gratitude?

1. Close your eyes.
2. Imagine what you’re grateful for today.
3. Feel the gratitude in your body.
4. Say it out loud:
“I open my heart to gratitude and receive it.”
5. Focus on it, feel it, and receive it.

As Dr. Joe Dispenza says:
“Gratitude is the ultimate state of receivership.”

Experience gratitude many times daily, and you’ll change your life.

What are you grateful for right now?

How gratitude changes your life
Sarka Risch, LinkedIn coach, trainer, mindset strategist, and speaker, explains how you can practice gratitude many times a day to transform your life.
In the picture, she shares Dr. Joe Dispenza's teaching: “Gratitude is the ultimate state of receivership.”


I used DMs wrong.

Here’s how you build networks.

2012: Signed up on LinkedIn, scared of DMs.

2021: Started using DMs - but only talked about me.

Then a prospect reached out wanting to exchange.
We met. He became my first client.

300+ clients later, they've used my framework to land new clients, employees, and strong networks.

You can learn it too:
https://lnkd.in/e6ksuB93

Here’s how you use DMs intentionally:

1. Start a conversation.
2. Be genuinely interested.
3. One question per DM - no overwhelm.
4. Build emotional connection first.
5. Pivot to business when momentum builds.
6. Ask to help (not sell).
7. Propose a call to connect deeply.

Intentional DMs = Clients + priceless relationships.

Which step do you want to improve?

How you use DMs right

Sarka Risch, LinkedIn coach, trainer, and speaker, learned how to use DMs to land clients, employees, and business opportunities on LinkedIn.
Now she teaches her framework to leaders - and they thrive.

In the picture, Sarka explains how intentional DMs build priceless relationships.


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The Battle

Jacob Schwer

Sarka Risch

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreJacob Schwer's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreSarka Risch's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Jacob Schwer

Sarka Risch

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Jacob Schwer's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreSarka Risch's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreJacob Schwer's LinkedIn Performance