Three Industry Veterans Announce Retirements

Mark Brochtrup, CAFM, fleet services manager for the City of Coppell, Texas, retired on May 1, 2022, capping a 23-year career that included the maintenance and service to 450 on- and off-road assets. Brochtrup started his fleet career 41 years ago as a mechanic for the Town of Addison, Texas. He worked in this position for eight years and in 1989 he was promoted to fleet supervisor, a position he held until 1999 when he left to join the City of Coppell.

In 1992 during his tenure at the Town of Addison, Brochtrup co-founded the Texas Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians (TAEVT).

In recognition of his work with the TAEVT and his efforts to promote technician training to other maintenance departments outside of Texas, Brochtrup was awarded the Boyd Cole Award in 2014 by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Among his other career accomplishments, Brochtrup is credited with the creation of the Southwest Emergency Vehicle Technician training conference in 1999, which is a weeklong conference offered by TAEVT in Ft. Worth, Texas. In recognition of his leadership in the creation of the annual Southwest Emergency Vehicle Technician training conference, Brochtrup was awarded the Jim Bland Memorial Award, named after a legendary leader who made a significant contribution to the advancement of emergency vehicle maintenance at the Houston Fire Department.

Some other notable achievements include being the recipient of the City of Lewisville, Texas, Fire Department’s Life Saving Award, along with the Coppell Fire Department’s Civilian Award in 2007. Received the North Central Texas Council Of Governments, Clean Cities Coalition’s Outstanding Fleet Award each year since the program’s inception.

Borchtrup also guided the Coppell fleet operation to being named to the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas for six straight years, 2017 – 2022. Brochtrup received the City Manager’s Standing Ovation Award, the Director’s Award and Employee of the Year award over his career in Coppell.

In addition, Brochtrup has been a judge for the Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year award since its inception.

When asked about his plans following retirement from the City of Coppell, Brochtrup said he still wants to contribute to the fleet maintenance industry. “I would welcome the opportunity to help build another fleet maintenance operation, either from the ground up or to improve an existing fleet maintenance operation,” said Brochtrup.

 

Frank Castro Retires from Pierce Transit

Frank Castro, CAFM, retired in July 2021from Pierce Transit in Tacoma, Wash., where he served as executive director of maintenance.

Prior to this, Castro was transportation manager position for Snohomish County Public Utility District in Everett, Wash. Castro’s responsibilities at Snohomish County Public Utility District’s Transportation Services department include developing and accomplishing programs and activities, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective practices. In addition, Castro will be responsible for vehicle policy, purchasing, construction, modification, disposal, transportation and maintenance services to all District departments and personnel.

In 2010, Castro retired from City of Tacoma /Tacoma Public Utilities Fleet Services in the state of Washinton after a 30-year career. During his career at Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU), Castro directed fleet operations activities, including acquisition, maintenance, replacement, and disposition. His major accomplishments at TPU included the successful deployment of advanced technology, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, automated pool vehicle management systems and automated vehicle location systems integrating with several work management applications resulting in efficiencies and improved customer service for Tacoma Power.

 

Bob Loeffler Retires After 40 Years

After 40 years in the automotive fleet industries,  Bob Loeffler announced his retirement effective May 18, 2022.

A Chicago area native, Loeffler started his fleet career in 1982 as the maintenance manager for Chicago-based Genway Fleet Leasing Corp. Loeffler was promoted to purchasing manager of Genway two years later and remained for six years until the company’s liquidation.

(Genway was founded in 1966 when it was then known as Chevway, a Chevrolet dealer group that was involved in negotiating national fleet lease programs.)

After a four year association with Packey Webb Ford as its nation fleet manager, Loeffler accepted a senior fleet manager position at the newly formed Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Company in Deerfield, Ill., where he was responsible for a fleet of more than 500 units.

After 7 years at Fujisawa, Loeffler relocated to Wisconsin where he worked remotely for short terms with Wright Express fuel card corporation (WEX), and ADESA auto auctions, before being offered the position of transportation supervisor for Oakwood Lutheran Senior Ministries in Madison, Wisc. where he worked until his retirement. Loeffler was also active in the NAFA Chicago Chapter.

“I have always enjoyed automobiles since I was a small kid, looked forward to everyday challenges. My retirement plans will include travel and restoration of classic vehicles,” said Loeffler.