Scott Fornia-Fleming, the President of Aim Transportation Solutions is a seasoned leader navigating the path of innovation and strategic growth. With a distinguished history of leadership, Scott’s journey is more than a professional trajectory—it’s exemplifying resilience and adaptability.
Amidst the shifting tides of the transportation industry, akin to the dynamic waves on which Scott sailed during his Marine Corps service in Iraq. His commitment to duty and leadership forged a path that seamlessly transitioned from military service to the complexities of the business world. Scott’s expertise extends beyond conventional boundaries, showcasing skills in Operations Management, Business Development and Strategic Management.
At Aim Transportation Solutions, Scott’s leadership is marked by a commitment to inclusivity, innovation and customer-centric solutions. His passion is reflected in the company’s strategic initiatives—expanding geographic footprints, embracing new technologies and preparing for a future where the industry transforms before our eyes.
Let’s explore how experience, leadership and a forward- looking perspective converge to redefine the transportation landscape!
Driven by Heritage
Scott is a legacy member of the transportation industry. His connection traces back to 1906 when his great-grandfather hauled luggage for the railroads and the rest is history. “Aim, as it exists today, was founded 40 years ago and grown by my father, Tom Fleming,” Scott proudly states. His journey began at 16, sweeping shop floors and fueling trucks, embodying a hands-on approach.
Becoming a Marine became Scott’s calling, a pivotal experience that bestowed upon him the invaluable gifts of trust and faith. “My time in the Marine Corps shaped me into a leader,” he shares. In Iraq, Scott led his platoon, emphasizing the essence of small-unit leadership. “Each person putting their trust and faith in me pushed me to reciprocate that trust,” he reflects. Scott believes in the power of trust, echoing the sentiment that has propelled his family through generations in the continually shifting landscape of transportation.
Adaptability in Action
For Scott, comparing corporate leadership to combat in Iraq is like ‘apples and oranges.’ He emphasizes, “I can’t, in good faith, liken them.” Scott finds value in all his experiences, especially his time in Iraq, shaping him as both a person and a leader. “I’m grateful for that.”
Navigating the transportation industry requires adaptability and outside-the-box thinking. Scott credits the military for instilling the agility crucial for leading at Aim.
Whether in the Marine Corps or at Aim, Scott’s approach remains consistent. “I try to assess problems from every angle, ask the right questions and most importantly, trust my team.” For him, it’s about maintaining consistency, thinking about the big picture and asking, “How do we optimize each situation for our customers, employees and stakeholders?”
Safety First, Tech Always
In the world of transportation, Aim sees itself as a ‘technology company working within the transportation vertical.’ Scott emphasizes that while businesses can get trucks from anywhere, Aim’s distinctiveness lies in the “value we add through technology, our people’s support and adaptability.”
Central to their approach is a robust in-house IT department. “Much of our software is built and maintained in-house,” Scott explains, highlighting their commitment to tailoring solutions. It’s not about one-size-fits-all—they “build what we need and what our customers need.”
Their tech focus revolves around safety, making it the ‘number one‘ priority. Aim’s trucks boast highly sophisticated dash cameras that analyze and assist drivers, ensuring road safety and protecting customer investments. In Scott’s words, “Technology and people are our differentiators, and that’s where we focus our resources.” Aim’s strategy blends cutting-edge technology and human expertise setting them apart in the competitive landscape of transportation.
Elevating Standards
“As a leader in the industry, we believe we should be at the forefront of what’s happening,” asserts Scott, emphasizing Aim’s commitment to innovation for enhanced safety and service. To actualize this vision, Aim boasts highly competent training and safety teams.
Aim’s proactive approach includes full-time and regional trainers, with diesel tech class sizes limited to eight ensuring focused education. Scott highlights, “We continually offer training opportunities, not only from our in-house training team but also from the vendors who provide our equipment.” This comprehensive training extends to achieving ASE certification, aligning with high-standard criteria.
Scott credits Aim’s success to the willingness to invest in technologies, programs and people. In his words, this commitment is a ‘major game-changer when it comes to service and safety,’ positioning Aim as an industry leader dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence.
Every Voice Matters
Scott believes building a motivated team starts with “being truthful with yourself, being self-aware and being thoughtful of others.” Recognizing the diversity each individual brings, Aim focuses on empowering team members. Scott emphasizes the importance of ensuring that “they’re heard, that their ideas are being put into action and that they know they’re making a positive impact.”
For Scott, team building is more than words on paper, it’s about interacting and talking with people, being in the same room, fostering inclusivity and a sense of contribution. Everyone feels like they’re part of something great and making significant contributions. In Scott’s philosophy, treating everyone with respect and giving them a voice leads to collective success.
“In the end, if we treat everyone with respect, give everyone a voice and do what’s right for Aim, everybody wins.”
Beyond Contracts
“At Aim, most of what we offer is contractual,” Scott reveals, be it citing full-service leasing, preventative maintenance, ProShop, or Integrated Logistics. This approach provides a valuable advantage, as there’s some predictability when going through the industry’s natural ebbs and flows.
Diversification is key, and Aim’s customer base reflects this strategy. “We work with companies from all different industries—manufacturing, steel, food & beverage, product distribution, you name it.” Scott highlights the significance of this diversity which acts as insulation from the cyclical lows of the industry.
Aim’s adaptability to various sectors ensures stability allowing them to navigate the unpredictable currents of the market. In Scott’s words, the varied clientele serves as a shield against industry downturns securing Aim’s position amongst its competitors in the sector.
Aim Ahead of the Curve
Scott emphasizes that in the industry it’s not just about market demand and equipment availability.
Acknowledging the transformative impact of technology and alternative fuel sources, Aim adopts a holistic approach to strategic planning. Scott highlights the crucial role of government regulations, emphasizing the need to consider all these factors from the ‘highest vantage point.’
Aim’s strategic agility finds its roots in robust partnerships with top equipment brands. Scott proudly states, “We have long-term partnerships with OEMs,” underscoring the significance of these alliances in navigating the rapid change within the industry.
The secret to Aim’s success lies in a dual focus on external and internal tech. Scott affirms, “That’s what keeps us ahead of the curve.” This, coupled with the right talent, ensures Aim’s proactive stance in the face of industry shifts.
Guidance Beyond Business
Scott, son of founder Tom Fleming, recognizes the profound impact of familial guidance, stating, “First and foremost, my father has given me the opportunity to demonstrate my commitment to Aim and my ability to navigate the industry.” Tom’s mentorship and open ear stand as pillars to Scott’s success.
Yet, Scott acknowledges the broader support network within Aim. Figures like Terry Dimascio and Rick Fox are not just colleagues—they are pillars of Aim’s success. Scott affirms, “They have played huge roles in Aim’s success for decades,” emphasizing the depth of relationships that extend beyond business. Scott values the assurance that “I can count on and talk to about any subject, whether business or personal.”
Navigating Tomorrow’s Roads
“In our industry, we work with the tools available,” states Scott, recognizing the evolving landscape. While zero-emission vehicles are on the horizon, Scott notes, “It’s still a very young technology, undergoing a lot of change to get the world closer to net zero emissions.”
Aim adapts to current technologies, employing IRT devices (Idling Reduction Technology) to curb pollution during idle times and APUs (Auxiliary Power Units) to manage sleeper truck climate control. Scott emphasizes that maintenance is paramount, highlighting the commitment to optimal miles-per-gallon and efficient fuel usage. Aim’s first-rate maintenance practices ensure trucks operate at peak efficiency aligning with the industry’s sustainability goals while navigating the ongoing evolution of cleaner technologies.
People Power
In the service-oriented world of transportation, Scott emphasizes, “The transportation industry is a service industry and service industries are people industries.” Recognizing every person’s role, from those securing loads to handling invoices, Scott asserts, “Every single person in our organization is vital to our success.”
As a leader, Scott believes in staying connected, stating, “It’s important for me to know and understand what they’re doing so that if they have concerns, they aren’t falling on deaf ears.” Having climbed the company ladder, Scott’s hands-on approach continues. He shares, “I’ve worked my way up through the company, experienced nearly every facet of our business.” Yet, he remains actively engaged, “listening and helping when needed so I can genuinely understand what individuals go through daily.”
Creative Routes, Satisfied Customers
During the recent driver shortage, Scott explains, “we had several customers with whom we had to get creative in their routes, lanes and distribution points.” Aim’s strength lies in creative solutions for customers and Scott proudly asserts, “Getting creative for our customers is what we do well.”
Facing challenges head-on, Aim leveraged dynamic routing, altering start and end domiciles, and rerouting in areas with labor shortages. Scott highlights, “With our size and capabilities, along with our footprint, we were successfully able to move our drivers and trucks strategically.”
Aim’s adaptability, rooted in both size and strategic capabilities, allowed them to navigate the complexities of the recent driver shortage, showcasing their commitment to innovative problem-solving and customer satisfaction.
Diverse Voices, Unified Strength
“We work hard to foster an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation, has an equal chance to succeed and advance their careers,” asserts Scott, emphasizing Aim’s commitment to inclusivity. The cornerstone of this approach is a dedication to continued education, training and support.
Aim’s philosophy is clear, “We want everyone to have the same opportunity to grow and achieve their goals, and we’re more than willing to invest no matter who they are.” Scott states, “I firmly believe that our differences make us stronger, not weaker.” Aim’s commitment to equality and investment in every individual’s growth underscores a workplace where differences are celebrated, fostering a culture of strength through diversity.
Onward and Upward
“The future is incredibly bright, and it excites me,” declares Scott, brimming with enthusiasm for Aim’s strategic growth. Aim’s vision involves increasing our geographic footprint for leasing and rental divisions, exploring “new opportunities for our Integrated division with customers in new verticals,” and expanding in existing sectors.
Scott is particularly thrilled about technological advancements, expressing, “Expansions in our technology capabilities with the shifts in emission laws and regulations are what personally excite me the most.” Aim embraces the challenges of the evolving industry positioning themselves as the ideal provider with a focus on equipment leasing.
Scott anticipates the industry’s transformation, stating, “Our industry is on pace to look vastly different than how we’ve seen it appear.” Aim is poised to navigate these changes, with Scott affirming, “And you can bet Aim will be ready to take on whatever comes our way.”
As transportation experts, Aim’s commitment is clear, “We’re the transportation experts, so our customers can be the experts at what they do.” The future holds both challenges and opportunities and Aim stands ready for the dynamic journey ahead.
