In 2002, a company named Procon was founded in Knoxville, Tenn. Procon got its start by selling GPS systems to car dealerships to covertly track vehicles sold to customers with sub-prime credit. After making several acquisitions, Procon morphed into a large provider of mobile resource management (MRM) systems.
In 2010, Procon created a new subsidiary, Procon Fleet Services, and partnered with Joe Gibbs’ investment company, Joe Gibbs Driven, to launch a new fleet management system called FleetLocate. Joe Gibbs Driven put its name behind a product for only the second time in company history. This was more than an endorsement, however; Joe Gibbs Driven invested in the company and installed the FleetLocate product on its racing equipment. Joe Gibbs Racing has a small fleet of tractors and trailers to move cars across the country.
FleetLocate has products designed for two markets: 1) small and enterprise-sized work fleets and 2) trucking companies for monitoring trailer assets. In 2011, Procon was acquired by Bertram Capital. As part of this new equity investment, Procon consolidated Fleet Services and other subsidiaries into a new entity called Spireon.
Now, back to Joe Gibbs. Perhaps the most interesting part of the partnership is the creation of a unique system called the Coach Gibbs Driver Performance program. Companies that use FleetLocate can turn the management of driver performance and behavior into an engaging game for drivers with Joe Gibbs as the coach.
FleetLocate designed the program with positive reinforcement, recognition, and contest-based incentives. Drivers can view scores and rankings on their smartphones and mobile computers using a scoring dashboard. Drivers compete during a “season” and are scored on performance for engine idling, acceleration, speed versus posted speed limits, and other areas.
Six videos of Gibbs are embedded in the application to give drivers timely tips on how to improve their standings, such as reduce engine idling and increase fuel economy. To see an example of Coach Gibbs’ tips in the Driver Performance program, you can visit this site.
As part of the deal, Joe Gibbs is also helping Spireon with business development. He helps by creating marketing materials such as this video interview with FleetLocate trailer tracking customer Coca Cola. He also calls prospective customers to help close deals. If you are considering a new fleet or trailer management system and got a call from Joe Gibbs, could you turn down the legendary coach?
