10 Jun More Than an Award: Honoring the Heart of Fleet Response
In the mid-1980s, in the bedroom of Ron Mawaka Sr.’s young son, a few people gathered with a vision. There wasn’t a grand office or a full staff, just a corkboard on the wall, a telephone, and a shared determination to solve a very specific problem: how to help businesses get back on the road when their vehicles were down.
That simple idea became Rental Concepts Inc., now Fleet Response. The space may have been small, but the purpose was anything but. From the very beginning, the company was built on values bigger than business, family, service, empathy, and trust.
And all these years later, those same values are celebrated through one of the company’s most powerful traditions, The Ron and Fran Mawaka Employee of the Year Award.
A Living Legacy of Care and Culture
Founded in 2015 by Ron and Fran Mawaka, this award honors employees who lead with heart, who go beyond job descriptions to lift up others, solve problems with compassion, and bring humanity to the workplace.
Finalists are nominated by their peers, the highest form of praise, and hand-selected by leadership. Each receives $2,500, while the overall winner is awarded $10,000. But the true reward is something far deeper: the knowledge that they are living out the legacy of Fleet Response’s founders.
“These awards aren’t just a reflection of performance,” said Executive Vice President Allison Lanzilotta. “They reflect character. They carry forward Ron and Fran’s generosity, their spirit, and their belief in people above all else.”
A Moment of Pure Emotion
As employees gathered at headquarters for the 2025 ceremony, the building buzzed with anticipation. There was laughter, nervous excitement and that quiet inner voice many were hearing: “Could it be me?” At the same time, our Chatsworth, California office tuned in, and remote employees across the country joined virtually, all sharing in the moment together.
Then, the room grew still the kind of stillness that only comes when something truly meaningful is unfolding.
As Allison began reading the nomination for the overall winner, a gentle wave of recognition swept across the room. People began to glance in one direction. Smiles formed. Eyes welled up. A few tears fell before the name was even spoken.
And then, the announcement. The emotion was quiet, powerful, and deeply moving.
“This is my favorite day of the year,” said Jeff Fender, VP of Sales and Marketing. “Because it reminds us why we’re here not just to manage claims, but to build relationships, support one another, and celebrate the people who make this company what it is.”
2025 Departmental Winners
Each winner this year was recognized not only for what they do, but for how they do it: with kindness, consistency, and heart.
- Steve Byrd — Client Development (Business Analyst Team)
- Joanne Renner — Third Party Claims/Adjusters/Maintenance
- Tia Ratta — Call Center
- Jamie Tintelnot — Claims Department (First Party)
- Jeff Burdette — IT Department
- Blanca Bucheli — Carrier Subrogation
And the 2025 Overall Winner: Jocelyn Davidson
From the Subrogation/Heavy Equipment team, Jocelyn Davidson was named the overall winner of the 2025 Ron and Fran Mawaka Employee of the Year Award.
As her name was spoken, her coworkers smiled through tears. Many had nominated her. All were proud.
“Fleet Response isn’t just where I work,” Jocelyn said through emotion. “It’s where I’ve found purpose, connection, and a second family. Being honored like this by people I admire is one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”
This award represents far more than a moment of recognition; it’s a reflection of everything Fleet Response stands for. It honors the people who show up every day with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. It’s a celebration of a culture rooted in care, where excellence is measured not just by performance, but by how we lift each other up. The Ron and Fran Mawaka Employee of the Year Award is a living expression of the values that continue to guide this company, a legacy of generosity, of connection, and of believing in people first. As we move forward, this tradition ensures that no matter how much we grow, we will always remain grounded in what truly matters.