{"id":147,"date":"2019-09-03T23:10:58","date_gmt":"2019-09-04T06:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/?page_id=147"},"modified":"2025-11-21T13:28:09","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T21:28:09","slug":"conference-speakers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/conference-speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Conference Speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_image=”https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/speaker-background.png” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||64px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Keynote Speakers” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font_size=”4rem” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Charles Kriete” position=”CEO Talk: Unlocking the magic of modern transportation tech” image_url=”https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Kriete-Charles.jpg.webp” module_class=”dtb-equal-height” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” position_text_color=”#EEB157″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Sunday, July 12<\/strong><\/p>\n

As CEO of Zonar and GPS Trackit, Charles focuses on delivering innovative fleet, video, and field services solutions, while enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving strategic growth initiatives. With extensive experience in IoT, SaaS, and fleet telematics, he specializes in scaling high-growth organizations and leveraging technology to create value for customers and partners. Prior to the Zonar and GPS Trackit merger, Charles served as CEO of GPS Trackit, where he spearheaded transformative growth, expanded global operations, and strengthened the company\u2019s position as a leader in fleet management solutions. Previously, he held CEO and other C-Suite roles at multiple private equity backed companies and large public companies as well, leading global sales, marketing, operations, and product strategies across diverse technology markets. Charles studied physics and math at Lake Forest College, prior to receiving an MBA from the University of East London and a CEO College Certificate from the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute. He has been recognized as a CRN Top 100 Channel Executive and a 40 Under 40 business leader.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”Biography” open_toggle_text_color=”#EEB157″ open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.6)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#EEB157″ closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.6)” icon_color=”#EEB157″ toggle_icon=”||divi||400″ open_icon_color=”#EEB157″ open_toggle_icon=”||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#EEB157″ title_font=”|700|||||||” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

As CEO of Zonar and GPS Trackit, Charles focuses on delivering innovative fleet, video, and field services solutions, while enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving strategic growth initiatives. With extensive experience in IoT, SaaS, and fleet telematics, he specializes in scaling high-growth organizations and leveraging technology to create value for customers and partners.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Prior to the Zonar and GPS Trackit merger, Charles served as CEO of GPS Trackit, where he spearheaded transformative growth, expanded global operations, and strengthened the company\u2019s position as a leader in fleet management solutions. Previously, he held CEO and other C-Suite roles at multiple private equity backed companies and large public companies as well, leading global sales, marketing, operations, and product strategies across diverse technology markets.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Charles studied physics and math at Lake Forest College, prior to receiving an MBA from the University of East London and a CEO College Certificate from the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute. He has been recognized as a CRN Top 100 Channel Executive and a 40 Under 40 business leader. \u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Bruce Turkel” position=”All About Them: The Power of Relentless Relevance” image_url=”https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/BT_LA_1x1.jpg” module_class=”dtb-equal-height” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” position_text_color=”#EEB157″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Monday, July 13<\/strong><\/p>\n

There was a time when promoting yourself was enough. Credentials, features, benefits\u2014just tell people how great you were and they\u2019d show up. But not anymore.<\/p>\n

The game has changed. Today, everyone carries a device in their pocket that offers instant access to infinite options and total control. Your customers don\u2019t just want great service. They demand it. What they\u00a0really<\/i>\u00a0want is to know what\u2019s in it for them. That means success doesn\u2019t come from being the loudest voice in the room. It comes from being the clearest, most relevant one.<\/p>\n

In this high-energy, eye-opening keynote, Hall of Fame speaker and brand strategist Bruce Turkel flips the script on traditional marketing. He shows you why your message must be\u00a0All About Them<\/i>\u2014your customers, audience, and team\u2014and how to craft communication that cuts through the noise and sticks.<\/p>\n

But this isn\u2019t just a talk. It\u2019s a full-on experience.<\/p>\n

Bruce hands every audience member their own harmonica\u2014yes, really\u2014and teaches them to play a Beatles song, live, together, in minutes. No musical experience necessary. Suddenly, your skeptical audience is a standing-room-only rock band. Laughter echoes, phones record, and a powerful point lands: Apply the right message and you\u2019re capable of a lot more than you ever thought.<\/p>\n

This unforgettable moment doesn\u2019t just entertain. It anchors Bruce\u2019s core message\u2014when you shift your focus, engage your audience, and deliver meaningful value, transformation and success follows.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll leave with:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • A framework to clarify what you offer\u2014and why it matters<\/li>\n
  • The confidence to express your message with clarity and purpose<\/li>\n
  • Tools to shift your communication from self-focused to customer-centered<\/li>\n
  • A shared, musical experience that proves the power of connection and creativity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Bruce has helped brands like Nike, Bacardi, American Express, and HBO stand out in crowded markets. Now he brings that same clarity and charisma to your event\u2014backed by real strategy, killer stories, and a harmonica riff you\u2019ll be humming all the way home.<\/p>\n

    Because in a world full of noise, the key to success isn\u2019t shouting louder.<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s remembering\u2014it\u2019s\u00a0All About Them<\/i>.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”Biography” open_toggle_text_color=”#EEB157″ open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.6)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#EEB157″ closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.6)” icon_color=”#EEB157″ toggle_icon=”||divi||400″ open_icon_color=”#EEB157″ open_toggle_icon=”||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#EEB157″ title_font=”|700|||||||” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Bruce Turkel is one of only 247 speakers inducted into the National Speakers Association\u2019s Speaker Hall of Fame, and he\u2019s spent decades not just on stages, but inside the engine rooms of some of the world\u2019s best-known brands.<\/p>\n

    He\u2019s helped companies including American Express, Nike, Discovery, HBO, and Bacardi define and deliver their messages, and he brings that same brand clarity to the speaking business. Bruce knows the speech is only part of the job, the real work is in getting booked, getting remembered, and getting rebooked.<\/p>\n

    Bruce founded and ran an award-winning global branding firm for over 30 years, with headquarters in Miami and offices in nine Latin American countries. His hands-on experience helping multinational brands grow gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to stand out in a competitive market.<\/p>\n

    He\u2019s also appeared on CNN, MSNBC, CCTV, and in the pages of\u00a0The New York Times<\/i>,\u00a0Fast Company<\/i>,\u00a0The Wall Street Journal<\/i>, and\u00a0Speaker Magazine<\/i>. He\u2019s spoken at TEDx, Harvard, MIT, ASAE, MPI, and more than 300 corporate and association events across five continents.<\/p>\n

    With seven books to his name, including\u00a0All About Them<\/i>, named one of Forbes’ Top 10 Business Books of the Year, Bruce walks the talk on content creation. He has also developed more than 25 speaker-friendly workshops to deepen his impact and provide lasting value long after the applause fades.<\/p>\n

    Oh, and when he\u2019s not on stage, Bruce fronts a popular Miami R&B band.<\/p>\n

    If you’re looking to cut through the noise, clarify your message, and build a brand that books, Bruce Turkel is someone you\u2019ll want to hear from.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px|||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” disabled=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”109.6px” custom_padding=”||18px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Speakers & Trainers” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font_size=”4rem” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||on||||||” min_height=”30.8px” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoiY3VycmVudF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiQXMgb2YgIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIuIFN1YmplY3QgdG8gY2hhbmdlLiIsImRhdGVfZm9ybWF0IjoibS9kL1kiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||3px||” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]Kathy Anneken, CPST
    \n<\/strong>VP of Sales
    \nEasy Way Safety Systems in Minnesota<\/span><\/p>\n

    Anthony Ashley
    \n<\/strong><\/span><\/span>Senior Director Fleet Operations\u00a0<\/span>
    <\/span>Atlanta Public School in Georgia<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Pete Baxter
    \n<\/strong>Retired State Director, Office of Transportation
    \nIndiana Department of Education<\/span><\/p>\n

    Brad Beauchamp
    \n<\/strong>Alternative Fuels Manager – West
    \nBlue Bird in Georgia<\/span><\/p>\n

    Craig Beaver
    \n<\/strong>Administrator for Transportation
    \nBeaverton School District in Oregon<\/span><\/p>\n

    Matthew Belasco
    \n<\/strong>Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation
    \nPittsburg Unified School District in California
    \n<\/span><\/p>\n

    Derek Bryant
    \n<\/strong>Manager, Medium\/Heavy Vehicle Test Development
    \nNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence in Virginia<\/span><\/p>\n

    Miles Cole
    \n<\/strong>CEO
    \nCI Solutions<\/span><\/p>\n

    Tony Corpin
    \n<\/strong>President & Publisher
    \nSchool Transportation News<\/span><\/p>\n

    Jim Crowcroft
    \n<\/strong>North American Dealer Sales & Service Manager
    \nThomas Built Buses in North Carolina<\/span><\/p>\n

    Denise Donaldson, CPST<\/strong>
    \nEditor & Publisher
    \nSafe Ride News in Washington<\/span><\/p>\n

    Quanika Dukes-Spruill<\/strong>
    \nExecutive Director, Transportation Services
    \nNewark Board of Education in New Jersey
    \n<\/span><\/p>\n

    Taylor Ekbatani
    \n<\/span><\/strong>Senior Editor
    \nSchool Transportation News
    \n<\/span><\/p>\n

    Chris Ellison
    \n<\/span><\/strong>Transportation Director<\/span>
    \nReynolds School District in Oregon<\/span><\/p>\n

    Alan Fidler
    \n<\/span><\/strong>Fleet Manager<\/span>
    \nMetropolitan School District of Lawrence Township in Indiana<\/span><\/p>\n

    Richard Fischer
    \n<\/strong>CEO
    \nTrans-Consult in Colorado<\/span>
    \n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|3px||” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Teresa Fleming<\/strong>
    Chief Operating Officer
    The School District of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania<\/span><\/p>\n

    Frank Girardot
    <\/strong>Leading innovative PR, marketing, and government relations
    RIDE in California<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ryan Gray
    <\/strong>Editor in Chief
    School Transportation News<\/span><\/p>\n

    Paul Hasenmeier<\/strong>
    <\/strong>Public Safety Director & Fire Chief
    Hernando County Fire Rescue in Florida<\/span><\/p>\n

    Kala Henkensiefken
    <\/strong>Special Education Transportation Manager
    ISD31 Bemidji Area Schools in Minnesota<\/p>\n

    Billy Huish
    <\/strong>Director of Transportation
    Farmington Municipal Schools in New Mexico<\/p>\n

    Richard Jimenez
    <\/strong>Director of Transportation<\/span>
    Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District<\/span> in California<\/p>\n

    Francisco Lagunas
    <\/strong>General Manager – North American Bus
    Cummins in Indiana<\/p>\n

    Jannet Malig
    <\/strong>Co-Director
    Long Beach Clean Cities in California<\/p>\n

    Miriam Manary
    <\/strong>Lead Research Engineer
    University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute<\/p>\n

    Pamela McDonald
    <\/strong>Director of Transportation (Retired}
    Consultant<\/p>\n

    Lawson Mollica
    <\/strong>Consultant<\/span>
    Long Beach Clean Cities in California<\/p>\n

    Harley Pinson
    <\/strong>Director of Fleet Maintenance
    Paulding County School District in Georgia<\/p>\n

    Nicole Portee
    <\/strong>Associate Superintendent of Operations
    Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina<\/p>\n

    Timothy Purvis
    <\/strong>Principal Consultant
    Pupil Transportation Information, LLC<\/p>\n

    Darren Reaume
    <\/strong>Director of Training
    Q’Straint \/ Sure-Lok<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Alexandra Robinson
    <\/strong>President
    A. Robinson Consulting<\/p>\n

    Ariel Rodriguez<\/span>
    <\/strong>Fleet Manager<\/span>
    Humble ISD in Texas<\/span><\/p>\n

    David Roper<\/span>
    <\/strong>Automotive Instructor
    Long Beach Clean Cities in California<\/span><\/p>\n

    Gaurav Sharda
    <\/span><\/strong>Chief Technology Officer
    Beacon Mobility in North Carolina<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Anthony Shields
    <\/span><\/strong>Director of Transportation<\/span>
    San Marcos Consolidated ISD in Texas<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Kerry Somerville
    <\/span><\/strong>CEO<\/span>
    Transportation Planning Solutions in Arizona<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Robert Stafford
    <\/span><\/strong>Research Associate
    World Resources Institute in California
    <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Katie Stok
    <\/span><\/strong>Segment Marketing Director
    IC Bus<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Michele Troute
    <\/strong>President
    Ralph W. Troute Consulting
    <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Ralph Troute
    <\/strong>Chief Engineer
    Ralph W. Troute Consulting
    <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Maritza Valentin<\/span>
    <\/strong>Contract\/National Account Manager
    AMF-Bruns America in Florida<\/span><\/p>\n

    Rosalyn Vann-Jackson
    <\/strong>Executive Director of Enrollment & Student Services
    Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma<\/p>\n

    Charlie Vits, CPST
    <\/strong>Market Development Manager\/Regulatory Affairs Manager
    IMMI\/SafeGuard<\/p>\n

    Ronna Weber
    <\/strong>Executive Director
    National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services in Virginia<\/p>\n

    Diane Wilson
    <\/strong>School Bus Safety Training Specialist
    ESC Region 6 in Texas<\/span><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Sunday, July 12 As CEO of Zonar and GPS Trackit, Charles focuses on delivering innovative fleet, video, and field services solutions, while enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving strategic growth initiatives. With extensive experience in IoT, SaaS, and fleet telematics, he specializes in scaling high-growth organizations and leveraging technology to create value for customers and partners. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-147","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=147"}],"version-history":[{"count":214,"href":"https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/147\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13893,"href":"https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/147\/revisions\/13893"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stnexpo.com\/west\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}