Mobile quarterbacks: New maintenance company builds team around their technicians

Kyle Coltrain and Kevin Coltrain, the sons of Dickinson Fleet Services co-founder Ted Coltrain, and uncle, Mike Dickinson, have launched Coltrain Onsite Fleet Care. The new mobile provider offers preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, DOT compliance checks, and on-site assistance in seven states: Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama.

And the timing couldn't be better, Kyle, the company president, told Fleet Maintenance.

"Now is an ideal time to launch a mobile fleet service provider because the market is growing and customer expectations are shifting," he said. "Industry forecasts show that outsourced fleet maintenance is expected to grow 5 to 7% annually over the next five years. Within that, mobile service is set to grow even faster—10–12% per year—as customers increasingly value the speed, flexibility, and efficiency that mobile solutions provide."

The family-owned business has plans to expand in the long-term, not just by offering a myriad of maintenance options, but by treating technicians like star athletes. The company asserts it provides industry-leading pay, overtime, benefits packages, and a solid work-life balance to boot.

Kyle also said Coltrain "empowers [techs] through tools, trust, and a family-driven culture."

This is a strategy ripped right from their father and uncle's playbook. Kyle said working with them at their mobile business allowed them to see "what a great, technician-centric culture looks like."

There, they also learned that commercial vehicle maintenance, like football—which Ted, Kyle, and Kevin all played at the college level—is a team sport.

"One of the greatest lessons we learned from the game is that no single individual ever dictates the outcome," Kyle said. "Winning or losing always comes down to a true team effort, where every player, coach, and team personnel play a critical role in achieving success. No single individual is above the team."

And on this team, the mobile techs are the quarterbacks.

"But just like any great quarterback, they cannot do it alone," Kyle offered. "They need strong support around them to succeed. It’s our job as leaders to provide that support, create the right game plan, and set them up to perform at their best. When everyone plays their role and lifts each other up, together we win."

Kevin, the COO, expanded on this, saying they will listen to their techs.

“They’re not just part of the team—they’re at the top of our org chart,” he said. “We work for them. Our teams around the Midwest and south are fired up because they see the vision of what we’re building.”

Ted and Mike sold their company to Cox Automotive in 2021, which turned it into Fleet Services by Cox Automotive. Cox Automotive gained full ownership from minority owners Coltrain and Dickinson in March 2025. They are not directly involved in the new business, but Kyle said they "provide encouragement, share wisdom from their own journey, and serve as an ongoing source of inspiration."

Services offered by Coltrain

The company says it currently has 40 Ford F-450 and F-550 mobile service trucks equipped to handle 95% of routine repairs and maintenance, which its technicians can deliver on-site or on the side of the road for fleets.

These include:

• PMs and inspections
• Engine diagnostics and Repairs
• Aftertreatment and exhaust
• Transmission and PTO service
• Fluid and filter changes
• Electrical repairs and controls
• Computer and emission diagnostics
• Hydraulic repairs
• Brakes and suspension
• Wheel seals and bearings
• Welding and fabrication
• HVAC service
• Liftgate repairs and services
• Trailer body and chassis repairs