So few really understand the drives and motivations of entrepreneurs. Many write about them, some lecture and teach about what they are, how they operate and what they have achieved; yet so few really understand them. So many fail to realize the dedication and sacrifice it takes to win at that level and the super stars are so rare that one just has to look in awe. One of the greatest stories of Entrepreneurial success is that of Jack Taylor who founded Enterprise Rent-A-Car. I therefore recommend this book about the History of Enterprise Rent-A-Car Book is;

“EXCEEDING CUSTOMERS EXPECTIONS- The Story of Enterprise Rent-A-Car” Stan Burns Published by Greenwich Publishing.

Jack Taylor was the of Executive leasing, which turned into Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Before starting Enterprise Rent-A-Car with the help and additional money of his friends dad, Jack was a Navy fighter Pilot flying in WWII a Hellcat. Enterprise is known for its great young and aggressive workforce, mostly recruited from College. It is an MBA grinder job where you must prove yourself to be promoted and the History of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, proves they promote from within, as a matter of fact its current CEO and CFO both started out washing cars. Many great people as history will reveal started out washing cars. I can name quite a few on our own team. Jack started out in St Louis and then moved on to other major cities to develop a great Nationwide company now worth over 5 billion in assets and guess what? It is a private company not public. Here is a previous post of a few days ago as part of this post; Enterprise Rent-A-Car

I believe this to be a great company, not only because it is one of our customers, but because they do try hardest. I am a little offended by the article in Nov. 2001 of Forbes, which had a little fault with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. One needs to learn reality of highly motivated companies and not condemn or even hint at possible condemnation of what they do not understand before putting finger to keyboard. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is great and they deserve their success. GE would have done the same thing, so would Microsoft, the US Marines and anyone of our franchisees or anyone on our team including me. (I own the company; www.CarWashGuys.com ). You do not get to be one to the top 10 Private companies in the World by being a pansy ass. Their current CEO and CFO both started at the bottom of the company and worked up to those positions. And guess what they started out by; washing cars. I tell you there is no better company in the auto business to be associated with. Trying harder may sound good, but winning because you try hardest is the best. Vince Lombarde says;

“Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. There is no room for second place. There is only one place in my game, and that’s first place. It is and always has been an American zeal to be first in everything we do, and to win, and to win, and to win. It is a reality of life that men are competitive and the most competitive games draw the most competitive men. That’s why they are there - - to compete. To know the rules and objectives when they get in the game. The objective is to win fairly, squarely, by the rules - - but to win. I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour - - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear - - is that moment when he has to work his heart out in a good cause and he’s exhausted on the field of battle - - victorious.”

The people who make up Enterprise are great from the car washers to the President of the company who at one time or another were the same. I truly believe in the power of the team at Enterprise Rent A Car. One of Jack Taylor’s great quotes to his team was;

“YOUR BEST CUSTOMERS, ARE YOUR COMPETITION’S BEST PROSPECTS.”

Today Enterprise Rent A Car has 300,000 cars, it was taken from $100,000 in start-up dollars to that 5 Billion in assets. 3,000 locations, Now in UK, Canada and many other countries, but did you also know that Enterprise rent-a-car also ownes many other operations non-auto? They had Mexican Restaurant Chain, Coffee Shops, Peanut Butter product line, Fruit Drink Mix line, Macadamia Nuts, Micro-brewery in Hawaii. This is a great company with great people and it has proven that great customer service and fair pricing and pure hustle is a winning combo. Talk about basics, The History of Enterprise Rent-A-Car proves it works, no one can deny it now, there were competitors who tried harder, but who is winning today? Next time you think about Entrepreneurial greats be sure to add Enterprise Rent-A-Cars, Jack Taylor to your list. Think on it.

Lance Winslow

Share This

As the FIFA World Cup 2006 descends upon the 12 host cities of Germany, some of the most prominent cities such as Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt will barely bat an eyelid seasoned as they are to staging events on a world stage. For other cities, this is the culmination of arduous preparation and planning and for one or two the month in the spotlight might just be enough to propel them into the league of internationally renowned cities.

Cologne is Germany’s longest established cities. It is a city of deep historical ties and cultural depth. The spires of the cathedral are the symbol of Cologne and one of the most recognised landmarks in Germany. As Germany’s fourth largest city, Cologne is ready to promote itself on an international stage and attract some of the long weekend tourism that the aforementioned cities receive. Tourism is alive and kicking in Cologne and peaks in the winter as bus loads from the UK, France and Scandanavia visit the city’s Christmas markets. There is a feeling in Cologne that it is just perhaps not at the same level as its counterparts and that a spectacle such as the World Cup might just prove to be a tipping point in the fortunes of Cologne.

Cologne will play host to 5 World Cup matches and will derive its share of the anticipated 3-4 million fans set to descend on Germany this summer. Cologne is a pleasant, attractive city with much to offer even the most casual or distracted of visitor and is well geared for tourism. With over 250 hotels in the city and additional accommodation added in preparation for the tournament the infrastructure for tourism in Cologne is on a par with any major city in Europe. Accommodation will be stretched in and around the time of the World Cup and late bookers and prospective visitors would be well advised to check out major hotel websites and the Cologne city authority site (http://www.koeln.de ) for up to the minute information and advice.

Cologne is well served by a large international airport offering domestic flights to other host cities as well as extensive destinations throughout Europe and beyond. The city is also well served by regional train and autobahn networks and its situation in central western Germany make it a good base to follow your team by car. Most of the major car hire firms have a presence in the city and this may be a good option for those traversing the nation to follow their teams’ fortunes.

About Michael
Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:

Contact details:

E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com

Phone: 0131 561 2251

Michael’s Website: Taxi Belfast Airport

Share This

The world has really gone cyber one can fly, find a date, buy a house, make arrangements to move and rent car online, great conveniences at the click of a button. As a consumer you must find out all the pros and cons of renting a car and carry out “comparison” shopping.

1. Visit company websites to determine what is on offer. Look for competitive rates and great facilities.

2. Try and locate a rental company close to where you intend to use the car it will save you money.

3. Before you proceed list your needs: what kind of car, how many people will travel, how many days you need the car and so on.

4. Use a reputed agency and call on their toll free number. Be sure to read all the terms and conditions carefully. Make sure you use a safe payment gateway and that you receive a confirmation e-mail. Some well known companies are Hertz (https://www.hertz.com), Dollar, Alamo, and Avis (http://www.avis.com). Or, try travel sites many have great offers for clients who book hotels, air tickets, as well as cars.

5. Ask for packages and find out when rates are cheaper.

6. Be sure to ask for an agreement.

7. Ask about the age of the car, its condition, and how many miles it has been driven. If you expect to drive in bad weather be sure to check about tires, snow chains, and other equipment.

8. To rent a car online keep handy your driver’s license, passport, photo-ID, and proof of address. Ask about travel insurance and whether the car has a current insurance.

9. Check the charges carefully and whether any additional payment will be charged for drop off and pick up.

10. Check whether your driver’s licence is valid for the state/ country you wish to drive in or whether you need to obtain a new license.

It is a competitive world and online there are company’s like Fox Rent a Car http://www.foxrentacar.com that offer discounts, reward points, coupons, hotel discounts and more. Check as many sites as you can to get a great deal. Popular companies are: Yahoo travels, priceline.com, and Travelocity. Be a discerning consumer and hire a great car at a great price. Many car rental companies offer special rates if you are a member of one of their affiliate clubs or professional organizations.

Before you drive away in the rental car find out as much as possible about traffic rules, laws where you intend to drive, and safety norms. If your family is with you then choose a safe and comfortable car that will accommodate luggage, boisterous kids, and pets. If you intend to drive alone then you could opt for a compact car. Gauge your needs before you make a choice and carry your driver’s license and insurance papers with you at all times. As a precaution inform a friend, family member, or the office of your travel plans. Cary a mobile phone for emergencies or arrange to call in at specific times. Enjoy your rent-a-car experience.

Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for http://www.1866Cars.com, the premier website to find help on Cars including topics on car rental, national car rental, thrifty car rental, online car rental, pickup trucks rental, cargo van rental and more. He also freelances for the premier Car Insurance Quotes site http://www.1888Carinsurance.com

Share This