5 Secrets of Enterprise's Success

It begins with playing close attention to the customer

By David LaGesse

Posted: October 17, 2008

The Taylor family has built Enterprise into the world's largest car rental company using some simple principles:

Ask the customer. Enterprise calls about 2 million customers a year to ask how satisfied they are and whether they would consider renting from Enterprise again.

Make happy customers count. While pay depends on branch profits, managers don't get promoted unless they keep customers satisfied.

Link arms with partners. An Enterprise computer system, the Automated Rental Management System, or ARMS, connects Enterprise branches with insurers and body shops to track the progress of repairs, saving everyone countless phone calls and faxes.

Save money to earn money. The technology, along with Enterprise employees working on site at insurers, has helped reduce the length of wreck-replacement rentals, costing money in the short run but bringing in more business.

Help employees grow. Most of Enterprise's top managers started at one of its branches. To add opportunities, Enterprise doesn't expand an office that has grown too busy. Instead, it opens another, partly to give new managers a chance.

Location of Enterprise

On FIVE occasions (probably more over this year) When the 1-800# is called they direct their customers to the Vero Beach Airport Enterprise office/drop off. Enterprise moved to U.S.1 in Vero Beach almost a year ago. Today a friend of mine was misslead and sent to the Airport only to be turned away and sent five miles south to the Office. He missed his Doctor's appointment. People have called the 800# numerout times only to be directed to the AIRPORT. Somebody is NOT DOING THEIR JOB. Change the D--- Directions Please.

Ron of FL @ Jul 07, 2009 14:13:17 PM

Add Your Thoughts
About You

advertisement

U.S. News Rankings & Research

Best Places

Search for the perfect place for you and your family.

Best Careers

Careers that offer strong outlooks and high job satisfaction.

Car Rankings & Reviews

Make an informed choice when shopping for your next car.

advertisement

Slide Shows

15 Government-Heavy (and Recession-Resistant) Cities

Cities that have lots of government workers have proven recession-resistant.

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!