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Enterprise Fleet Services

Company: Enterprise Fleet Services
Company Division/Group: A division of Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Company Description: Enterprise Fleet Services, a full-service fleet management company for businesses with small to mid-size fleets, helps customers improve cash flow, lower costs, and expand credit lines. We have the products and services our customers need and are committed to providing a level of local customer service unmatched in our industry.
Nomination Category: Organization Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Support Organization

Nomination Title: Teamwork Prevails in the Heat of National a Disaster

   1. Tell the story about what this nominated organization/department achieved in the past year (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

When Hurricane Katrina struck, Enterprise Fleet Services, a full-service fleet management company for businesses with mid-size fleets, was in the final phase of training for an updated disaster plan developed by its parent company, Enterprise Rent-A-Car.  Before training was completed, it not only tested the plan, it ultimately created new chapters on moving entire operations when a whole city shuts down and normal telephone, cell phone and computer systems are completely interrupted. Like many businesses in the Gulf States, Enterprise Fleet Services was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. In addition to taking care of its employees who were displaced by the catastrophe, Enterprise also needed to take care of customers, especially local companies whose services were desperately needed for relief and recovery efforts. Internally, Enterprise created a toll-free hotline for its displaced employees and maintained all pay and benefits for employees affected by the storm.  In addition, the company’s Emergency Assistance Program was offered to those suffering severe financial hardship and $1 million was donated to the American Red Cross’ Hurricane Relief Fund through the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation. At the same time, internal teamwork and quickly improvised technology support enabled Enterprise Fleet Services to continue serving customers. With branches in New Orleans closed, phone lines to assist customers were redirected to the company’s Houston office and approximately 15 employees from New Orleans were relocated to Houston.  Together, both groups worked long hours, six days a week, for nearly 5 weeks.  With no lead time, new technology modifications had to be developed to accommodate two different groups operating from a single computer system.  Because Houston and New Orleans are in different groups, according to Enterprise’s corporate structure of separate profit centers, each has distinct access for posting checks, paying bills, managing payroll and more importantly, acquiring new and replacement vehicles for customers. At corporate headquarters, Enterprise’s IT department quickly redirected access and provided support for some of the most critical functions. The disaster also created an urgent need for vehicles. But replacement vehicles not only were in short supply, it was difficult to transport to them to New Orleans.  Working collaboratively with Enterprise groups in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and many other locations, Enterprise utilized its extensive network of internal resources to locate and deliver replacement vehicles, replacing approximately 150 vehicles for customers in the first few weeks.

Many customers urgently needing vehicles were those whose services were desperately needed in their local communities, such as restoring electric, plumbing and other vital services. For example, Mechanical Construction Company (MCC) lost one-fourth of its fleet. But, with orders to repair hotels needed to house FEMA officials and Red Cross first responders, MCC needed their construction and service divisions up and running. Not only was Enterprise able to quickly secure 13 vehicles to replace MCC’s flooded units, they also added 12 more units as MCC’s needs changed. Throughout the ordeal, Enterprise never sought or pursued publicity opportunities. Instead, all communications programs were focused on internal initiatives designed to support employees and customers.

   2. List hyperlinks to any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that support the claims made in the section above. IMPORTANT: Begin each link with http://, and enclose each link in square brackets; for example, [http://www.youraddress.com]:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Announces Plan in Response to Hurricane Katrina
http://aboutus.enterprise.com/file/72/Hurricane_Katrina_Sep05_.pdf

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation Announces $1 Million Contribution to Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort
http://aboutus.enterprise.com/file/71/Hurricane_KAT_Donation_Aug05.pdf

Enterprise Fleet Services Reopens New Orleans Office
http://www.fleet-central.com/af/t_inside.cfm?action=news_pick&storyID=21280

Enterprise Fleet Services Reopens Two South Florida Offices
http://www.fleet-central.com/af/t_inside.cfm?action=news_pick&storyID=21434

   3. Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the leader(s) of the nominated organization/department:

Steve Bloom began his career with Enterprise Rent-A-Car in 1983 as a management trainee at one of the company’s rental offices in Southern California, shortly after graduating from San Diego State University. As is the case with every Enterprise management trainee, Steve started behind the rental counter learning the importance of superior customer service, an Enterprise trademark. As one of the company’s top performers throughout the last 20 years, Steve has been instrumental in helping the company achieve its tremendous success and growth. In December 2000, Steve took on the position as Senior Vice President of the Fleet Services division.