Conversations That Matter - Enterprise Mobility's Global Expansion

Introduction

• Podcast from St. Louis University's Boeing Institute of International Business.
• Episode revisits a conversation from December 2021 with Peter Smith, VP of Global Franchising at Enterprise Holdings.
• Focus on Enterprise Mobility's expansion using a franchise strategy.
• Sponsored by Griner BioOne North America.

Background of Enterprise Holdings

• Headquartered in Clayton, Missouri.
• Revenues of $22 billion, 9,500 branches in 100 countries.
• Founded by Jack Taylor in 1957.
• Initial focus on local car rental branches, later expanded to airports.
• International expansion started with Canada, UK, Ireland, and Germany.

Motivation for International Expansion

• Guided by the principle: "We want to be the best, not the biggest."
• Focus on customer care and employee opportunities.
• Expansion driven by customer demand and strategic opportunities.

International Expansion Strategy

• Initially targeted markets similar to the U.S. (Canada, UK, Ireland).
• Faced challenges in Germany due to market and cultural differences.
• Importance of local market knowledge and cultural understanding.

Transition to Franchising

• Significant shift with the acquisition of Alamo and National in 2007.
• Franchising provided local market knowledge and speed to market.
• Challenges included finding and integrating franchisees.

Franchising Benefits and Challenges

• Solved lack of local knowledge and speed to market.
• Importance of identifying quality partners with operational excellence and aligned values.
• Franchising required adapting the company's culture and operations to diverse markets.

Ensuring Consistent Brand Experience

• Quality partner test to ensure alignment with franchisees.
• Importance of maintaining the brand promise and customer service standards.

Lessons Learned and Future Outlook

• Continuous learning and adaptation in franchising strategy.
• Emphasis on responding effectively when issues arise.

Conclusion

• Acknowledgment of St. Louis University's support and collaboration.
• Future episodes to focus on global risk management.
• Encouragement for listeners to subscribe and learn more about the Executive Master of International Business Program at SLU.