2017 marks our 60th anniversary, so we’re taking the opportunity to explore some of the key milestones in our history. Did you know it was only in our second decade that we came up with our now trademark “We’ll pick you up” service?
During its second decade, Enterprise continued to grow, expanding beyond its hometown St. Louis roots and beyond its core car rental and leasing business.
Focusing on neighbourhood locations and the needs of local renters, the company opened offices in Kansas City, Atlanta, Houston and key markets in Florida – in fact, it was in Orlando that an entrepreneurial manager pioneered our trademark “We’ll pick you up” service which was quickly adopted throughout our operations.
After surviving the energy crisis and its lingering effects on the auto business, the company sought ways to diversify into non-automotive areas – acquiring a hotel/motel in-room coffee service operation and a Mexican food business. Here are some highlights from this decade.
1968
- Annual revenue exceeds $1.5 million.
1969
- Over 5,000 lease units in service.
- Company expands beyond St. Louis as Enterprise Leasing.
- Company expands into Atlanta.
1970
- Over 500 rental cars in service.
1971
- Company expands into Orlando.
1972
- Now-famous trademark “We’ll pick you up” tradition begins in Orlando.
- Company expands into Kansas City and Tampa.
1973
- More than 1,000 rental units in service.
- Company expands into Houston.
1974
- Company expands into Jacksonville.
- Keefe Coffee acquired.
1976
- Annual revenue approaches $15 million.
1977
- Over 10,000 lease units in service.
- Total assets exceed $50 million.
- Mexican Inn Chili Products acquired.
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This blog originally appeared on the Enterprise Holdings website. Enterprise Holdings is Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s parent company.