Fabio wanted to gain hands-on experience across customer service and sales; when he found the Management Training Programme he knew the role was right for him. With our help and guidance, he quickly learnt how to manage a successful, multimillion-pound business. With his hard work and dedication and Enterprise’s training, development and unique promote-from-within culture, Fabio progressed in his career is now our youngest Branch Manager in Europe. We caught up with him to find out what bought him to Enterprise and what his experience has been like so far.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Fabio. I am currently a Branch Manager in France at Enterprise’s – Le Creusot TGV branch, to the North East of Paris, and I have just been promoted to Branch Manager of the largest non-airport location in France at Lyon Est.

What initially attracted you to Enterprise?

I was looking for work placements to complement my BTS (HND equivalent) in Negotiation and Customer Relationships, that’s when I found Enterprise. The Management Training Programme focuses on sales and customer service, which was perfect for my course, and my course could teach me a lot that I could put into practice as a Management Trainee – it was perfect!

Tell us about your career path so far.

I started on Enterprise’s Management Training Programme in October 2017 as a work-study student. I spent two days in college and the rest of the week in a rental branch. I was very young, at only 17, and I had a vision of the workplace as somewhere that would be very monotonous and not much fun. That couldn’t have been further from the truth – the Management Training Programme allowed me to learn a lot about how to operate a business and the variety of things I get involved in day to day means you never get a chance to be bored! I worked with a large team at an airport location; it was fun to learn together and from each other.

In January 2019, I completed the Management Training Programme and 5 months later I was awarded my BTS qualification. In November 2019, I was promoted to Assistant Manager, just 2 years after joining Enterprise. In August 2020, when I was just 20 years old, I was promoted to Branch Manager of Le Creusot TGV  – and named as the youngest Branch Manager in Europe. In April 2021, I will start in my new position as Branch Manager of France’s largest non-airport location in Lyon-Est.

How would you describe the culture at Enterprise?

I was aware of the fun and friendly culture during the recruitment process. Part of the assessment process is to go on a branch visit, I was very nervous but everyone was supportive; they wanted me to learn during the time I was there, not just observe, it made me feel excited about the opportunity.

Enterprise is a company that is guided by its founding values, one of which is ‘we’re a fun and friendly place where teamwork rules.’ It’s easy to integrate and you can build a strong support network because you get to know a lot of people. I have moved locations throughout my time with Enterprise and whenever I arrive in a city, I know I am not alone because I have my Enterprise colleagues to connect with.

What three skills are essential to your role at Enterprise?

For me the top three would be:

Communication – this is important with your team and with your customers. Remembering that being great at communication is the ability to listen as well as speak!

Leadership – it’s a Management Training Programme, Enterprise are training you to become a future leader. It’s important to remember that the focus is always on teamwork, it’s not just about your personal progression, it’s also about the team.

Sales – you have to love selling something, you’re encouraged to sell options that are valuable to your customer. We also sell the Management Training Programme to encourage great candidates to apply and you have to sell yourself in your next interview!

Enterprise actually recruits using six core competencies, the additional, and just as important, ones are – customer service, work ethic and flexibility.

What advice would you give someone who is considering a career at Enterprise? ​

Enterprise is a big company and one that affords everyone has a chance to succeed. Wherever you come from and whatever your background there is a place for everyone. I have malformations in both hands and I was impressed by the support and guidance of my colleague and managers; this unfailing support has reassured me that this is the right company for me. It’s hard work, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to run a successful operation, but there are constant development and progression opportunities. My advice is – apply now; there’s nothing to fear.

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