Jack Taylor

Jack Crawford Taylor, the founder of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, was born on April 14, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri. Jack grew up in St. Louis and would later attend Washington University before serving in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he returned to his hometown, where he would eventually start his car leasing business, which became one of the largest rental car companies in the world.

In 1957, Jack Taylor founded Executive Leasing Company in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, with just seven cars. His company initially offered leases to consumers who lacked access to other financing for automobile purchases. Over time, the business grew into Enterprise Rent-A-Car, named after the USS Enterprise, the aircraft carrier he served on during World War II.

By the year 1980, under Jack Taylor's leadership, Enterprise Rent-A-Car had grown significantly, reaching $1 million in revenue. This milestone was a testament to Taylor's vision and business acumen, as he expanded the company's services beyond leasing to include daily vehicle rentals, positioning Enterprise as a national leader in the rental car industry.

In 1991, Enterprise Rent-A-Car surpassed its competitors to become the largest rental car company in the United States. This achievement was partly due to the unique business model developed by Jack Taylor, focusing on“home-city” renting locations rather than airports, which provided rental services to local residents and businesses.

On June 12, 1998, the Enterprise Center, an arena located in St. Louis, Missouri, was named in honor of Jack Taylor’s Enterprise Rent-A-Car company. This venue hosts a variety of events and is home to the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League. The naming was part of a sponsorship deal that brought significant recognition to the Enterprise brand.

In November 2001, Jack Taylor made significant philanthropic contributions to Washington University in St. Louis. As a former student, his donation aimed to support scholarships and educational programs. Jack and his family have continually been involved in charitable efforts, contributing to the development and enhancement of educational and cultural institutions.

In July 2006, Jack Taylor stepped down as the CEO of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, passing the leadership to his son, Andrew Taylor. Jack retired after building one of the most successful private companies in America. His legacy included a unique business model that emphasized local service and customer satisfaction, which his son vowed to continue.

Jack Taylor passed away on July 2, 2016, at the age of 94. His death marked the end of an era for the rental car industry, but his legacy lived on through his company Enterprise Holdings. Taylor was known for his customer-centric approach and his contributions to the community through numerous philanthropic efforts.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Enterprise Holdings, the company Jack Taylor founded, faced new challenges and adapted its business operations. The pandemic's impact on travel led the company to implement significant health and safety measures for its customers and employees while supporting frontline workers with vehicle rentals.

In April 2021, Enterprise Holdings, carrying forward Jack Taylor's legacy of corporate responsibility, launched new environmental initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. The company committed to a more eco-friendly fleet of vehicles and supported projects to restore natural habitats and offset carbon footprints.