When a fire erupts, and the Forest Service is called to the scene;

When U.S. troops in Germany need vehicles for training;

When FEMA sends out Search and Rescue teams during a hurricane;

Rich is there to help – and Enterprise is there to pick them up.

Rich D., Business Rental Strategic Sales Director, grows government business for Enterprise. Two years into the role, he reflects on serving those who serve our country.

When Rich began his career in 1992 as a Management Trainee in Philadelphia, he never expected renting cars would lead to him playing fetch with the First Dog in the White House Rose Garden.

Rich goes to Washington

In 2003, Rich moved to Washington D.C. to focus on Federal business and subsequently helped launch the General Services Administration (GSA) contract.

The GSA’s Rental Supplemental Vehicle Program (RSVP) helps the U.S. government respond promptly to emergencies and natural disasters, such as forest fires.

“The 2018 wildfire season was the deadliest and most destructive in history, impacting all of our West Coast operations” says Rich. “Our groups worked tirelessly to get fire fighters the off-road vehicles they needed to help save countless lives.”

Strengthening Relationships

Rich’s success stems from building relationships and working closely with Enterprise’s legal and compliance teams. And when an opportunity to do federal business is presented directly to an Operating Group, Rich and team step up to advise and support their efforts.

“Our coverage and willingness to listen to our government customers’ needs means we are poised to continue to grow and expand,” he says.

Serving those who serve

Working with various government agencies, what stands out most to Rich is the overall concern government employees have for the well-being of others.

“After Hurricane Maria hit, the military and FEMA worked 24 hours a day to get people the help they desperately needed,” says Rich. “Having the opportunity to work with first responders and the military, I’ve seen the level of effort and sacrifice put in for the wellbeing of us all.”

Earlier this year, Rich traveled to Germany to further discuss how to support U.S. service members in Europe. “People serving overseas love seeing a brand they recognize and trust, and that’s what they find in Enterprise,” says Rich. “Being able to make rentals an easy process allows them to focus on enjoying the free time they have with their family.”

Today, Enterprise is contracted to do business with more than 70 military base locations worldwide.

No matter what government agency he’s supporting, Rich is committed to finding transportation solutions to support those serving the country.

“It’s humbling to be able to give something back to those who give so much,” says Rich.

And in case you’re wondering about that game of fetch… Rich helped coordinate vehicles used throughout a presidential campaign. After the win, Rich was on a West Wing tour and while visiting the Rose Garden, met the First Dog. “When the nation’s top dog wants to play, how do you say no?”