Stacy M. is on a mission.

“A lot of people don’t know how Enterprise is committed to bringing veterans into the workforce and helping them succeed,” she says. “But that’s our story – and it’s really cool to talk about it.”

The story goes back more than 60 years, to when Jack Taylor founded the company and named it after the USS Enterprise, one of the aircraft carriers from which he flew as a Navy pilot. Even today, about 10 percent of the company’s hires in the U.S. are military veterans, notes Stacy, a Group Talent Acquisition Manager in Philadelphia.

“Inspired by Enterprise’s deep military roots, we make a concerted effort to share employment opportunities with veterans and explain why we are a great company to work with,” says Stacy.

Making the connection

About seven years ago, that desire led Stacy to connect with the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network (GPVN), a nonprofit organization helping veterans transition to successful careers in business. Before long, Stacy was invited to serve on its board – a role she filled from 2013-2017.

“It’s important in my role to share with veterans how our company works and why it might make sense for them – fresh out of the military and often with a history of work experience – to start at an entry level position and work their way up.”

Mission granted

Grants from the Enterprise Holdings Foundation have helped Stacy support GPVN’s work…and accomplish their mutual mission. Stacy has used grants to support the GPVN Speed Networking and Employer Roundtable events.

The networking sessions give veterans a chance to practice job interview skills, while learning to present their military experience in a way that appeals to civilian employers. The roundtables bring business leaders together to share best-practices for hiring and developing those who are transitioning out of their military careers.

“The Foundation’s support really makes a difference,” Stacy says. “And it’s exciting that we have the opportunity to ask for funding to help our communities.”

In that respect, Stacy has plenty of company among her colleagues across Enterprise. About 98 percent of the grants made by the Foundation are driven by employee requests, to support charitable causes they actively champion. These contributions totaled about $51.8 million in FY2018.

The Philadelphia Operating Group has hired many veterans as a result of the GPVN events. But Stacy says it’s about much more than filling an open position.

“It’s about building relationships and helping local individuals, which makes the whole community stronger,” she says. “Enterprise may be a large company, but we still have the chance to make a difference locally – and that’s always a great story to share!”