May is Military Appreciation Month, and every year we take time to honor those who have served our country or are currently serving. We also recognize that many of them rely on the support of a partner. Whether they’re taking the lead at home, offering emotional support, or moving their family across the country, military spouses are true heroes. In celebration of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Aaron and Kendra are sharing their stories. Keep reading to find out how their Enterprise teams have supported them in navigating it all.
Kendra M., Branch Manager, Manhattan, KS
Kendra started her Enterprise career in 2013 as a Management Trainee in Dayton, OH, where she was promoted to Management Assistant before transferring to Orlando, FL and becoming a Station Manager. She was promoted to Branch Manager in 2019 in Merritt Island Florida, and is currently a Branch Manager in Manhattan, KS.
Kendra’s husband of ten years, David, is a Major in the US Air Force, having served for almost 11 years. They have been stationed together in Hawaii, Ohio, Florida and Kansas.
What challenges have you faced as a military spouse, and how have you overcome them?
Our biggest challenge has been being away from family. We Facetime at least once a week with them. We also plan one family getaway a year, so we get to keep making memories.
How has Enterprise, and your teammates, supported you as a military spouse?
Enterprise has been very thoughtful and supportive throughout my whole career. While stationed in Florida we had our first baby, and my husband left on a one-year deployment. Everyone knew I had no family nearby, so my coworkers became family. Two co-workers offered to baby sit whenever I worked the weekends. My area manager and branch manager accommodated my schedule so I could pick up my son from daycare. We recently went through our second deployment and my current area manager immediately did the same, working with me to adjust my hours.
What keeps you at Enterprise?
Enterprise continues to train and help me grow as an employee, leader and person. The company has also taken care of me through every move. I don’t know any other company that will go so far to help an employee relocate.
What has surprised you most about working at Enterprise?
The friendship and memories I have created with my coworkers. I am still in contact with friends I made in previous locations.
Is there an Enterprise program that has impacted you, or that you find motivating/encouraging?
The Management Training Program has had a big impact on me. I couldn’t wait to become a branch manager and get the chance to visit corporate headquarters for the Branch Manager Workshop! While I was there, I heard so many stories from other managers that motivated me to become a better version of myself.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Do not give up. Do not let a bad day, or even month, discourage you.
Aaron R., Enterprise Fleet Management Account Executive, Jacksonville, FL
Aaron started at Enterprise in 2006 as a Management Trainee in Washington state, and she’s worked in several different roles and locations since. She moved up to Management Assistant, then Airport Manager, before joining Enterprise Fleet Management as an Account Manager. Then, after two years as a Branch Manager, she returned to Fleet Management as an Account Executive in 2018.
Aaron’s husband, Sean, is a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. They’ve been married for 12 years and were stationed together in Washington, Nebraska, Florida, and Missouri before returning to Florida.
What challenges have you faced as a military spouse, and how have you overcome them?
Moving every few years has never been easy, but having the ability to transfer with Enterprise and knowing I can continue my career with the company has always been a blessing and made things slightly less stressful.
How has Enterprise, and your teammates, supported you as a military spouse?
Our team has always been extremely supportive. Most importantly, they have been flexible and understanding during all of the most challenging times: sick kids, moves, and deployments.
What keeps you at Enterprise?
The team of people I work with, the support of the company and, most importantly, the endless opportunity.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Control what you can control and don’t worry about the rest.
