One way we’re celebrating Black History Month is by highlighting members of the Black community and their career stories at Enterprise throughout the month of February. Kevin Moore took some time to talk with us about what Black History Month means to him and to reflect on his experience and career growth at Enterprise.
Describe your career path with Enterprise.
I began my Enterprise career 36 years ago as a car prep, or what we now call an Automotive Detailer. I would describe my career path as a journey.
When I took my first position, I thought it was a way to gain some experience and possibly build up my resume for something greater down the road. As I began working my way upwards, I discovered two things about myself that kept me coming back for more. The first was that I liked surrounding myself with good people. We all seemed to get along well because we not only had things in common from a social perspective, but even more importantly, we were very competitive and enjoyed working as a team to be the very best.
The second thing I realized was that I enjoyed the various levels of responsibility that I had earned and what it meant to be a leader in this organization. As a leader, you had to enjoy teaching others what you knew and fostering their development. This by no means was an easy task, but one I’ve always found rewarding. So, throughout my career I’ve learned that the best way to move forward is to invest in the people around you.
A career will have its ups and downs. Many will say that it’s like a marathon, not a sprint. So, when you’re winning look to help those behind you improve, and when you’re falling behind reach out to those ahead of you for advice. Everyone who has made it to the top has had help from someone else.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It means a great deal to me. It’s a time of reflection for us all as Black history is America’s history. We have a chance to reflect on how Black Americans have helped to shape who we are as Americans through their many contributions to society. Be it in science, humanities, serving in the military, business, or athletics we have all benefited from those who have come before us and should pay tribute to them. From time to time I think about how my life is so much different from those who have paved the way for me. Our parents, grandparents and role models sacrificed everything for the next generation to have a better life. To me, it is a part of the dream that all of us have for our children and beyond, and I’m eternally grateful for all they have done.
Is there a Black leader, past or present, who inspires you?
There are many, but the ones who stand out in my mind the most are Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Muhammad Ali. As history has recorded, both men made great personal sacrifices for the betterment of people that they had never met. People who were under-valued, under-represented, and often scapegoated by those who either willingly or unwillingly benefited from this form of oppression.
Who inspires me? Barack Obama. His personal story to me says it all: A black child raised by a single parent who becomes the President of the United States of America. His story shows us that in our society, when one prepares themselves and surrounds themselves with the right people, anything is possible.
What keeps you at Enterprise?
The people of Enterprise Holdings keep me at Enterprise Holdings. Although we come from unique backgrounds, we all have dreams of bettering our lives and the lives of those around us. We believe in hard work and doing things the right way. We love to compete and enjoy celebrating our successes with our teams.
What has surprised you most about working at Enterprise?
The challenge. When you’re competing to be the best there’s always a challenge to be met. There’s always an opportunity to improve. If you’re looking for ways to better yourself or those around you, then this is the career for you. In this career you will be challenged but mightily rewarded for all your efforts.
Is there an Enterprise Holdings program that has impacted you, or that you find motivating/encouraging?
The Career and Family Focus Groups that our operating groups organize on a local level , along with the mentorships that I’ve had in the past. There are people willing to sacrifice their time to better those around them. These focus groups are inspiring to me, and one of the reasons why this company continues to be successful, regardless of what adversity comes its way.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
A career will have its ups and downs. Many will say that it’s like a marathon, not a sprint. So, when you’re winning look to help those behind you improve, and when you’re falling behind reach out to those ahead of you for advice. Everyone who has made it to the top has had help from someone else.
