Celebrating a 30-year partnership with Enterprise Holdings and Enterprise Fleet Management

For more than three decades, WEX and Enterprise have built an enduring partnership built on mutual respect, collaboration, communication, and camaraderie. But how did the two companies get here?

Read on to hear more about how it all started, how the two companies work together, and where the partnership is headed as we look toward the next decade. Celebrate with WEX and Enterprise!

Hear what the collaboration has meant to Enterprise from Chrissy Taylor, Enterprise Holdings President, and CEO:

“In April of 1993 we signed our first contract with WEX, and as WEX, Enterprise Holdings, and Enterprise Fleet Management celebrate 30 years of working together, I want to take a moment to remark on the truly amazing partnership we have had over the years. This successful partnership is due to the trust and collaboration our businesses have been committed to since the inception of our work together. Thank you, WEX, for all your work to deliver exceptional customer service and for your support to help us succeed.”

A brief history of WEX and Enterprise

Mid-April 1993 marked the official start of a lasting partnership between WEX and Enterprise— now the world’s largest car rental operator and an industry leader in mobility and technology, as well as one of the top global travel providers. Through a global network that operates in more than 90 countries and territories, Enterprise provides extensive vehicle rental, carsharing, truck rental, fleet management, and retail car sales, as well as travel management and other transportation services to make travel easier and more convenient for customers.

In ‘93, leasing was a very small division of their business. Enterprise dealt mainly with small fleets and, as part of their strategy, sought to enter co-branded relationships with as many leasing companies in the country as they could. Enter WEX. The fintech met with Enterprise to demonstrate the advantages of its WEX fuel card.

Fast forward several years later and much of the Enterprise business comes from WEX fuel cards, a majority of which come from Enterprise Fleet Management. For Enterprise Fleet Management clients, drivers use their fuel cards at fueling stations across North America. When an Enterprise rental vehicle comes back and needs fuel, drivers also reach for the WEX fuel card and dispense over three million gallons of fuel a month.

After growing the partnership for several years, WEX and Enterprise Fleet Management looked north together — to Canada. In 2015, WEX partnered with Enterprise’s Canadian divisions and deployed its EFS Mastercard.

Shortly thereafter in 2019, Enterprise Holdings signed a contract with WEX to conduct business in the UK – one of the first customers to use WEX’s European products.

A well-oiled partnership built on collaboration between a fintech and a corporation

Steadfast communication and collaboration have been the driving factors behind the success of the partnerships WEX fosters — not just with Enterprise but with every organization with whom WEX does business. WEX recognized a valued partnership and what they could help the company achieve.

Sales collaboration and go-to-market strategies between WEX and Enterprise have always been similar — resolute with a strong focus on customer experience and service. But aligning to an even greater extent was necessary for continued growth, so in the early 2000s, WEX started an advisory board and built it with partners like Enterprise in mind.

From the beginning, Enterprise took an active role with the WEX advisory board – bringing a readiness for collaboration from the get-go. But, how did WEX know for certain that it was headed in a healthy direction and that the board would support both organizations? When Enterprise started asking questions like, “Is this good for WEX, too?” the company knew that it was well on its way to a true partnership.

The WEX advisory board strives to achieve the following:

• Demonstrate to partners what they’re doing and gather information and opinions illuminating a forward path while circumnavigating challenges and sharing wins.
• Provide a collaborative touch point, so each stakeholder can have a clear view of what others are seeing and experiencing in the marketplace.

While some conversations may be challenging, the engagements should be transparent, but what is important is that they’re balanced and help both parties manage the relationship with honesty and integrity. That’s how the real work gets done.

The advisory board meetings provided a forum for WEX and Enterprise to grow and get to know one another even more.  Today, WEX has relationships with many Enterprise locations across the U.S., where WEX attends seminars and conferences, provides training on its products, and even enjoys the occasional social time after work.

Innovating together for the wider fleet industry

30 years is a long time to grow, and, throughout the years, WEX and Enterprise have continued to innovate. When new opportunities arise, the two can leverage their collaborative partnership to enter markets with force, confidence, and mutual interest.

Collaboration is key. To be collaborative, there needs to be a balanced mix of:

• Cooperation
• Assertiveness
• Autonomy
• Responsibility/accountability
• Communication
• Coordination
• Mutual trust and respect

WEX is proud that its partnership with Enterprise highlights all these traits across many different facets of the business. WEX works hard to ensure these values are brought forward in every partnership. Together, WEX and Enterprise have reached new audiences and acquired new clients, creating a true partnership where everyone benefits.

To learn more about WEX, a dynamic and nimble global organization, please visit our About WEX page.