Jack C. Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack C. Taylor
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
Jack Crawford Taylor
April 14, 1922 |
| Died | July 2, 2016 (aged 94) St. Louis, Missouri, US
|
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Washington University in St. Louis – Westminster College (Missouri) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Children | 2, including Andrew |
| Parent(s) |
|
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Lieutenant, USNR |
| Wars | World War II |
| Awards |
|
Jack Crawford Taylor (born April 14, 1922 – died July 2, 2016) was an American businessman. He became a billionaire. Jack Taylor started the famous Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company. He was also a brave fighter pilot. He flew for the United States Navy during World War II.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Jack Taylor was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the older of two sons. In 1940, he started studying at Washington University in St. Louis. But he left school to join the U.S. Navy.
During World War II, Jack Taylor was a pilot. He flew an F6F Hellcat fighter plane. He launched his plane from aircraft carriers. These ships were the USS Essex (CV-9) and the USS Enterprise (CV-6). He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He also received the Navy Air Medal. These awards are for bravery and skill in flying.
Building a Business Empire
After the war, Jack Taylor returned to St. Louis. He first started a delivery service. In 1948, he began working at a car dealership. He became a sales manager there.
In 1957, he had a new idea. He started a car leasing business. This means renting cars for a long time. He partnered with his boss, Arthur R. Lindburg. Jack took a pay cut and invested $25,000. His company was called Executive Leasing Company. It started with just seven cars. He focused on people whose own cars were being fixed.
In 1969, Jack Taylor expanded his business. He changed the company name to Enterprise. He named it after the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier. This was the ship he served on in World War II.
Unlike other rental companies, he focused on local customers. They offered a "We'll Pick You Up" service. This meant they would come to your home. By 1980, they had 6,000 cars. In 1989, the fleet grew to 50,000 cars. He then changed the name to Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
The company grew very fast. By 1992, they made over $1 billion in sales. By 1995, sales reached $2 billion. In 2007, Enterprise bought National Car Rental and Alamo Rent-A-Car. Jack Taylor's son, Andrew C. Taylor, is now the executive chairman. His granddaughter, Chrissy Taylor, is the current CEO.
Jack Taylor's main business rule was simple: "Take care of your customers and employees first, and profits will follow."
Helping Others: Philanthropy
Jack Taylor was also known for his generosity. He gave away a lot of money to help others. This is called philanthropy. Most of his gifts went to organizations in the St. Louis area.
- He gave $40 million to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
- The Missouri Botanical Garden received $30 million. This helped fund plant research around the world. It was the largest gift ever to a U.S. botanical garden.
- He gave $25 million to Washington University in St. Louis. This created a scholarship program. It helps students who need financial aid.
- Ranken Technical College in St. Louis received $1 million.
- He donated $22 million to 10 charities. These groups help children in the St. Louis area.
- In total, he gave $92.5 million to 13 cultural and charity groups.
Family Life
Jack Taylor had two children. His son is Andrew C. Taylor. Andrew is now in charge of Enterprise. His daughter, Jo Ann Taylor, manages the family's charity work. Jack Taylor passed away on July 2, 2016. He was 94 years old.
Honors and Recognition
A special building is being built in his honor. It is the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center. It is located at the United States Naval Institute in Annapolis. This center recognizes his service as a Navy pilot. It also honors his success as a business leader and his charity work.
