Snowy winter was busy for car rental agency
Diana LaPointe joined Enterprise Rent-A-Car after college and now manages locations in Arlington and Cambridge. (Joanne Rathe/ Globe Staff)Enterprise Rent-A-Car this year plans to hire some 8,500 recent college graduates looking for a career path similar to Diana LaPointe’s.
LaPointe, 26, began as a management assistant after graduating from Framingham State College in 2006, then moved up to assistant branch manager, and finally manager. Today, she runs Enterprise’s Arlington and Cambridge locations.
How many cars do you rent on a typical day?
This winter, with the stormy weather, we were often juggling 30 to 40 cars a day, with customers needing transportation after accidents or during car repairs.
What common questions do you get from customers?
“I don’t have license on me: Can I rent a car anyway?’’ or “I have an old expired license: Can I rent a car?’’ The answer is “No.’’
Is it true rental cars can be hotbeds of bacteria?
I’ve seen my share of filthy cars, with crumbs everywhere, napkins, and take-out containers. But when a car is returned, it doesn’t go out until it’s thoroughly cleaned. My motto is, don’t put a customer into a car unless you’d put your own grandmother into it.
What sort of customers do you see?
Everyone from the soccer dad who needs three minivans to take a team to a tournament, to a groom who wants a white SUV because his family is in town for his wedding. It’s a lot of fun finding out what is going on in people’s lives.
Can you take home a different rental car every day?
Yes, I have the benefit of a company car. Tonight, I’ll drive a Honda Civic home. It can be confusing in a parking lot. I stand there, scratch my head, and think, “What car did I take home today anyway?’’
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