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John Hertz

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Entrepreneur

The Resume

    (April 10, 1879-October 8, 1961)
    Resided in Chicago, Illinois
    Founded Yellow Cab Company (Chicago) and Chicago Motor Coach Company
    Founded Hertz Drive-Ur-Self Corporation

Why he might be annoying:

    Although Hertz Rent-a-car started in 1918, he did not purchase the company until 1923.
    Walter L. Jacobs rented the first car, starting a rental car company (September 22, 1918). He sold the company to Hertz (1923).
    Hertz rent-a-car was fined $23 million for consumer fraud (1988).
    Although safely the #1 rent-a-car company, the Avis 'We're #2, we try harder' ad campaign took a toll in lowering employee morale and consumer perception.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He set up a foundation that awards an annual $25,000 scholarship.
    He owned Reigh Count, which won the Kentucky Derby.
    He gave a lot of money for U.S. defense. The US Dept of Defense gave him an award (1958).
    His rent-a-car company has grown to 6,500 locations with over ½ million vehicles.
    They are not only the #1 rent-a-car company but control ¾ of the market.
    To boost employee morale and consumer confidence, eventually Hertz ran some ads countering Avis's ads. Their ads showed not only why Hertz was #1 but also why 'their competitor' was #2.
    Hertz rent-a-car innovated 'Rent here, leave there' allowing renters to leave their car at any Hertz rental station.

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 9 Votes: 88.89% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 3 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 6 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 6 Votes: 16.67% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 5 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 13 Votes: 61.54% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 22 Votes: 45.45% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 13 Votes: 30.77% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 11 Votes: 54.55% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 16 Votes: 43.75% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 20 Votes: 45.00% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 38 Votes: 47.37% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 62 Votes: 64.52% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 101 Votes: 48.51% Annoying
    In 2005, Out of 190 Votes: 52.11% Annoying
    In 2004, Out of 91 Votes: 49.45% Annoying