We celebrate the differences that make us unique all year long, but we’re taking this time to highlight coworkers who are members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Braden E., Management Trainee in Nashville, TN, feels lucky to have found such a supportive and welcoming community as he began his career after college – where he can be out, proud and safe.
What initially attracted you to a career at Enterprise?
I was in undergrad, at Middle Tennessee State University, when Bethany B. a Talent Acquisition Manager, and Holden R. an Area Manager, hosted a sales competition for our class. We role played and interacted throughout the day – I knew after that I would enjoy the work.
Tell us about your career with Enterprise. How did you start and how did you get to where you are now?
I started in September 2019 as an intern in Nashville, TN. While I was still an intern, I accepted a position as a Management Trainee. Two days after my December graduation, I started the Management Training Program.
Why do you enjoy working for Enterprise?
As a Management Trainee, my days are always fun and different and that’s a huge positive for me. I also knew coming out of college that I didn’t want to be stuck behind a desk and that I wanted to learn something new every day. And I’ve found all of that at Enterprise.
When did you come out at work? Why is it important for you to be out at work?
It was pretty much when I came in the door. My friend Meghan is also a Management Trainee, and I shadowed her during my interview. When she was showing me around the branch, I said, “I’m going to state the obvious, yes I am gay.” It was an icebreaker. But it didn’t matter because I could tell by the vibe in that branch that the attitude was super positive.
But aside from little conversations like that, I’ve never really had to come out. I’ve never been prejudged as a person at Enterprise. The only thing people focus on is my work ethic and my customer service.
How does Enterprise support LGBTQ employees and allies?
I feel like I’ve always been supported. From leadership to my teammates, everyone has been super kind and open. I’ve never been pressured to hide being gay. Even in college, I felt pressured to hide a bit of myself. So it’s nice to be somewhere as an adult and be open as a gay man. Also, I know that people value me as a member of the team. The best gift I got since I’ve been here, was an EnterPRIDE bracelet Bethany got me for winning a contest. I’ve worn it for the past six months.
Does Enterprise embody an inclusive work environment? What does that look, sound and feel like?
Heck yeah. I know it’s not always socially appropriate to be out, loud and proud depending on where you live or work. But I feel safe to be gay here. When I came out to my mom in high school, she was worried it would be so much harder for me in life. So far, I’ve never felt pressured to hide who I am. If someone asks, I’m open. If someone approaches, I don’t hide it. Honestly, I’m so lucky to have found that in my first job. I feel safe and that’s the most important thing to me. My branch manager told me one time, “The thing that interests me most is that you work hard and succeed. Everything else about you, your personality, etc., is icing on the cake.” That really comforted me.
What has it been like to work for Enterprise during the time of COVID-19?
It’s been really interesting to see how fast the business has shifted. It was a difficult time for the business and for all of my teammates. I feel super lucky I was furloughed only for a short time before I was able to return to work.
Working for Enterprise, I feel very safe as far as our attention to the current pandemic. From the Complete Clean Pledge, to wearing facecoverings, to taking care of our customers curbside instead of inside the branch – I feel like Enterprise is looking out for me and our customers.