District Manager at Avis Budget Group Inc.
Confidence gained in the Air Force helps former officer keep car rental centers running smoothly.
By Warren Duffie

Bridget Andrews understands “trial by fire.” As a new Air Force services officer in 1999, she was stationed at a base in western Texas that was ravaged by a “100-year flood.”

“There was no water, electricity or anything,” she said. “This was right after I reported to my duty station. Next thing I know, I’m helping to organize distribution of water and other supplies throughout the base. We actually ended up distributing 1 million gallons of water. So no matter how crazy my day can be at work, I just think back on that experience and know I can handle whatever comes my way.”

On the Job
Such a positive attitude is useful in Andrew’s role at Avis Budget Group Inc., which is a leading provider of vehicle rental services through its Avis and Budget brands. Andrews is the district manager for the Avis and Budget car rental centers at Denver International Airport. Heading up one of the company’s five busiest locations, Andrews commands 200 employees and 13 managers. “We actually have two peak seasons,” she said. “Summer and January through March. Colorado’s mountains never go away and always attract a lot of vacationers and outdoor lovers.”

Andrews, 43, works from 0630 to 1630 and wears a lot of hats. “One of the most important aspects of my job is prioritizing,” said Andrews, a former captain. “The most challenging thing is that priorities change constantly in the car rental industry. From long lines and demanding customers to power outages and even snowstorms, you have to be adaptable.”

In Uniform
Growing up, Andrews never imagined herself in the military. She graduated in 1992 from Texas A&M with a degree in journalism, moved to North Carolina and worked as a newspaper reporter for four years. As time went on, she wanted to develop leadership skills and manage people.

“Texas A&M is known for graduating a large amount of military officers,” Andrews said. “I was always impressed with their confidence and leadership abilities, so I began to seriously consider entering the military. I chose the Air Force because I heard they took very good care of their people.”

In 1996 she enrolled in a special ROTC program with Texas Christian University, which allowed her to earn a commission in two years. After services officer training at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, Andrews served in Texas, Hawaii, Iraq and Montana.

The Transition
Ready to try her hand at civilian employment again, Andrews separated from the Air Force in 2004. She took transition classes and crafted a variety of résumés and cover letters. She interviewed with several companies, including Avis Budget Group, which later flew her to Denver for a follow-up interview.

By the time of her August separation date, Andrews had landed a spot in the company’s six-month fast-track management program. She held several management positions in Colorado and Texas before being promoted to her current job in 2007.

“One of the great things about this company is the variety of opportunities,” she said. “There are so many positions, you can work wherever you want and advance as far as you want. The pay and benefits are also good.”

How’d You Get That Job?
Ready to try her hand at civilian employment again, Andrews separated from the Air Force in 2004. She took transition classes and crafted a variety of résumés and cover letters. She interviewed with several companies, including Avis Budget Group, which later flew her to Denver for a follow-up interview.

By the time of her August separation date, Andrews had landed a spot in the company’s six-month fast-track management program. She held several management positions in Colorado and Texas before being promoted to her current job in 2007.

What Andrews Likes About Her Job

• The diversity of customers. An airport is like the United Nations.
• My hard work is appreciated and rewarded.

Andrews’ Advice:
Start planning early. “Have a game plan about where you want to live and in which industry you want to work.

Don’t leave things until the last minute. Also, make sure you have some savings set aside to tide you over. Finding a job can take awhile.”

Use your network. “Keep in touch with everyone you meet. You never know where your next job might come from.

Did You Know?
Avis Budget Group, Inc. is a leading provider of vehicle rental services, with operations in more than 70 countries.  Through its Avis and Budget brands, the company is a leading vehicle rental company in each of North America, Australia, New Zealand and certain other regions.