Bob Ansett transformed a modest two-person operation into a vibrant and successful enterprise. Under his leadership, Budget Rent A Car grew to exceed $400 million in turnover, becoming a prime example of a business built on a foundation where every employee was committed to excellence and played a vital role in the company’s success.
Budget Rent A Car was ahead of its time in employee relations, pioneering health and fitness programs well before they became mainstream. The company's cutting-edge marketing and outstanding customer service earned acclaim in Australia and around the globe.
Despite encountering severe financial challenges due to a major airline strike, Budget was eventually acquired by Budget America through a joint venture with Ford, General Motors, Nissan, and Toyota. Today, Budget Rent A Car operates primarily as a franchise system.
Bob Ansett confronted his company's financial crisis with the same determination and resilience that had driven Budget to the forefront of the car rental industry. His conduct provided a clear lesson in how true leaders behave in times of adversity, perfectly illustrating Hemingway's concept of grace under pressure. Throughout his career, Bob has averaged up to 100 public speaking engagements annually, continuing to share his expertise on customer service, innovative marketing, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of excellence.
Following his departure from Budget, Bob established Bob Ansett Marketing Services to manage his speaking engagements and offer consulting services focused on customer service.
Bob Ansett has also held several prominent positions, including President of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, President of the Victorian Congress of Employers Association, Vice Chairman of the Moomba Festival, founder and inaugural President of the Australian Customer Service Association, Chairman of the Federal Government’s Trade Negotiations Advisory Group, and Chairman of the North Melbourne Football Club.
