The last word: Rob Ingram

Rob Ingram, director of business rental, Enterprise Rent-a-Car

What has been your biggest achievement in your current role?

Selecting a team that is having terrific, continued success in a difficult market. If my guidance has helped them with this success, then that would make me proud.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

My first area manager Jim Runnels. He hired me straight out of university and was a key role model in the early days. Jim helped me see that I could benefit from learning about good and bad management styles from all managers and that my personal performance and ability would determine my future.

What is your dream holiday?

Sorrento, Italy. The food, the people and the surroundings are worth going back for again and again.

Who did you last receive a text message from?

My 11-year-old daughter sent me a text for Children in Need with an outline of Pudsey Bear made up of dots and dashes.

You are on a desert island – what three things do you take with you?

My iPad (I’ll need a solar battery), margarita mix and a BBQ.

What is your favourite sitcom?

Outnumbered. Very politically incorrect humour, and I can relate to the characters as the kids in the show are similar ages to my three.

What is your favourite film?

Toy Story.

When was the last time you took public transport?

Two days ago, I took the train into London for a meeting with a customer.

If you won the Lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?

A desert island because I could really do with a few days to myself with some margaritas, BBQ food and a catch-up with the iPad.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

Summer break as a teenager growing up in Santa Barbara, California. Waking up at 10am, riding my bike to the beach, playing beach volleyball and windsurfing almost every day – perfect.

What is the first thing you would do if you were made Prime Minister?

I’d appoint somebody who is not elected, but can find areas with the biggest waste of public money and has the power to stop it. Everybody sees the waste and everybody wants to do something about it. We wouldn’t have to lose valuable jobs if we could reduce the wastage.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Calm, constructive and fair.

What is your favourite dish at a restaurant?

Spicy chicken burrito washed down with a large margarita.

What was your biggest mistake in business?

After 19 years, I’ve made many mistakes, but they have all been good learning opportunities that have made me a better manager.

What is your favourite book?

Angels and Demons. Great plot twists and intrigue.

What is the one object you couldn’t live without?

My iPad. I remember telling my son that I thought it was an oversized iPod Touch and not worth it. Now it’s the first thing I’d take with me if the house was on fire.

Who was your childhood hero?

My dad. He was always positive and happy. When he was working a second job in the evening at a convenience store/off-license, he’d sometimes take me with him to hang out and help. If he was frustrated about having to work extra hours, he never showed it.

When did you last feel guilty about the environment?

When I drove from Surrey to Manchester and back with no passengers for one meeting.

Which historical character do you most identify with?

Speedy Gonzales, because I talk and walk fast.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Don’t change a thing; your life is going to turn out just the way you want it to.

Which superhero from comics would you most like to be?

Superman. Not for his super powers, but for his perfect hair.

What is your dream car?

A purple Ferrari. I saw one when I was about five and told my parents: “That’s the exact car I want when I grow up.”

What was the pivotal moment in your life?

Backpacking through Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific for eight months at the age of 18. I probably had 10 years’ worth of experiences in those eight months.

Little did I know that an English girl with whom I exchanged addresses while in Australia 26 years ago would become my wife. We’ve just celebrated 21 years of marriage and have three wonderful children.