Business Magnate. In 1946 he opened the world’s first airport car rental location at Willow Run Airport, Detroit, with a grand total of three cars. He founded Avis Rent-a-Car with $10,000 of his own money and $75,000 borrowed against his name. He also introduced many innovative business practices, including national franchise licensing, corporate credit cars and enhanced customer service practices. Avis became the world’s largest car rental system until it was overtaken by Hertz after years of ferocious competition. Today, Avis worldwide operates in over 4,000 locations in 114 countries. After he sold his car rental company in 1954, Avis headed Avis Enterprises, which invested in high-technology electronics companies, including Avis Sports Inc. and AvisFarms Research. He was inducted into The Automotive Hall of Fame in 2000. (bio by: John “J-Cat” Griffith)