"Before we met Tom at Alaska Car & Van Rentals, the car we had was breaking down a lot. We couldn't count on it to get us anywhere on time, let alone at all. With no reliable transportation, we never knew if we'd be able to get to the grocery store, the post office, a doctor appointment. The biggest impact was on our jobs, our reputation as responsible employees. We tried to find a way to purchase another vehicle, but the initial down payment was so much we knew we couldn't put all of our eggs in that one basket. We often felt degraded and rejected. Eventually we decided that our best solution at the time was to rent a car. We started renting from Tom (Alaska Car & Van Rental).

Right away we could tell things were going to be different. Tom was very personable. He picked us up when our car broke down, and always had a car available when we needed it. We rented from him for several months. But Tom recognized the incredible expense to us. So he talked with us about considering a long-term rental and eventually owning the vehicle after we paid enough in rental fees to add up to the cost of the car. This sounded like a great idea to us. Finally an option to buy a car that was in good condition, and with manageable payments!"

Tom set us up in a Kia Rio, and continued to go out of his way to help us.  He treats us very personally, not as just another number.   He helped us out with vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes, regular maintenance check-ups, changing out the tires, and winterizing the car.  He found us a moving van when we needed one.  He even provided a great warranty service so we felt additionally covered.  Safer.   The amount we needed to get into the Kia was reasonable, and the payment plan works great.

Soon after we got the car, I got a promotion in my job.  I had more responsibility.   The company I work for needed someone to be able to drive to Wasilla when staff called in sick or didn't show up.  So they created a new position so I could manage both Anchorage and Wasilla.   When I'm not on the clock, I am on call, which means when I'm needed I have to be able to get there. I am now the Assistant District Manager!  And the icing on the cake:  I got Representative of the Year for the Western business unit.  And I was up against some big, long-term people in the company!  This was only able to happen by having reliable transportation.

We've been with Tom for two years, and we've almost made enough rental payments to own the car.   The car is running great, and the personal relationship with Tom makes the process easier.   We needed a hand up, not a hand out.  And Tom doesn't make people feel degraded when they are down and out.  We just needed to find someone who would give us a pat on the back so we could walk through the door with reassurance.

Thank you, Tom!