William Earl Lobeck Jr., a transformative figure in the daily car rental industry, passed away on December 16, 2025, at the age of 85. His career spanned several decades, marked by innovation, strategic leadership, and a profound commitment to family and community.
Born on April 20, 1940, Lobeck’s journey began in the 1960s at Pontiac and Chevrolet dealerships in Norfolk, Virginia. He quickly identified the needs of daily car rental companies, becoming their largest supplier. Recognizing an opportunity in the market, he developed the first dealer repurchase program, a groundbreaking initiative that transformed industry standards.
Lobeck’s vision led him to American International in Dallas, where he assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer in 1979. Under his leadership, the company expanded from 18 offices in seven states to nearly 300 locations nationwide over the following eleven years. His leadership style, characterized by clear expectations and quiet confidence, inspired his teams and fostered a culture of collaboration.
In 1981, Lobeck and four partners acquired Thrifty Car Rental, revitalizing the North American franchise system that faced significant financial challenges. Through meticulous reengineering of business operations and branding, Thrifty experienced a remarkable turnaround, culminating in a successful initial public offering in 1987.
Following Thrifty’s acquisition by Chrysler, Lobeck played a pivotal role in orchestrating a restructuring that formed the Pentastar Transportation Group. This expansion included the acquisition of Dollar Rent A Car, Snappy Car Rental, and General Rent A Car, ultimately leading to the emergence of the Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, which surpassed $1 billion in revenue.
In 1995, Lobeck shifted his focus to National Car Rental, a brand owned by General Motors that had struggled financially. Together with his partners, including his wife, Kathy Taylor, he executed a comprehensive turnaround strategy. Their efforts resulted in a revenue increase of over one third within a year, with only one unprofitable month experienced during their management.
National Car Rental caught the attention of AutoNation, which had recently acquired Alamo Rent A Car. In 1997, Lobeck brought National into AutoNation’s fold, becoming President and Chief Operating Officer of the Rental Group, which included National, Alamo, and CarTemps USA. This organization grew into one of the largest daily rental entities globally.
After retiring from AutoNation in 1999, Lobeck’s commitment to the industry remained strong. In 2003, he, along with Taylor and Cerberus Capital Management, reacquired the assets of the rental group, renaming it Vanguard Car Rental USA. Under his leadership, the Alamo and National brands swiftly returned to profitability, positioning Vanguard as a major player in the industry before its acquisition by Enterprise Rent-A-Car in August 2007.
Lobeck’s contributions extended beyond business. He was actively involved in various philanthropic efforts and nurtured a lifelong passion for automobiles, earning recognition at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and participating in prestigious events like the Mille Miglia.
A dedicated sailor, Lobeck shared his love for the ocean with family and friends, sailing in locations such as Greece and Italy. Those who knew him often recall his distinctive laugh, generous spirit, and consistent daily routines.
He received an honorary doctoral degree from Old Dominion University, where he also earned his Bachelor of Business Administration. Lobeck was inducted into the University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business Hall of Fame and recognized by the Tulsa Historical Society for his community contributions.
Married to Kathy Taylor, former Mayor of Tulsa, the couple was a dynamic partnership in both life and business. They enjoyed exploring the world together, prioritizing family vacations and celebrating their anniversary with trips to cooler destinations.
Lobeck is survived by his children, grandchildren, and beloved dog, Lola. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister. The family expresses gratitude to those who supported him, especially his friend Ronnie Watson and caregivers.
Memorial services are scheduled for January 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church. In honor of Lobeck’s legacy, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter, the Philbrook Museum of Art, or Old Dominion University.
