You’d think running a small, local car rental is a boring way to settle after a journey that involved a pet monkey, biking across a whole country, working through several continents, being awarded as chef at high end restaurants, realizing his dream of becoming a full time pilot. But an adventurous spirit never dies, so when family grounded him in Costa Mesa, he saw cars as more than what they were, not just a vehicle to get around with, but a vehicle for good.
In fact, being the most economical car rental around is like being a (profitable) social worker- “I see every type of person and the results of their good or bad choices.” He’d get the regular on vacation to see sunny California rental, and then he’d see the overachieving teen wanting to support their family by getting a job, the newly homeless, the single moms struggling to get by because their credit score was ruined by their boyfriend, the students, veterans, terminally ill who wanted to go to Disneyland before they die. He found a way to help them all, and it didn’t touch his bottom line, in fact he said the blessings of giving back only made the business more profitable and more fulfilling.
For the teens, he took a Volkswagen bus and transformed it into a mobile driving simulator. Anyone could pop in and take driving lessons. It could be brought to schools, community events; giving teens and new drivers alike the opportunity to practice before getting on the road. They weren’t just playing a game in the coolest van ever; Ben Bennani served as a mentor alongside them, pointing out all the dangers, tips, and tricks that he has learned from being in every car related situation. Teens and young adults were prepared to be responsible drivers and car owners.
As an extension, he offered zero interest rent to own cars, including to people with low credit scores or no credit card. After putting a small initial deposit, the monthly rental went into the purchase of the car. This provided an affordable way for a wide range of people struggling in the community to own a car, making it possible to earn an honest income to support themselves and their families. “People cannot be defined by numbers, or any score, they have a story, and I’m honored to be the good guy in their story.”
Ben Bennani, the owner, has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer so he’s passing on his business after running it for 21 years, being around for a total of 41 years since 1983 and he knows it will serve its owner for another century to come, the way it has served him and his family, and allowed him to serve the community at large.
AA Car Rental since 1983 in Costa Mesa is now for sale listed by owner, Ben Bennani. The sale includes a complete turnkey opportunity that will provide all the components necessary to be successful. The business can be an owner/operator as well as manager driven investment for the entrepreneur that does not want to be in the day-to-day operations