TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 27, 2014) — Tire/wheel lease-purchase franchisor RNR Wheels & Tires has engaged Tanner Franchise Group Inc., a “boutique” franchise consultant, to help it refine its franchise model to help accelerate the program's growth.
Atlanta-based Tanner Group is led by Greg Tanner, a former sales director of Aaron's Inc., and Dave Kelly, who together have more than 60 years of franchising experience.
“This market is growing quickly and RNR intends to keep growing right along with it,” said Larry Sutton, RNR founder and president.
“People want custom wheels and quality tires, and by offering payment options that fit any budget, we're uniquely positioned to provide those products. We've got a system in place that's proven to work, with the training and support to help our franchise owners succeed.
“We're thrilled to work with the Tanner Franchise Group to see the franchise side of our business continue to grow.”
RNR, whose franchisees do business as RNR Custom Wheels and Tire Express, did not disclose specific growth expectations.
The company has 72 franchised locations in 18 states across the U.S., the bulk of which are in the Southeast.
According to Mr. Tanner, “RNR is well positioned for growth. They have the systems, training and support in place to help their franchise owners achieve their financial and lifestyle goals.
“We're going to help them fill their sales pipelines with qualified candidates and guide those candidates through a proven franchise sales process.”
According to Vince Ficarrotta, RNR's vice president of franchise development, RNR felt the time was right — the economy is improving gradually and indications are there is ample capital set aside for investment — to be gearing up for enlarging the network.
“We feel this arrangement will help us fine tune our franchise model to make it more attractive to potential investors,” Mr. Ficarrotta said, “and we feel Greg (Tanner) brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the partnership.”
Mr. Ficarrotta said the company will be looking to grow through its existing franchise network as well as tap into new investors and new territories.
As for the RNR business itself, the tight economy of the past several years has shifted the emphasis more strongly toward tires, he said, which has meant RNR and its franchisees have had to revise their marketing direction.
At the same time, he added, the pool of potential customers for tires is much bigger than for custom wheels.