TAMPA, Fla. — RNR Tire Express (RNR) has signed a deal with a pair of franchise industry veterans who are committed to opening 16 RNR Tire locations in Alabama and Georgia over the next six years.
The business partners behind the deal, Mike Hultquist and Grant Wetherill of OzarkGa L.L.C., are looking to develop locations in Auburn-Opelika and Phenix City, Ala., and Warner Robins and Columbus, Ga., RNR said.
The first location should be open within the coming 12 months.
Messrs. Hultquist and Wetherill bring more than 16 years' experience growing and developing businesses to the RNR partnership. Among their accomplishments is building a network of 65 Game X Change franchise locations across eight states, RNR said.
"RNR continues to fill a void in the marketplace as consumers seek convenient payment options when it comes to quality tires and wheels," Mr. Hultquist said.
"As we introduce new RNR locations, Grant and I look forward to bringing the brand's affordable pay-as-you-go model to communities across Georgia and Alabama. This agreement is a representation of the commitment our team has to the business and providing a premium product and service to a growing market."
There are two RNR outlets in Alabama, in Dothan and Montgomery, but none thus far in Georgia.
RNR Founder and President Larry Sutton said, "Mike and Grant are a great fit for our brand, and we are extremely grateful to have them as part of the RNR family.
"The ongoing trust and determination our franchise owners have dedicated to our brand has truly been the cornerstone to our brand's mission of being the best tire and wheel concept in America."
RNR sells and installs tires and custom wheels and offers rent-to-own payment plans. RNR, with 102 locations in 21 states, ranked as the 14th largest independent retail tire dealership in the 2017 Tire Business annual rankings.
Founded in 2000, RNR has grown to more than 100 locations in 21 states, including seven owned by Mr. Sutton. The brand was listed recently by Entrepreneur Magazine as No. 1 in the wheels and tires category in the publications' 2018 Franchise 500 list.