BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — RNR Tire Express (RNR) is growing in Alabama via new franchisees who are planning to add five locations across the state in Birmingham, Gadsen and Anniston.
Franchisees Rucker Durkee Sr. and Rucker Durkee Jr. signed a five-unit agreement with RNR and are selecting a site for the first location in Birmingham, with a tentative opening date in the third quarter of 2025, RNR said.
The Durkees have nearly 25 years combined experience as entrepreneurs with "proven track record for scaling and running a successful company," RNR said.
Durkee Sr, was looking for a new opportunity after retiring from a career that included building a steel manufacturing company from the ground up, RNR said, while Durkee Jr. wanted to build a family legacy. The father and son decided to go into business together and knew that RNR was "an opportunity to create a true business with immense value in their hometown of Birmingham," the company said.
"Birmingham is a continually growing market with an untapped potential, and having grown up here and raising my family here, we know the community inside and out," Rucker Sr. Durkee said.
"The tire industry is new to my son and I, but with our business experience and the resources provided to us by the franchise support team, we're confident in our ability to launch this family business and serve our neighbors. We cannot wait to open the doors and welcome our friends, family and community as we build our footprint."
The Durkees have high ambitions to launch all five locations over the next five years. To ensure a successful rollout, Rucker Sr. and Rucker Jr. will be onsite, overseeing daily management while interacting with guests and learning the trade.
Once established, Rucker Jr. will remain onsite for client-facing responsibilities while Rucker Sr. will handle back of the house operations.
"Rucker Sr. and Jr. are prime examples of what it takes to be successful entrepreneurs," Larry Sutton, RNR founder, said. "We are extremely excited to welcome them into the RNR family and support them as they undergo launching in the Birmingham community."
There are four other RNR Tire outlets in Alabama — in Dothan, Mobile, Montgomery and Opelika — operated by other franchisees.
