Business ownership is far less stressful than being a regional manager for a large organization.
Paul Bottomley, Premier Rental Purchase Franchisee

Paul Bottomley and partner Tim Oakley.

Because it was so easy the first time around, Paul Bottomley expected to put his plan for a second store into motion without a hitch. And that is exactly what happened. He and partner Ted Krygoske had opened their Premier location last December in Knox, Indiana, and with such a smooth entrance into the world of business ownership, Paul anticipated nothing less with second store partner Tim Oakley. With a history of success as an owner, Paul saw doors open wide as he took his next steps 45 minutes away in Rochester.

“I found that opening the first store with Ted was so easy to do,” said Paul. “Premier has the process streamlined. My knowledge from the first made it easy to do on the second with Tim.”

A 17-year RTO veteran, Paul met Tim as a regional manager for a major RTO company. Over the years Paul had earned a reputation for being the “fix-it guy,” taking on the management of numerous locations that needed help. Once he turned a failing store with 300 agreements into his company’s largest volume store with 1200 agreements. He gained valuable experience running multiple operations as well, preparing him for what now lies ahead as a multiple store owner.

What for some might seem stressful, Paul is quick to say that business ownership is far less stressful than being a regional manager for a large organization. “If someone is opening a Premier store and thinks there is more stress than being regional manager – he is doing something wrong. Premier gives you the structure and is so streamlined it is super easy. And it is nothing to set up a second one.”

Tim started his RTO career 13 years ago as a delivery driver, working his way up to store manager. Like Paul, he was tapped to rescue failing stores, traveling throughout the Upper Midwest. He turned one particular location into the largest store in the region with substantial profit month after month.

But also like Paul, Tim grew tired of corporate micromanagement and dreamed of opening his own store and running things the way he knew they should be run. He watched as Paul launched his first store, anticipating a time when Paul would keep a promise he made to Tim to partner with him one day.

“We stayed in touch,” said Paul. “One thing led to another. A site opened in Rochester and I kept my word that if I was to open another store, I would do it with Tim.”

Tim will manage the new store as owner operator, just as Paul and his wife, Claudia, will continue to do at the Knox store.

“It’s very exciting,” said Tim. “About four years ago I saw my company heading down a path that I knew in my heart was the wrong direction. I began thinking about starting my own business two years ago. Premier makes it easy. They give you everything you need, including which vendors to contact to store layout to lease negotiator.”

Paul and Ted originally found Premier online. Paul called President/CEO Trooper Earle and compared the Premier option to that of joining with a larger firm or going solo. For them there was no comparison. They were certain they should choose Premier if for no other reasons than its lower fees. However, Trooper’s guidance and the franchising system he has established were what they appreciated most. As for going solo, they felt that would have been a huge mistake, requiring years to accomplish what they were able to do in months with Premier’s help.

From the business plan to the new store opening guide, Paul has felt the guidance and resources have been tremendous. “We looked at everything. We did a lot of research before deciding on Premier. Not only did we find it so expensive elsewhere, we wanted the ability to make our own decisions and not be driven by franchise agreements. We could have ended up in an extremely corporate environment had we gone a different route, but with Premier we’re working for ourselves. We have our own pricing program, select our own products. The financing is a lot better. Going through the SBA was better than going through the financing offered by other companies.”

While a newbie to the ownership game, Tim recognizes the strength behind their new business, not only because of Premier’s support but also because he knows what it takes to be a success.

“Paul and I are both very normal people,” Tim said. “We relate well to our customer base. When you can relate well to your customer base, you’ll always have success. When they like you, they are loyal and they spread the word. Word of mouth is big in RTO. It separates people like Ted, Paul and me from others in RTO.”

From the start, Paul has been on a quest ultimately to open several stores. He feels he and his partners have the set-up and support from Premier and the experience and synchronized goals to do just that.

The national office of Premier Rental-Purchase is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. All Premier stores are independently owned and operated. Visit Premier’s website at www.premierrents.net or call (800) 2-Premier and ask for Trooper Earle.