We discussed tough subjects. Nothing was off limits. We met as entrepreneurs but also as a united group of Premier dealers, dedicated to growth and willing to work through any growing pains. It’s been a great day.
Trooper Earle, President and CEO, Premier Companies

Jim Schebler, President of Premier home Furnishings, at the 2007 Premier Companies Annual Business Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio. Listen to RTO Online's recent podcast interview with Jim Schebler here.

See photos of Premier's conference here (photos courtesy Premier).

Read Premier's 14 page company profile in the current issue of RTO MAGAZINE, the rent to own industry's leading trade publication.

Productive, charged and intense describe the first meeting of the day Tuesday in Cincinnati at the annual Premier Companies conference. Premier kicked off a full agenda with a dealer-only session designed for individuals to work out solutions to common problems and deal with growing pains. The day progressed with exciting reports of companywide growth and a re-commitment to a spirit of entrepreneurship and unity. See photos of Premier's conference here (photos courtesy Premier).

Prsident and CEO of Premier Companies Trooper Earle explained, “What makes Premier unique, as evidenced once again today, is the fact that we are a family and that we come together to help each other move forward individually and collectively. As an organization, we lay things out in the open and benefit from an honest exchange.”

Later in the morning, vendors and guests joined Premier dealers in a general session that included reports from all four Premier Company presidents. Earle reported that 39 Premier RTO store locations are open with eight following in the next four to six months. Twenty-two new dealers are on the horizon. Premier Home Furnishings President Jim Schebler announced five stores are already open, but he was able to update that by mid-afternoon when he got word of bank approval on a sixth store. Scott Savell, president of Premier Wheel Rentals shared good news about closing a 10-store development agreement for the Tampa, Florida area as well as several other prospects. UGetcha Cash President Tom Wurm mentioned that several locations have been formalized, to open within 30-60 days, with several more are pending.

Other reports during the day included an announcement from PRPMG’s Laura Emerson about plans to establish a 401K. Premier franchisee Scott Kinnear led a discussion about Premier’s marketing board, which will meet formally Wednesday to discuss enhancements as well as host an open session.

Tuesday afternoon was largely devoted giving franchisees one-on-one time with vendors.

The day wrapped up with a cocktail party and dinner at the Riverview Revolving, a restaurant overlooking Cincinnati.

“It’s been a highly charged day,” said Earle. “Everyone is excited. We’ve gotten a lot of feedback and generated a lot of energy. We discussed tough subjects. Nothing was off limits. We met as entrepreneurs but also as a united group of Premier dealers, dedicated to growth and willing to work through any growing pains. It’s been a great day!”

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