Premier Wheel Workz executives' combined 40 years of experience in custom wheel and tires is priceless, plus they are willing to pass it along through some very in-depth training to someone like me who was not seasoned in the industry.
Tom Gould, Premier Wheel Workz Franchisee

Photo/RTO Online

Tommy Crenshaw, President, Premier Wheel Workz. This article appears in the current issue of RTO Magazine, the rent-to-own industry's leading trade publication - download the E-book version.

By The Premier Companies

In 2008, The Premier Companies, a rental-purchase franchising organization, joined with Wheel Workz, a leader in wheel retail and leasing, to form Premier Wheel Workz. This joint venture offers franchise opportunities to experienced wheel and tire dealers and rental-purchase veterans.

Trooper Earle - CEO/president of Premier, Tommy Crenshaw – Founder of Wheel Workz and president of the new venture – along with Dale Ingram who is vice president of operations, brought together industry knowledge and franchising expertise to create an organization that provides dealers with unique advantages and a formula for success. These include systematic training in the operation of a wheels and tires store, training for those new to lease-purchase, business plan development and access to financing support along with ongoing programs for marketing, human resources, accounting and other services that free up a franchisee to run his or her business.

What Dealers Are Saying

Tom Gould opened his Premier store in Greensboro, N.C. in 2007. Gould came out of the rental-purchase industry to sign on with Premier as one of its first wheel and tire dealers. To this 17-year veteran of the RTO industry and former manager for Rent-A-Center, wheels and tires were an interest, but he is quick to admit he was not seasoned in anything but rental-purchase. Confident that he would have the training and support he needed with Premier, he took the leap, opened his franchise and has achieved success.

"Premier Wheel Workz is a different player in the wheel and tire leasing industry because of the time that Tommy Crenshaw and Dale Ingram have in the industry. Their combined 40 years of experience in custom wheel and tires is priceless, plus they are willing to pass it along through some very in-depth training to someone like me who was not seasoned in the industry.

That is just the wheel and tire side. Add to that Premier's expertise in franchising – the ways they help a dealer set up his business and support his decision to be an entrepreneur and run things his way. In short, they are different because of their ability to teach and offer training combined with some very cutting-edge franchising services.

Pam Hulsey, owner of E-Z Rentals in Horn Lake, Miss., joined the Premier Wheel Workz family in December 2009 as a co-brand dealer. She was looking forward not only to expanding to existing customers but also to welcoming a new and different clientele to her store. And she is very pleased with the results.

"The Premier Wheel Workz operation is displayed on one side and furniture and appliances on the other. Business has blended much better than I thought it might. We have wheel and tire customers who come in and are surprised to find we also offer furniture and appliances, and vice versa. We also attract a clientele that has never been in a rent to own store looking at both wheels and furniture. I particularly enjoy watching couples come in. No matter what they thought they were coming in for, they end up splitting at the door, each to check out what they are interested in.

"Premier's help with the integration was great. All I had to do was ask if I needed anything. The training was very extensive and helpful, especially since we knew very little about wheels and tires. I am blessed with employees who have been willing to jump in and learn. We are very excited about the opportunities ahead!"

Tom Gould, Greensboro, N.C.
"You bend ‘em, we mend ‘em" is the new saying at some Premier Wheel Workz stores, where customers not only can buy or lease wheels and tires, but they also can come in to repair their bent rims. Tom Gould feels he now can take care of every customer's needs and build a natural income stream.

The national office of Premier Wheel Workz is located in Williamsburg, Va. For more information, contact Dale Ingram at 901-461-3671, dale@wheelworkz.com or visit www.wheelworkz.com.