Mizati is the first wheel manufacturer to open company owned rent-to-own stores.

Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels held the grand opening of its first rent-to-own store Saturday in Upland, California.

Local and international press interviews Mizati CEO Hazel Chu during Saturday's grand opening.

Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels held the grand opening of its first rent-to-own store Saturday in Upland, California. Company officials were joined by local business leaders and Upland City Council member Ray Musser.

Eight year rent-to-own industry vet Rick Lee (second from left in ribbon-cutting photo) will manage the location as well as assist Mizati in choosing future locations.

left to right - Tony Cortez, Mizati Sales Manager; Grace Wang, Mizati VP of Investor Relations; Fred Croft, Mizati COO; Ray Musser, Upland City Council; Hazel Chu, Mizati CEO; Rick Lee, Upland Store Manager; Cathy Garcia, Assistant to VP of Investor Relations.

Mizati is the first wheel manufacturer to open company owned rent-to-own stores. CEO Hazel Chu announced the company's intention to enter the rental purchase arena in April of this year (see story).

Chu founded Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc. in 2001 and continues to lead the company as its President an CEO. It was Hazel Chu's passion for automobiles that gave her the ability to recognize the potential for her business in the automotive accessory market. Chu transformed Mizati from a sketch pad in her college apartment to a rapidly growing, public company that achieved sales of over $4 million in 2006.

Mizati says it will open more stores but has not announced the timing.