Vehicle tires are a non-negotiable expense. For millions of people, a reliable vehicle is the only thing standing between them and their livelihood. When unexpected tire failure threatens their ability to commute to work, care for their family, or access to daily needs, waiting isn’t an option. Safe, reliable tires are an immediate need, regardless of current economic conditions or personal cash flow.

RNR Tire Express understands the importance of that need, and built a differentiated franchise model around this essential need by providing safe, quality tires and custom wheels with flexible lease-purchase payment options designed to accommodate any customers' budget type. RNR has well over 200 locations since starting more than two decades ago, and now the brand is taking a more intentional approach to expansion, prioritizing franchisees who align with its values and long-term vision for growth.

“We used to sell franchises; now we award them,” said Adam Sutton, CEO of RNR Tire Express. “It’s about finding the right people who align with our values and culture. We’re focused on healthy, sustainable growth, not just hitting a number.”

The Customer RNR Was Built to Serve

Founder Larry Sutton opened the first store in Tampa, Florida, in October 2000 as Rent-N-Roll. Drawing on his years of experience in the rent-to-own industry, Larry recognized an opportunity to serve an underserved segment of the tire and wheel market by making essential products more accessible through flexible payment options.

"We have the honor and privilege of serving some of the hardest-working and oftentimes most underappreciated folks in America, and who may not have access to traditional financing," Adam Sutton said.

The first stores were custom wheel shops that sold tires as an add-on. As the concept gained traction among experienced rent-to-own operators, RNR began franchising in 2003. After the 2008 recession, the brand evolved into a full-service tire and wheel retailer, transitioning to what it is today: RNR Tire Express, and positioning itself as a tire store that also offers flexible payments.

Sutton and Matthew Warren, now RNR's COO, joined the company in 2017, when the system had about 88 stores. RNR has since grown past 200.

"What took 18 years, we did in six," Sutton said. "And only to the credit of the team we've built and the people who continue to drive the brand forward.”

A Differentiated Business Model Built for Growth

Lease-purchase is the center of the RNR model. Customers can purchase outright or choose lease-purchase payment options occurring in weekly, biweekly, or monthly periods and designed to suit their budgets. RNR also provides a complimentary Customer Care Package, valued at $300, which includes professional installation, tire rotations and balancing, flat repairs, and alignment checks. Its rental revenue accounts for 88.9% of total revenue across 176 stores, according to the brand's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

"RNR is relationship-driven. Relational, not transactional," Sutton said.

RNR's Item 19 discloses more than sales. For the 176 stores open for all of 2025 that properly reported results, average total revenue was $1,826,212 and average operating income was $217,829, or 11.9% of revenue.

Total revenue ranged from $631,638 at the lowest-performing store to $4,600,995 at the highest, with a median of $1,716,836.

That willingness to share also comes up in conversations with franchisees. The brand's franchise website features several of them.

"For someone like me to have gotten where I am in life speaks volumes about the RNR Tire Express business model, and it speaks volumes about the company itself," said David Harrison, who opened his first store in 2008 and now operates 44 locations with more than 350 employees.

Training and Franchisee Support

New owners, operators, general managers and frontline team members go through RNR University, which combines online courses with classroom and on-site operations training at a company store in Tampa. Operators complete approximately 126 hours of training before opening, and a company representative works on-site for up to 14 days around each store's opening.

Longtime franchisees point to the system itself as part of the value. Larry Carrico, a veteran of the lease-purchase industry who added tires to his portfolio in 2006, operates in markets ranging from Metro St. Louis to Harrisburg, Illinois, a town of 6,800 residents.

"As a franchisee community, we are willing to share with each other," Carrico said on the brand's franchise website. "That makes a big difference in everyone's overall success."

Building on RNR’s Foundation: The DX3 Brands Vision

The people-first culture and franchise infrastructure developed through RNR Tire Express have helped shape the vision behind DX3 Brands, the multi-brand franchisor led by CEO Adam Sutton. DX3 brings together franchise concepts under a shared philosophy of “Value DRiVEN" leadership and sustainable growth.

Everything we do is driven by our three core values: culture, customers, and community,” Sutton said. “Those values have shaped RNR's growth and continue to guide how we build and support our brands.”

DX3 Brands is now applying its leadership and franchise infrastructure to other concepts, and expanding its portfolio to include a new partnership with Gigglewaters, a unique restaurant and entertainment concept based in Safety Harbor, Florida. The expansion reflects the organization's broader vision of developing franchise brands rooted in strong operations, meaningful customer connections, and a people-first culture.

"As we continue to grow our portfolio, we're creating more opportunities to strengthen our teams, invest in our franchise systems, and have a lasting positive impact in the communities we serve,” Sutton said.

RNR’s intentional approach to franchise development, evaluating prospective owners based on their operational capabilities, alignment with the brand's values, and long-term growth objectives will continue to fuel its momentum.

Who RNR Is Looking For

RNR Tire Express attracts entrepreneurs and experienced business owners from a variety of industries, with 95% of its franchisees owning multiple locations. Jeff and Patrina Leland sold a third-generation family wholesale company before opening their first store.

"The biggest thing that sealed the deal was when we visited the corporate offices and we experienced the culture firsthand," the Lelands said on the franchise website. “We knew RNR was the right fit for us.”

The strongest candidates have enough capital to fund the store properly and either run it themselves or bring in an operating partner. Sutton said the best franchisees in the system share a set of habits that apply to any retail operation.

“Our strongest franchisees set high expectations, surround themselves with driven, goal-oriented individuals, and adopt a culture of accountability,” Sutton said. “They understand that building a successful business starts with building a strong team.”

What It Costs to Open an RNR Tire Express

The total initial investment for a single RNR Tire Express store ranges from $718,561 to $1,787,275, according to the brand's 2026 FDD, including a $45,000 initial franchise fee and $300,000 to $600,000 in additional funds for the first three months. Franchisees who sign a Multi-Unit Development Agreement for three stores pay a $125,000 development fee, bringing the estimated initial investment to $798,561 to $1,867,275.

RNR charges a 5% royalty on gross revenues, along with a required local advertising spend of 5%. The National Advertising Fund is currently set at zero, although the FDD allows for a maximum contribution of 2%.

The FDD estimates that new stores take six to 12 months to open after signing. A typical location is between 4,000 and 6,000 square feet.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit: https://rnrfranchise.com/.

RNR Tire Express

SPONSORED
RNR Tire Express Accelerates Growth with a More Intentional Approach

RNR Tire Express Accelerates Growth with a More Intentional Approach

Built for multi-unit ownership, RNR Tire Express is prioritizing well-capitalized franchisees who share its commitment to sustainable growth, strong leadership, and a people-first culture.

Vehicle tires are a non-negotiable expense. For millions of people, a reliable vehicle is the only thing standing between them and their livelihood. When unexpected tire failure threatens their ability to commute to work, care for their family, or access to daily needs, waiting isn’t an option. Safe, reliable tires are an immediate need, regardless of current economic conditions or personal cash flow.

RNR Tire Express understands the importance of that need, and built a differentiated franchise model around this essential need by providing safe, quality tires and custom wheels with flexible lease-purchase payment options designed to accommodate any customers' budget type. RNR has well over 200 locations since starting more than two decades ago, and now the brand is taking a more intentional approach to expansion, prioritizing franchisees who align with its values and long-term vision for growth.

“We used to sell franchises; now we award them,” said Adam Sutton, CEO of RNR Tire Express. “It’s about finding the right people who align with our values and culture. We’re focused on healthy, sustainable growth, not just hitting a number.”

The Customer RNR Was Built to Serve

Founder Larry Sutton opened the first store in Tampa, Florida, in October 2000 as Rent-N-Roll. Drawing on his years of experience in the rent-to-own industry, Larry recognized an opportunity to serve an underserved segment of the tire and wheel market by making essential products more accessible through flexible payment options.

"We have the honor and privilege of serving some of the hardest-working and oftentimes most underappreciated folks in America, and who may not have access to traditional financing," Adam Sutton said.

The first stores were custom wheel shops that sold tires as an add-on. As the concept gained traction among experienced rent-to-own operators, RNR began franchising in 2003. After the 2008 recession, the brand evolved into a full-service tire and wheel retailer, transitioning to what it is today: RNR Tire Express, and positioning itself as a tire store that also offers flexible payments.

Sutton and Matthew Warren, now RNR's COO, joined the company in 2017, when the system had about 88 stores. RNR has since grown past 200.

"What took 18 years, we did in six," Sutton said. "And only to the credit of the team we've built and the people who continue to drive the brand forward.”

A Differentiated Business Model Built for Growth

Lease-purchase is the center of the RNR model. Customers can purchase outright or choose lease-purchase payment options occurring in weekly, biweekly, or monthly periods and designed to suit their budgets. RNR also provides a complimentary Customer Care Package, valued at $300, which includes professional installation, tire rotations and balancing, flat repairs, and alignment checks. Its rental revenue accounts for 88.9% of total revenue across 176 stores, according to the brand's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

"RNR is relationship-driven. Relational, not transactional," Sutton said.

RNR's Item 19 discloses more than sales. For the 176 stores open for all of 2025 that properly reported results, average total revenue was $1,826,212 and average operating income was $217,829, or 11.9% of revenue.

Total revenue ranged from $631,638 at the lowest-performing store to $4,600,995 at the highest, with a median of $1,716,836.

That willingness to share also comes up in conversations with franchisees. The brand's franchise website features several of them.

"For someone like me to have gotten where I am in life speaks volumes about the RNR Tire Express business model, and it speaks volumes about the company itself," said David Harrison, who opened his first store in 2008 and now operates 44 locations with more than 350 employees.

Training and Franchisee Support

New owners, operators, general managers and frontline team members go through RNR University, which combines online courses with classroom and on-site operations training at a company store in Tampa. Operators complete approximately 126 hours of training before opening, and a company representative works on-site for up to 14 days around each store's opening.

Longtime franchisees point to the system itself as part of the value. Larry Carrico, a veteran of the lease-purchase industry who added tires to his portfolio in 2006, operates in markets ranging from Metro St. Louis to Harrisburg, Illinois, a town of 6,800 residents.

"As a franchisee community, we are willing to share with each other," Carrico said on the brand's franchise website. "That makes a big difference in everyone's overall success."

Building on RNR’s Foundation: The DX3 Brands Vision

The people-first culture and franchise infrastructure developed through RNR Tire Express have helped shape the vision behind DX3 Brands, the multi-brand franchisor led by CEO Adam Sutton. DX3 brings together franchise concepts under a shared philosophy of “Value DRiVEN" leadership and sustainable growth.

Everything we do is driven by our three core values: culture, customers, and community,” Sutton said. “Those values have shaped RNR's growth and continue to guide how we build and support our brands.”

DX3 Brands is now applying its leadership and franchise infrastructure to other concepts, and expanding its portfolio to include a new partnership with Gigglewaters, a unique restaurant and entertainment concept based in Safety Harbor, Florida. The expansion reflects the organization's broader vision of developing franchise brands rooted in strong operations, meaningful customer connections, and a people-first culture.

"As we continue to grow our portfolio, we're creating more opportunities to strengthen our teams, invest in our franchise systems, and have a lasting positive impact in the communities we serve,” Sutton said.

RNR’s intentional approach to franchise development, evaluating prospective owners based on their operational capabilities, alignment with the brand's values, and long-term growth objectives will continue to fuel its momentum.

Who RNR Is Looking For

RNR Tire Express attracts entrepreneurs and experienced business owners from a variety of industries, with 95% of its franchisees owning multiple locations. Jeff and Patrina Leland sold a third-generation family wholesale company before opening their first store.

"The biggest thing that sealed the deal was when we visited the corporate offices and we experienced the culture firsthand," the Lelands said on the franchise website. “We knew RNR was the right fit for us.”

The strongest candidates have enough capital to fund the store properly and either run it themselves or bring in an operating partner. Sutton said the best franchisees in the system share a set of habits that apply to any retail operation.

“Our strongest franchisees set high expectations, surround themselves with driven, goal-oriented individuals, and adopt a culture of accountability,” Sutton said. “They understand that building a successful business starts with building a strong team.”

What It Costs to Open an RNR Tire Express

The total initial investment for a single RNR Tire Express store ranges from $718,561 to $1,787,275, according to the brand's 2026 FDD, including a $45,000 initial franchise fee and $300,000 to $600,000 in additional funds for the first three months. Franchisees who sign a Multi-Unit Development Agreement for three stores pay a $125,000 development fee, bringing the estimated initial investment to $798,561 to $1,867,275.

RNR charges a 5% royalty on gross revenues, along with a required local advertising spend of 5%. The National Advertising Fund is currently set at zero, although the FDD allows for a maximum contribution of 2%.

The FDD estimates that new stores take six to 12 months to open after signing. A typical location is between 4,000 and 6,000 square feet.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit: https://rnrfranchise.com/.

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Chad Cohen

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