After opening seven locations in the first half of 2020, RNR Tire Express has contracts to open 47 more stores in seven states. That means the company has 400 stores under contract in the U.S.
In the 18 years since Michael Sullivan left the corporate world and bought a tire store in California, he’s quadrupled that business’ sales. But he admits he hasn’t done it alone.
Tire dealerships on the 2018 Modern Tire Dealer 100 have found a way to battle online tire sales, shrinking tire margins and a tight labor market: by investing in brick-and-mortar locations.
Bill Leach had wanted to expand beyond his one-store tire business in Paola, Kan., for some time. So when he finally found the perfect location for a second store, about 30 miles away in Baldwin City, Kan., he was ready to roll. And one decision at least was an easy one.
Hurricanes directly affected a number of RNR Tire Express outlets in September, whether they were existing stores or under construction. That includes the recently opened 100th store, located in Sarasota, Fla.
