Premier Rental-Purchase remains the largest of the companies with stores in 23 states and openings slated in numerous others as well as a possible venture in Canada.

Photo RTO Online

Kim and Brian Reed, Owosso Michigan Premier Franchisees, outside STAX in Memphis where conference attendees gathered Tuesday evening to unwind. The Reed's, along with partner Matt Hebekeuser, are Premier's newest franchisees. The Reed's Owosso, Michigan location has been open for just seven weeks. Hebekeuser and Reed are both Rent to Own industry veterans. Hebekeuser ran Rent Way's largest store before the company was acquired by Rent-A-Center.

Trooper Earle, CEO, Premier Companies Mike Gordon, Premier Franchisee, Denver, Colorado Steve Newman, Premier Franchisee, Milford Delaware Mike Garner, President, Premier Rent N Ride   Josh Enis, Territory Manager, American Furn. Mfg Clyde Stutzman, VP Franchise Development, Premier Companies Wally Landmesser, Premier's first Franchisee

In a videocast interview with RTO Online Tuesday, The Premier Companies President/CEO Trooper Earle said Premier will surpass the 100 store milestone in 2009. See the video. See photos from Tuesday.

RTO Online broadcast seven new video podcasts from the Memphis Premier conference;

-Trooper Earle, CEO, Premier Companies
-Mike Gordon, Premier Franchisee, Denver, Colorado
-Steve Newman, Premier Franchisee, Milford Delaware
-Mike Garner, President, Premier Rent N Ride
-Josh Enis, Territory Manager, American Furn. Mfg
-Clyde Stutzman, VP Franchise Development, Premier Companies
-Wally Landmesser, Premier's first Franchisee

Premier has grown to 53 franchisees in just the past four years and most are planning additional stores in the near term. According to Earle, Premier has taken dramatic steps to prepare for the projected growth, more than doubling the size of its executive staff since January. This will enable Premier to more effectively support dealers in the areas of marketing, communications, financing and operations.

Premier's Marketing Board and Purchasing Co-op are run by franchisees elected by their peers. The groups are charged with looking for ways to enhance the dealer's franchise experience and profit, through effective marketing and purchasing strategies. The Marketing Board announced the theme of its third quarter advertising campaign that will feature the concept of the VIP – Very Important Product – for Premier's very important customers and showcase several bread and butter products throughout the quarter: computers, furniture, TVs and laundry pairs.

Premier's Purchasing Co-op (PPC) held a training session on how to use RentDirect Nationwide's online order management system through a live stream with a RentDirect representative. The PPC also reported successful meetings on Monday with product vendors that resulted in a number of promotional deals and additional discounts for second and third quarter. Twenty vendors attended the conference.

Each of Premier's five franchise divisions gave attendees a State of the Company report. Premier Rental-Purchase remains the largest of the companies with stores in 23 states and openings slated in numerous others as well as a possible venture in Canada. The other Premier companies, including Premier Home Furnishings, Premier Wheel Workz, Premier Rent ‘N Ride and Premier U Getcha, all reported on their growth and development as they branch out from traditional RTO products and services.

Franchisees and vendors capped off the day with a trip to the Memphis flagship Wheel Workz store and a visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.