After 24 years of moving up through the ranks of RTO, Forker had developed his own style and priorities and felt it wasn't possible to do what he wanted in a corporate setting.

Jim Forker didn't quite anticipate he would be opening three RTO stores in three years. But on November 26 he opened his third Premier Rental-Purchase store. This time it was in Niles, Michigan, not more than 25 miles from his first in Benton Harbor, which he opened in 2005, and 45 miles from store number two in Sturgis, which he opened 15 months later. Everything has run ahead of schedule for him. So this former market manager for Rent-A-Center, who is adept at running multiple operations and has mastered the art of business ownership, keeps on going. He has become a model entrepreneur and is making no plans to stop his momentum.

After 24 years of moving up through the ranks of RTO, Forker had developed his own style and priorities and felt it wasn't possible to do what he wanted in a corporate setting. Specifically, he wanted to focus on customer service and create a family environment in his stores, allowing both customers and employees to feel relaxed. He wanted to hire people who would share his goals. And he wanted to be profitable for himself rather than turn profits over to someone else. He found a way to accomplish his goals through Premier, which, Forker says, supports independence and individual achievement without typical franchise restrictions. He proceeded cautiously at the beginning, but once he jumped in, it was with a determination to succeed.

"The first store took off," he said. "Premier helped me with a business plan and has since enabled me to become multi-operational through services like legal advice, marketing and accounting. Human resources is the biggie for me, though. Without it, I am not sure I would be able to continue at the present pace. HR is not my specialty, and the team at Premier is just fantastic. If I have questions I just pick up the phone and they take care of them. That way I can focus on taking care of my customers."

For his second store in Sturgis, he partnered with another industry veteran and former employee, Matthew Chamberlain. "Jim came to me at the perfect time," said Chamberlain. "Over the years my company had cut back the freedom of store managers. There were clamps on everything. I had the title but no entrepreneurial spirit left. When he came with the proposition to open a store together, it was a no-brainer. I was in."

"I always planned to open a second store," said Jim. "I wanted to think big. I managed a multi-unit operation for someone else for 12 years. I know what one store can do, and that gives me the drive to go forward with more. And it has been great to have Matt on board as a partner."

After hurdling through the process of opening that first store, Forker found that it got progressively easier to expand. "Once you have things set up, it's actually pretty simple to go forward with other locations. The major thing is the business plan for each store. The first one is always the hardest. Now we know how to do it and have created a relationship with the bank. They are happy to see us coming because they understand what we are all about – success."

Forker has continued to trace his success to customer service. "It's all about how you take care of the customers," he said. "I believe in working with them through tough situations. I instill in my employees that we need to get customers to call us when they need help. Sometimes there are things we can do, but we certainly are not going to repossess the minute they are delinquent. Customers are good people, and we want to help them. That just is how Premier dealers are – how they can be once they have the independence as owner operators. We are the people you know and trust, as our motto says. If we can help through rough times, then customers are going to appreciate that and spread the word. We all feel better."

Forker remains actively involved with all of his stores, yet he has time for his favorite hobby, golf, and more importantly his wife and daughter. "When I worked for another company, I had to ask permission to go to cross country meets. Being an owner, I have the flexibility to take off when I need to. My employees know and understand my philosophy, so I don't worry when I am away.

Braced for the holidays after opening just in time for the rush, Forker says he intends to provide a good experience for everyone who walks through his door. That includes offering a great price – because he can – and the great customer service for which he is known."