We know how to plan a celebration. And we have much to celebrate...
John Darden, Franchisee Liaison, The Premier Companies

Photo/RTOonline.com

Scott and Nancy Kinnear after being named 2010 Premier Dealer of the Year at the company's recent convention in Phoenix, AZ. See 545 photos from the 2011 Premier Convention here

By The Premier Companies

The Premier Companies annual convention in Phoenix, Arizona last week was unprecedented with events and surprises for its attendees at every turn. Activities that were equaled only by an exquisite setting at the Wild Horse Pass Resort included a tribal blessing at the opening of the general session, generous door prizes, a moonlight hayride and bonfire accompanied by food and entertainment from local native Americans, and an Awards Dinner with dancing.

See 545 photos from the 2011 Premier Convention here.

"We know how to plan a celebration," said John Darden, Premier's Franchise/Vendor Liaison. "And we have much to celebrate with our talented dealers and faithful vendors." But Darden adds that while Premier conventions are about celebrating, there are other reasons dealers find them an invaluable benefit to their franchise operation.

"The vendor show was terrific," Darden said. "We had a record number of vendor partners who sponsored the convention, and they were pleased with the opportunity to talk to dealers in person. To keep things fun and fresh, a crossword puzzle game kept people circulating through the room collecting clues for the game from each vendor."

An impressive array of Breakout Sessions included an all-star cast of well-respected RTO and marketing figures, including Kelly McDonald, McDonald Marketing, a global marketing and advertising expert and author, who spoke on how to market to U.S. Latinos. McDonald will pilot a program with The Premier Companies comprised of seven webinars on "How to Market to People Not Like You," the title of her book to be released in March 2011.

In addition to some of Premier's longest standing preferred vendors and top dealers, the 16 Breakout Sessions featured Kevin Silvers, Generations Diamonds and Jewelry, who spoke about the importance of providing personal service to your customers, and Mitch Wasden with Contact Point who discussed how to convert telephone callers in to buyers.

"Dealers know that our Premier convention – as well as our Mid Year Retreat – is not to be missed," said Darden. "We work hard each day to make our businesses successful. We come together at our events as a family for rejuvenation and support."

Darden announced that the Mid Year Retreat will be held in Dallas on August 19th – 21st.

Premier Awards:

Dealer of the Year Award
Scott Kinnear

Premier Companies Specialty Vendor of the Year Award
Presented to
David Kaye
Benefit Marketing Solutions

Premier Companies Vendor of the Year Award
Presented to
Curt Bannigan
Whirlpool

Top 5 Dealers of the Year Award
Jim Ratner & John Reichenbach
Trinidad Rubio, Brian Clussman, Roy Soto
Rich Bagoly & Dave Jones
Mike Lewis

***New Award*** Top Performer of the Year
Rick Vadnais
Mike Gordon
Jamie and Rick Sieverding
Mike Shuler and Heath Peters

Stellar Award (Top producers)
Ted Krygoske – diamond
Jim Ratner and John Reichenbach - diamond
Jack Rowland - gold
Mike Shuler and Heath Peters - gold
Jim Forker - Gold
Scott Kinnear - Gold
Dave Jones and Rich Bagoly- Silver
Dave Jones and Rich Bagoly – Gold
Trini Rubio, Roy Soto, Brian Clussman #1 - Gold
Rick Vadnais - Gold
Dilbag Dhaliwal – Silver Wheel Workz
Jim Forker - Silver
Gerald and Kim Jacobs - Silver
Trini Rubio, Roy Soto, Brian Clussman - Silver
Trini Rubio, Roy Soto, Brian Clussman – Silver
Rick and Jamie Sieverding – Silver Home Furnishings
Chuck Botts and Bart Stamper- Silver
Mike Lewis – Bronze
Mike Gordon and Mitch Rhoads – Bronze
John George – Bronze
Dave Jones and Rich Bagoly – Bronze
Wally Landmesser and Rob Rice- Bronze
Drew Summa - Bronze
Mike Lewis– Bronze
Danny Sapien- Silver
Tom Gould – Bronze Wheel Workz
Shawn Newman and Dave Bauer – Bronze
Trini Rubio, Roy Soto, Brian Clussman – Bronze
John Miller – Bronze
Ron Semelsberger– Bronze
Chuck Botts and Bart Stamper- Bronze

Shooting Star – Top New Store - Award
Danny Sapien - Rental-Purchase
Heath Peters and Mick Shuler - Rental-Purchase
Chuck Botts and Bart Stamper - Rental-Purchase
Dilbag Dhaliwal – Wheel Workz

Industry Awards:
Jim Ratner Attended APRO Legislative Conference
David Jones PA Rental Dealers Association.
Rich Bagoly "
Brian Clussman Texas Rental Dealers Association Board of Directors
Sandi Frye Attended APRO Legislative Conference and is President of Pennsylvania Rental Dealers Association
Bryan Holman Texas Rental Dealers Association
Ruben Flores Florida Rental Dealers Association
Matt Baker Vice President of Georgia Rental Dealers Association
Rick Vadnais Board of Directors, New York Rental Dealers Association
Keith Slater Florida Rental Dealers Association
Trini Rubio Texas Rental Dealers Association
Chris Mueller Florida Rental Dealers Association
Scott Kinnear Pres Ohio Rental Dealers Association. Attended APRO Legislative Conf.
Doug Higgins Secretary of Ohio Rental dealers Association. Attended APRO Legislative Conference

Premier Service Award Winners:
Matt Baker
Dave Bauer
Chuck Botts
Brian Clussman
Calvin Cooksey
Chris Darden
John Eibl
Mike Gordon
Tom Gould
Dave Jones
Scott Kinnear
John Miller
Chad Moody
Chris Mueller
Steve Newman
Jim Ratner
John Reichenbach
Jack Rowland
Mike Shuler
Roy Soto
Rick Vadnais

Community Service Recognition Recipients:
Luiz Alonzo
Rich Bagoly
Matt Baker
Brian Clussman
Scott Craig
Chris Darden
Ruben Flores
Jim Forker
Sandi Frye
Bryan Holman
Gerald and Kim Jacobs
Scott Kinnear
Matt Koen
Mike Lewis
David Lockwood
Chris Mueller
Steve Newman
Heath Peters
Jim Ratner
Trini Rubio
Mike Shuler
Jamie Siverding
Rick Siverding
John Sprayberry
Rick Vadnais

The national office of Premier Rental-Purchase is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. All Premier stores are independently owned and operated. Visit Premier's website at www.premierrents.net or call (800) 2-Premier and ask for Trooper Earle.