RNR Tire Express franchise owner Jason Summers shares how his military experience, entrepreneurial determination, and commitment to people helped him build a growing multi-unit business.

For U.S. Army veteran Jason Summers, the transition from military service to entrepreneurship led him down an unexpected path: the tire and wheel industry.

Recently featured in Military.com, Summers shared his journey from serving as an Army intelligence analyst to becoming a multi-unit RNR Tire Express franchise owner, and how the lessons he learned during his military career continue to influence his approach to leadership and business ownership.

Today, Summers and his business partners have grown their RNR Tire Express business to 11 locations across Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, with plans for continued expansion.

His story highlights how leadership, strong partnerships, and a people-first culture can help entrepreneurs build businesses in industries outside their previous professional experience.

From Military Service to Automotive Franchise Ownership

Summers grew up in a military family and enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17, serving as an intelligence analyst during the 1990s.

After leaving the military, he moved to West Texas and worked for a cellular phone company before deciding to pursue entrepreneurship with business partner AJ Arthus and AJ’s father, Steve.

Together, they opened their first RNR Tire Express franchise location in Lubbock, Texas.

The decision required significant personal and financial commitment. As Summers shared with Military.com, he sold his home, liquidated his retirement savings, and downsized to an apartment with his wife to help fund the new business.

Opening the first location took approximately a year, but the experience laid the foundation for what would eventually become a growing multi-unit franchise operation.

Growing From One RNR Tire Express Location to 11

Over the past several years, Summers and his partners have expanded their RNR Tire Express business across three states.

Today, their franchise portfolio includes:

• Six locations in Texas, stretching from Lubbock to the Rio Grande Valley
• Four locations in Tucson, Arizona
• One location in Clovis, New Mexico

In recognition of their leadership, business growth, and commitment to excellence, Jason Summers and AJ Arthus were named 2024 IFA Franchisees of the Year. The honor further reflects their accomplishments as multi-unit franchise owners and their contributions to the RNR Tire Express system.

According to the Military.com feature, their business generated more than $16 million in revenue last year, with aspirations to continue expanding their footprint.

For Summers, the essential nature of the tire industry has been an important part of the opportunity.

Unlike many discretionary retail purchases, tires are a necessary part of everyday transportation. Drivers rely on safe, dependable tires to get to work, transport their families, and manage daily responsibilities.

RNR Tire Express combines that essential consumer need with flexible lease-purchase payment options, creating a differentiated automotive franchise model designed to serve a broad customer base.

How Military Experience Shaped His Approach to Leadership

While Summers credits several factors for his business growth, he points to the discipline and organizational skills he developed during his military service as particularly valuable.

In his interview, he emphasized the importance of understanding how organizations operate, developing strong teams, and creating a positive workplace culture.

His partnership with AJ Arthus has also been instrumental in their growth. Summers describes their complementary strengths, with Arthus bringing financial and analytical expertise while Summers focuses on operations, decision-making, and building relationships.

Together, their different skill sets have helped guide the business through challenges and opportunities for expansion.

For entrepreneurs considering franchise ownership, Summers’ experience demonstrates how leadership and business management skills can translate into a new industry.

Building a People-First Franchise Culture

One of the most meaningful aspects of Summers’ story is his commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel like family.

He credits that philosophy to his upbringing and the example set by his father, who served 21 years in the military.

Summers told Military.com that his father’s emphasis on structure and family continues to shape how he approaches leadership today.

That commitment to people closely reflects RNR Tire Express’s Value DRiVEN Culture, built around three core commitments: Culture, Customers, and Community.

At RNR, those values extend beyond the products and services offered in stores. They guide how the brand approaches relationships with franchisees, employees, customers, and the communities it serves.

For prospective franchise owners, joining RNR means becoming part of a system that emphasizes both business growth and the people who make that growth possible.

Franchise Opportunities for Veterans and Experienced Leaders

Summers’ journey is one example of how skills developed through military service can translate into franchise entrepreneurship.

Leadership, discipline, adaptability, teamwork, and operational management are all valuable qualities for individuals considering business ownership.

And while prior automotive industry experience can be beneficial, RNR Tire Express does not require franchise owners to have a background in the tire and wheel industry.

The brand provides comprehensive training, established operating systems, and ongoing franchise support designed to help qualified entrepreneurs learn the business and navigate the responsibilities of ownership.

With more than 200 locations across the United States and Canada, RNR Tire Express offers an established franchise model with opportunities for both single-unit and multi-unit development.

Learn more about what makes RNR Tire Express a differentiated automotive franchise opportunity.

Recognizing Veterans Who Lead and Serve

As Veterans Day approaches, RNR Tire Express is proud to recognize franchise owners like Jason Summers, whose service and leadership continue to make a positive impact beyond their military careers.

From his time as an Army intelligence analyst to building a multi-unit franchise business, Summers’ journey reflects the importance of perseverance, strong partnerships, and a commitment to developing people.

His story is also a reminder that the qualities that make a great leader can carry across industries and create opportunities for long-term growth.

Read Jason Summers’ Full Story on Military.com

Explore Franchise Ownership With RNR Tire Express

Whether you’re a military veteran, an experienced business owner, or an entrepreneur exploring a new industry, RNR Tire Express offers an opportunity to grow with an established franchise system.

With a differentiated business model, comprehensive franchise support, and a people-first culture, RNR is committed to building long-term partnerships with franchisees who share its values.

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