By Hubble Ray Smith

A custom wheel and tire company has identified Kingman as a targeted franchise expansion, looking at the city’s “tremendous long-term growth potential,” a company executive said.

RNR Tire Express and Custom Wheels, based in Tampa Bay, Florida, has grown to nearly 100 locations in 22 states since being established in 2000 by Larry Sutton.

It has opened a new store each month for the last 15 months.

“When we look at targets to expand our brand, we talk about Arizona,” said Vince Ficarrotta, RNR vice president of franchise development. “Of course Phoenix and Flagstaff, but lesser known is Lake Havasu City and Kingman. We try to find spots in middle-America where our business model is unique and can be appreciated and do well.”

The franchise fee for RNR is $35,000, plus a 4 percent royalty, with no fees for national advertising.

A franchise owner needs $400,000 to $600,000 in working capital, not including real estate costs, Ficarrotta estimated.

A typical RNR store is 4,000 to 6,000 square feet with overhead doors and good street presence, he said.

The company sells high quality tires and wheels, and offers a flexible pay-as-you-go payment plan designed to fit each customer’s budget.

“In towns like Kingman, there’s a whole trade area that needs to be served,” Ficarrotta said.