RNR Tire Express up and rolling in east Carson

Since a soft opening in mid-July, business has been good for the new RNR Tire Express at 2031 E. William St., according to regional director and business co-owner Mark Hodgson.

“We’re getting a lot of really warm welcomes,” Hodgson told the Appeal Aug. 19.

The new, six-bay, 8,000-square-foot shop sits in front of Tractor Supply Co. and across the street from Flat Earth Pizza, Dollar Tree (formerly 99 Cents Only Store) and several other businesses.

“After years of searching for a suitable location to buy or lease in Carson City, our team decided the best option (was) to build a brand-new store with state-of-the-art equipment from the ground up, which was the more costly and time-consuming option but ultimately provides our customers with a superior experience,” co-owner Jonas Grant said in a news release.

Grant previously told the Appeal their first RNR franchise opened in Reno in 2019. He and Hodgson are planning another RNR for Sparks.

A grand opening for the Carson shop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 7 with free food, ice cream, giveaways, promotions and local DJs like JJ Christy from KBUL, Chris Payne from KDOT and Juan from Juan FM.

The store carries major brands of tires and wheels for the average commute or the off-road adventure. RNR also offers lift and level kits, alignment, suspension work and brakes.

Hodgson said one thing that sets RNR apart is flexible payment plans without credit checks. He compared this rent-to-own aspect of the business to Aaron’s or Rent-A-Center.

“There are not a lot of hoops to jump through,” he said.

While payment options can help “families in need,” Hodgson said 30 percent of the business is still made up of cash customers.

As was anticipated with the Carson location, customers have been coming from communities south of Reno including Lyon and Douglas counties and, of course, Carson, Hodgson said.

He himself has been in Northern Nevada for 40 years but relocated south for the new store.

“The Carson City area has always been my kind of people. I’m just a country boy,” he said.

He added the business has hired seven employees so far, the majority from Carson.

RNR Tire Express was established in 2000 in Tampa, Fla., and has grown close to 200 locations across the country, according to the company’s website. For information, go to www.RNRTires.com.