Jim got his feet wet in the auto business by selling cars. Soon after, Jim purchased his first Rent-A-Wreck franchisee. He started with 5 cars and built the business to 135 cars and three locations. Over the following years, he was elected to the Rent-A-Wreck Franchisee Advisory Board, eventually being appointed Advisory Board President, with 320 franchises.
It was this growth that prompted a USA Today Business section front page feature of Jim as the franchise systems Operator of the Year for the “fastest growing car franchise in the nation."
After a stint as Rent-A-Wreck’s national sales manager, Jim realized he was spending most of his time helping the franchisees grow their businesses. Word spread outside the franchise of Jim’s acumen in the rental businesses. Independent businesses were contacting him asking for help with start-ups and in growing existing businesses. Jim became a full time consultant to the business.
Jim garnered his consulting into Jim Schalberg Auto Rental Solutions. One unique place that combined Jim’s rental operation knowledge and expertise—that helps operators “Sell More Rental Days”-- with many products, training and services rental operators cannot get from franchisee or other sources.
As the rental industry’s top expert, Jim’s consulting, and his Auto Rental Solutions, has become well known for nurturing the development of many —from scratch—rental operations.
With Auto Rental Solutions, Jim is continuously building his menu of proprietary rental business growth products such as electronic renter qualification, real collision insurance, personal protection insurance, software programs, and rental operation turnkey packages.