In 1979, Jim developed a business model that would allow his dealership to compete in the buy-here-pay-here category by offering consumers cars and financing all in one location, thereby making it easier to surpass the competition and help his community. His success led him to develop educational Auto Credit Seminars that he used to show hundreds of other dealers across the country how they too could succeed in this category.

Eventually, Jim’s interest in franchising his concept led to the inception of the Byrider brand, and he opened his first location in 1989. In 1993, the company moved its corporate headquarters to the Indianapolis area, where it remains today.

In 2024, Byrider entered a new chapter when a group of six long-tenured franchisees acquired the brand from and formed a franchisee-led board. Today, Byrider is owned and governed by franchisees, ensuring that strategic decisions are made by operators who understand the business at the store level and are directly invested in the long-term success of the system.

This franchisee-first structure reinforces Byrider’s commitment to disciplined operations, shared accountability, and a mission centered on helping customers Buy, Finance, and Drive On®, even when traditional lenders say no.