CARMEL, Ind. — This week, J.D. Byrider hired one of its most successful franchisees to serve as the company's chief operating officer.

As the owner of five J.D. Byrider franchise locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Rob Palmer now will be responsible for company store operations and franchise operations.

Executives mentioned Palmer's five locations were acquired by J.D. Byrider, upping the total number of company-owned stores to 20, with locations in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Prior to opening and operating five J.D. Byrider franchise locations, Palmer was a management and financial consultant for multiple businesses. He also served as president of the board of directors for J.D. Byrider's National Dealers Association and was an active board member of the J.D. Byrider Advertising Group.

"As an eight-time J.D. Byrider Franchise of the Year award winner and member of our Franchise Hall of Fame, Rob Palmer brings his track record of successful operations to our management team," highlighted J.D. Byrider chief executive officer Steve Wedding.

"His wealth of knowledge in franchising and retail operations will assist our company-owned locations, as well as our current and future franchisees," Wedding continued.

Sharing thoughts about his new role, Palmer said, "I'm looking forward to combining our team's proven success in operating J.D. Byrider locations with the considerable financial resources of the company so we can meet the transportation needs of our customer base.

"With the company's robust growth plans, it's an exciting time to be joining the J.D. Byrider management team," he added.

J.D. Byrider has opened eight new stores so far this year with five more planned before the end of 2011. The company now has 135 locations in 30 states.