Asheville, NC - Paul Bullock and family were named Volvo Rents' 2008 Franchise of the Year for the third (3rd) year in a row during Volvo Rents' Circle of Excellence Awards. The awards were part of Volvo Rents' annual Franchise Convention held in February in Palm Springs, CA. The Franchise of the Year Award is given to the owner group that demonstrates strong store growth, return on fleet, receivables management, training attendance, marketing, branding and appearance.

The Bullock family opened its first Volvo Rents franchise in West Monroe, LA in 2003. They added stores in 2004 and 2007 in Alexandria, LA and Bossier City, LA. Their stores are widely recognized by their clients for their exceptional client care and for being the "friendliest rental stores in town."

Mike Crouch, Volvo Rents' vice president of operations, presented the awards. The award for New Franchise of the Year went to Longmont and Colorado Springs, CO owned by Dick Lammers, Christian Holmsen and Bobby Creason.

In addition to recognizing the Franchise and New Franchise of the Year winners, Crouch presented Circle of Excellence Awards to the 14 top-performing franchises for 2008. The winners were: