Editor’s note: Answering  The Purcell Register’s five questions this week is Justin Nimmo, the owner of Just -In-Time Rent to Own in Purcell.

Q. How did you get into the rent to own business?

A. My high school friend Dwight Lawson was working at Rent-A-Center when I moved back from California and helped me get a job in the RTO industry. Just shy of five years with Rent-A-Center I opened Just-In-Time in Purcell. July 2004.

Q. When you started your business could you imagine 20 years down the road?

A.  There was a lot to think about at that time while raising two boys but I knew working for myself was the goal. If you love your job it helps pass the time so 20 years was going to be easy. The question is do I have another 15 years. It feels great to have helped so many families in the surrounding area. 

Q. Have things changed much since you started your business?

A. Just-In-Time started out in a very small building next to Nimmo’s Auto Parts and Supply. I think the building was originally a two stall car wash. About six years after opening, construction was completed on the new building, December 2011.

Products have changed in pricing and sizes over the years. Televisions have tripled in size and refrigerators hold more food. Business changes with the season so there’s constantly ups and downs.

Covid was a game changer for pretty much all businesses closing many doors. This past December I was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. The first half of ‘24 while taking treatments, business slowed even more, but thankfully David Claunch, who started here late ‘07, was able to keep the doors open.

I’ve changed a few things since day one but my priority has always been to give great customer service.

Q. What’s your most requested rental item?

A. Washers and dryers have been the backbone to Just-In-Time. I do offer other home furnishings like mattresses, living room furniture, home comfort, televisions and kitchen appliances.

And for those who weld or need gases such as acetylene, Oxygen, CO2 and Argon I’m the guy in town for exchanging bottles through James Supplies out of Pauls Valley.

Q. What do you like to do in your free time?

A. What is free time? Guess I would say traveling to different states attending Comic-Cons and seeing the sights. Family time is very important so any time the kids and/or the family can get together I’m happy.