Pickups Plus Announces Hiring of New Director of Franchise Operations

    MASON, Ohio--July 23, 2002--Pickups Plus, Inc. (OTCBB:PUPS), a leading retailer and national franchiser in the $30 billion truck and SUV aftermarket accessories industry, announced today the hiring of Gary Hoyle as Director of Franchise Operations.
    Mr. Hoyle brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience to Pickups Plus. Mr. Hoyle has extensive knowledge and experience in the franchising industry including developing franchise systems for a variety of service and recreation companies. His franchise experience includes serving as Marketing Director for The Sports Section, Inc. During his tenure he grew the operation from a network of 25 to 135 franchises in three years. In addition, Mr. Hoyle has extensive knowledge in strategic planning, business development, raising capital, and mergers and acquisitions.
    As Director of Franchise Operations for Pickups Plus, Mr. Hoyle will be proactively involved in the overall sales process of new stores throughout the United States. This includes advertising and the procurement of qualified franchise candidates as well as developing the Pickups Plus concept and brand name nationwide. Mr. Hoyle stated "I am excited to be a part of the Pickups Plus team and I am looking forward to taking the Pickups Plus franchise concept to the next level. The retail market for pickup truck and SUV accessories is very fragmented. Pickups Plus is poised to be the first national retailer to serve this large, but fragmented marketplace."
    Sean Fitzgerald, President of Pickups Plus, stated, "As our franchise business continues to grow, we are fortunate to bring on staff an individual with the expertise and knowledge that Gary has. His sales expertise is an asset to our organization and we expect him to play a major role in the growth and development of our franchise organization."

    About Pickups Plus

    Pickups Plus is a leading national operator and franchiser of retail stores dedicated to the sale and installation of quality aftermarket accessories for pickup trucks and SUV's. Pickups Plus currently operates four corporate retail stores and has another seven franchise stores throughout seven states. After several years of extensive development and testing of its franchise system, the Company intends to start a nationwide expansion in both corporate and franchise stores to become the first national chain in its growing, but highly fragmented industry.
    Safe Harbor Statement: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known risk and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual results in the future to differ materially from forecasted results.