Butler, Pa. - Steve Nelson, president of hardware cooperative TruServ's rental unit since its creation in 1997, has resigned to create a new company called Rental Development Associates.

RDA, based here, will offer consultative services to new and existing rental businesses. "RDA will focus on providing ala-carte support to rental stores in need of store planning, business planning and start-up support," Nelson said. "We will focus on the needs of companies and entrepreneurs who want knowledgeable outside perspective, but don't want the costly long-term commitment of a franchise."

Nelson oversaw the expansion of the Grand Rental Station franchise since 1991, and the Taylor Rental chain since its acquisition by Servistar from The Stanley Works in 1993. He joined TruServ after its merger with Servistar in 1997.