The RTO business is different. It’s not like being a banker or an accountant; every day is different and brings another opportunity to help people.
Dean Engels, ColorTyme Franchisee

With 20 years rent-to-own (RTO) experience in the Cicero, Illinois area, ColorTyme Franchisee Dean Engels has made a name for himself.

With 20 years rent-to-own (RTO) experience in the Cicero area, ColorTyme Franchisee Dean Engels has made a name for himself. Working at Rent-A-Center (RAC) and Aaron’s, Engels developed a loyal customer following built on the trustworthy service for which he’s known. He’s now bringing the same service to his first ColorTyme store in Cicero, Illinois.

“We never put a product in a customer’s house unless we would put it in our mother’s house,” says Engels. His repeat customers tell Engels that their trust in him and his promise to repair and fix a product, even if its three years old, is what keeps them coming back. “The RTO business is different. It’s not like being a banker or an accountant; every day is different and brings another opportunity to help people.”

After starting his career in RTO as a RAC delivery driver in 1987, Engels knew he wanted to run his own store. Throughout his career, he soaked up good advice from his peers and learned to focus on relationships.

“I enjoy developing relationships with people. Though I had no idea what it would be like to be a franchisee, the job is easy because I enjoy what I do,” says Engels. “I should have done this 10 years ago.”

Engels chose the ColorTyme franchise because of the support the company provides its franchisees. “ColorTyme understands how to run a business and gives new franchisees the support we need to open stores successfully,” he said. Engels hopes to open three to four more ColorTyme locations in various Chicago suburbs in the near future.

ColorTyme, Inc. is the oldest franchised rent-to-own or rental purchase company in the United States with nearly 300 stores.