Being a ColorTyme franchisee has given me the opportunity to turn my dream into a reality where my employees have opportunities to build their own careers and realize their own dreams
Gary Hughes

photo rtoonline Gary Hughes was named ColorTyme Franchisee of the Year for 2005 at the company's recent convention in Myrtle Beach, SC. (See Story)

After 15 years as a ColorTyme franchisee, Gary Hughes, the rent-to-own veteran who started with one ColorTyme store, is “retiring” after fulfilling a dream that built a 33-store empire across seven states. Hughes, ColorTyme and ColorTyme parent company, Rent-A-Center, endorsed the deal with Rent-A-Center buying 27 of Hughes’ 33 stores.

Mr. Hughes will continue as a ColorTyme franchisee, remaining a key member of the ColorTyme Franchisee Advisory Council and retaining five stores and a sixth currently under construction. He will also help his long-time partner and director of operations Mark Childers, to become a ColorTyme franchisee, and will in turn become a minority partner in Mr. Childers’ new venture with ColorTyme.

photo rtoonline Mark Childers

A respected leader credited for raising the level of professionalism and service in the industry, Mr. Hughes’ expertise is considered essential by corporate executives. Hughes was named ColorTyme Franchisee of the Year at the recent ColorTyme summer meeting in Myrtle Beach, S.C. in June - making it the fourth time he shared the company’s top honor with his employees.

“In each town, ColorTyme is part of the community and provides our customers with the respect they deserve,” Mr. Hughes said. “Being a ColorTyme franchisee has given me the opportunity to turn my dream into a reality where my employees have opportunities to build their own careers and realize their own dreams.”

Mr. Hughes’ rise to success is a story of steady growth rather than a spectacular boom. His team opened a new store every 90 days for the last six years, expanding across seven states - Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana and Hawaii. He pioneered many of the customer service programs now in effect in all ColorTyme locations. To set his stores apart from competitors, Hughes introduced useful services beyond renting furniture, electronics and appliances, such as check cashing and Pay Day Loans. He also worked hard to enhance the lives and careers of employees. Indeed, Rent-A-Center and ColorTyme corporate officers credit Hughes with mentoring the entire industry.

“We feel extraordinarily fortunate to have had Mr. Hughes as a ColorTyme franchisee for 15 years and are delighted that he will continue with us,” ColorTyme President and CEO Bob Bloom said. “Gary has been a force in the rent-to-own industry, pushing all of us to offer more to our customers. ColorTyme is glad to be a part of his vision.”

ColorTyme, Inc. is the oldest franchised rent-to-own company in the United States. Now in its 25th year, the company has launched an aggressive franchise development plan and is on track to grow significantly in the next five years.