I always encourage our managers and team members to think outside of the box when it comes to customer service, to go beyond what customers traditionally expect.
Allan Williams, ColorTyme Franchisee

ColorTyme 2006 Convention attendees  were treated to skybox seats in Auto Zone Park for a Memphis Redbirds home game Tuesday night. See a complete photo gallery of ColorTyme's night at Auto Zone Park here. RTO Online will provide daily coverage of the 2006 ColorTyme Convention from Memphis. Please check www.rtoonline.com for updates.

Allan Williams answered a classified ad after being out of junior college for a year when he applied for a position at Rent-A-Center in 1988. Eighteen years later, Williams opened his second ColorTyme store in Tallahassee, Fla. late last year after launching his ColorTyme franchise in September 2002 with his first store in Bainbridge, Ga.

Customer service is a priority for Williams at his stores. He and his staff pride themselves on giving each customer personalized service. “We’re there for them when times are good and when they’re not; by doing that, we’re providing a service that many customers don’t expect from a rent-to-own (RTO) store,” he said.

According to Williams, owners working closely with customers are ColorTyme’s difference from the competition. “There’s real value in taking time to get involved and take interest in our customers’ lives because in the end, it will pay dividends in the future,” he said.

Williams’ newest ColorTyme store opened in December and is located at 1201 Apalachee Parkway in Tallahassee. He plans to expand the traditional RTO store by offering a full line of jewelry, Pay Day Loans and Custom Tires and Rims.

“In both of our stores, we try to create a hometown environment with a strong emphasis on community,” Williams said. “We do little things for the customer that they wouldn’t expect. I always encourage our managers and team members to think outside of the box when it comes to customer service, to go beyond what customers traditionally expect.” He also requires all of his team members to know their customers’ first names and acknowledge them as soon as they walk in the store.

Since 1998, Williams, his wife and four daughters have called Bainbridge home. “Developing my own business with ColorTyme in Bainbridge provided an opportunity to create a life for myself enjoying what I do. It’s easy to stick with that,” he said.

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