If I can make a business successful for someone else, why shouldn’t I do it for myself
John Schaller, ColorTyme franchisee

Schaller’s 20 years of experience in the rent-to-own industry led him to invest in his own ColorTyme franchise, opening his first store in Norfolk, Va., in 2000.

ColorTyme franchisee John Schaller believes his success with ColorTyme stems from finally investing in his most valuable asset: himself. Schaller’s latest achievement is purchasing a second ColorTyme store, in Newport News, Virginia.

“If I can make a business successful for someone else, why shouldn’t I do it for myself,” Schaller says. “I believe in myself and the people that work for me, so my ColorTyme stores are going to be a success because my customers see that I’m invested in this business and in them.”

Schaller’s 20 years of experience in the rent-to-own industry led him to invest in his own ColorTyme franchise, opening his first store in Norfolk, Va., in 2000. When a fellow ColorTyme franchisee and former co-worker of Schaller’s (the pair worked together at Rent-A-Center in the 1990s), Tony Nickolas, wanted to sell the Newport News location, Schaller and his partner, Aubrey Sadler, jumped at the opportunity to add to their ColorTyme franchise.

“ColorTyme’s financing through Wells Fargo has been a huge advantage and enabled me to expand this franchise,” Schaller said. “I don’t have to be ridiculously wealthy to own my own business. I just have to be dedicated to making my ColorTyme stores a success, which is simple when you love what you do.”

Part of Schaller’s devotion to his customers is being in his ColorTyme stores every day, readily accessible for customers to ask questions, suggest new products or arrange payment plans that work with their budgets.

“If one of our customers sees a TV or a digital camera at another retailer and wants it, I’m right there in the store and can go buy it for them,” he said. “It means a lot to our customers that I remember their names and am familiar with them when they bring a friend in to try out some new merchandise. I truly want each of our customers to own the merchandise they rent from us. I’m here to make that happen.”

ColorTyme, Inc. is the oldest franchised rent-to-own or rental purchase company in the United States with 276 stores. The company got its start when Talley began selling Curtis Mathes color televisions and realized many of his customers couldn’t afford to buy a new TV in one payment. A new brand and concept was born. 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 with many of its newest locations being developed by rent-to-own professionals.