Everything is about our customers: You do what you promise because this business is all about trust
Tom Smith, ColorTyme Franchisee

Tom and Duane Smith have used practical business sense paired with exceptional customer service to build a successful rent-to-own venture in just two short years. The growth of their ColorTyme franchise, BJQ Sales and Service, LLC, is marked by the opening of their second ColorTyme store, in Hanover, Pa. this month and the recent acquisition of a third ColorTyme store in York, Pa.

Based in Baltimore, Md., the Smiths opened their first store in Catonsville, Md., in July of 2003. From there, the brothers quickly went to work developing the Hanover store and then acquired the York store at 1230 Green Springs Drive from long time ColorTyme franchisee, Full House, Inc.

A football-themed celebration will kick off the opening and have all the makings of a tailgate party with college football games on the store’s big-screen televisions, as well as sub sandwiches and soft drinks available for the customers. Customers can also register to win a wide screen television, a DVD/VCR combination and a digital camera.

Tom attributes he and his brother’s success in the rent-to-own industry in part to their employees’ constant attention to customers’ needs. Some of the examples of ‘above-and-beyond’ customer service are remarkable. One example? The day an employee mistakenly rented a home stereo system to the wrong customer but fixed the problem by personally delivering his own home stereo system to the customer’s house that evening until he could locate a replacement.

“Everything is about our customers: You do what you promise because this business is all about trust,” Tom said. “Our clientele get the respect they deserve and that’s exactly why we’re in this industry.”

The Smith brothers also attribute their accomplishments to the ColorTyme support systems they would not have as independent operators. After Tom worked with Rent-A-Center, Rent Way and a fellow ColorTyme franchisee and Duane worked for Rent-A-Center and Rent Way, the two decided to open their first store with ColorTyme primarily because of the company’s training and ordering programs that give them a clear advantage over doing business as an independent.

“ColorTyme’s purchasing department is fantastic, they have it down to a science,” Tom said. “We’re able to buy better, higher-end products for our customers at lower prices than independent dealers and the training program is spectacular. ColorTyme finds ways to make each franchisee successful.”

ColorTyme, Inc. is the oldest franchised rent-to-own or rental purchase company in the United States with more than 276 stores. Now in its 26th 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.

For more information, visit www.colortyme.com