Stephens chose ColorTyme because he was familiar with the company through his work with Rent-A-Center and knew it would be the best fit.

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James Stephens said opening his own rent-to-own franchise had been his goal since he started in the industry. On October 1, he will realize his dream when he opens his first ColorTyme store in Shreveport, LA.

Stephens' memory is precise.

"I started in RTO on May 15, 2003," he recalls. "I was in school, but I ran out of money."

He answered a Rent-A-Center newspaper ad for an entry level job and within a month and a half he was promoted to assistant store manager. Soon thereafter, Stephens became a store manager.

"I fell in love with the work," he said. "I was reading the industry magazines and that put the idea of ownership in my mind. I was doing for [the owner] what I eventually wanted to do for myself."

Stephens said he applied to become a ColorTyme franchisee in July 2006, just three years after his start in the RTO industry. After researching other options, he chose ColorTyme because he was familiar with the company through his work with Rent-A-Center and knew it would be the best fit.

Stephens' decision to open his store in Shreveport was a no-brainer. He and his wife, Jennifer, grew up in the area and know it well.

"This area is prime," he said. "It's a rural area and there's a huge market for rent-to-own."

Stephens' store manager and friend, Jay Edmunds, is also from the area. Stephens said he hired Edmonds because of his great customer service skills and attention to details.

"Our success will come from hiring the best people in the business, our customer service and our community involvement," said Stephens.

ColorTyme Shreveport's official grand opening is set for the first weekend in November. The festivities will include a ribbon cutting ceremony and prize give aways.

Stephens said the "we're here for you" attitude of his employees will establish his store as the "hometown ColorTyme" sentiment that will connect with customers. But he also believes providing high-quality products like HDTVs and computers will bring renters in the door.

Stephens said, "I'm looking forward to being able to help our customers by providing quality products and great service. I can hold my head up high about that. Each time someone walks in the door, the owner – me – will be there to say hi."