Bands used to be the only option for wedding entertainment. That began changing in the mid-1970s, about the time Gerald Maas founded Complete Music in Omaha, Nebraska. From his first performance at his sister’s wedding reception, Maas has seen his company expand into a nationwide operation.

In the late 1970s, electronics manufacturer Curtis Mathis Co. established ColorTyme as a distributor for its line of televisions. Willie Talley purchased the company in 1981 and began franchising the concept the following year. ColorTyme stores offer a complete line of home electronics, appliances and furnishings. All products are sold rent-to-own, with customers making weekly [...]

Brian McInerney founded Wheel Fun Rentals in 1987 in order to bring the four-wheeled Italian surrey cycle to California. The Southern California-based company began franchising in 2000. Wheel Fun Rentals has multiple units in operation and has identified more than 1,000 potential locations nationwide. It offers its franchisees exclusive territories and has co-branding relationships with [...]

Aaron’s Rents offers furnishings such as big screen televisions, couches and refrigerators for rental or purchase at its stores across the United States. R. Charles Loudermilk Sr. began the business in 1955, renting folding chairs he had purchased from an army surplus store for 10 cents a day. Today the company rents items for a [...]