Rent-to-own News - Buddy's Franchise Group turns managers into owners

Buddy's franchise managers Charles Maury, Gary Pree, Whaylon Taylor and Donald Thompson sign on as owners this week.

Buddy’s Home Furnishings franchise group, Ark-La-Tex RTO Ventures LLC, is proud to announce that all five of its active managers are now owners of the business.

The ownership was solidified at a “signing party” in Orlando on Feb. 21, 2011, as Charles Maury, Gary Pree, Whaylon Taylor and Donald Thompson officially became members of the LLC. 

“Today is a milestone for us," said Dave Scarafiotti, President of Ark-La-Tex RTO Ventures LLC. "These guys have worked so hard to make this company successful, giving them the opportunity to invest in themselves and one day reap the rewards of their efforts is very gratifying,” “Each one took a leap of faith, leaving behind careers with the big guys to become a part of Buddy’s. This just solidifies our commitment to them and their future.” 

Todd Homberger, President of Buddy’s Franchising, Inc. opened his 3rd franchise location in Pryor, Oklahoma, acquiring this store which formerly operated as Jacob’s Home Furnishings.

“Our focus and goals for Buddy’s is to make sure that we are expanding our brand in areas that can feed off of other current locations we have, while maintaining a consistent image wherever we go," Homberger said.   "Providing the  Ark-La-Tex managers an opportunity to share in the success of their company is consistent with the Buddy’s culture.  It’s who we are.”

Buddy’s Home Furnishings, originally known as Buddy Bi-Rite, was founded in 1961 by Mr. Norman "Slat" Slatton, Sr. Selling used appliances from his home, Mr. Slatton had a dream that one day he would have an appliance store of his own where he could service the demands of the growing Tampa area.
 

“Right now is an exciting time for Buddy’s Home Furnishings,” said Joe Gazzo, President of Buddy’s.  “Our Ark-La-Tex RTO Ventures LLC group, like our other groups, is a big reason for our succes.”

A few year's later, Slatton's dreams were realized when he opened his first appliance showroom.  Driven by an intense desire to succeed, Mr. Slatton built his business one satisfied customer at a time, and soon the Buddy Bi-Rite name became synonymous with quality appliances, low prices, and old fashioned service.
 
Since 1961, Buddy Bi-Rite prospered and, by the end of the 1970's, had sold more televisions and appliances that any other independent dealer in the Tampa Bay, FL area.
 

In 1979, Slatton recognized that a growing number of young families were not able to purchase a new television or appliance because they either lacked good credit or were unable to come up with a large down payment.  It was at this time that Buddy Bi-Rite introduced the "Rent-to-Own" plan.
 
The overwhelming popularity of Buddy Bi-Rite's "Rent-to-Own" plan fueled the company's expansion into other towns throughout Florida, and now many other states.

Today Buddy's has locations in multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, North Carolina and Tennessee.  Future stores being targeted are in Texas, Arkansas & more.