Rent-to-own News - Home Express Sales and Lease enters franchising; Caprio replaces Milby

Home Express Sales and Lease President and CEO Chris Caprio.

Home Express Sales and Lease -- a Louisville, Kentucky-based company -- announced today it acquired its first franchise partners.

With strong performance at the six company-owned locations, this rent-to-own newcomer is ready for franchise opportunities after only 18 months of operation.

The rapid success and growth is due, in part, to the leadership of Chris Caprio who was recently promoted to Chief Executive Officer and President of KHF Holdings, the parent company of Home Express Sales and Lease.

Former KHF CEO Bill Milby left the company in early December 2008 for undisclosed reasons and Caprio took over leadership of the company at that time. The first franchise will open in the next 30 days in southern Indiana. The second will open in Kentucky in the next 60 days. Both will carry the Home Express Sales and Lease name.

Caprio, a 19-year veteran of the rent-to-own furniture business, used his experience and the current economic challenges to think outside the box and find new ways to drive customer traffic, increase revenues and accelerate expansion of the company.
 
The experience and connections Caprio has within the industry makes this franchising opportunity a valuable investment for both investors and operators.

“This is truly a dream come true for me," Caprio said, "the ability to match investors with some of the country’s strongest operators, and the ability to provide equity to these incredible operators without risking their entire savings.”

Investment groups have already partnered with existing management teams for two franchise operations opening in Kentucky and Indiana – and that is just the beginning.
 
Caprio has plans to build on the strong foundation of Home Express for aggressive, but tested expansion.

“My philosophy is simple: people, basics, accountability,” he said. “Develop or recruit people with the ability and desire to perform above expectations, teach them the most effective ways to exceed the needs of customers, and hold them accountable to the daily behaviors required for sustained results. The challenging economy has actually created opportunities in several markets."
 
KHF Holdings LLC is based in Louisville, Kentucky and is the parent company of Home Express Sales and Lease LLC, operating six company stores and managing two franchisee locations. KHF Holdings is also the licensee of five Ashley Furniture HomeStores in Louisville and Indianapolis and two Ashley Furniture Distribution Centers.
 

mevans@rtohq.org