The American Dream Lives On. Come along with the Carricos as they build a successful business, a loving marriage, a close-knit family, and a legacy of generosity meant to endure. Larry and Sharon met soon after high school and weathered the ups and downs of economic shifts, addiction, and life itself to create a life built on hard work, fair play, and giving back.

Whether it was finishing a college degree while choosing between bus fare or food or rebuilding a business from the ashes of a fire, the Carricos never let adverse conditions keep them from forging forward. Their example of pursuing your dreams by leaning into your strengths and keeping the faith is a heartwarming and inspiring story.

We should leave enough behind to make some difference for those who follow.

Hope, love, and faith meet grit and resilience in this compelling memoir of a decades-long marriage and business partnership. Raised in the heart of the Midwest, Larry and Sharon shared working-class roots, a spirit of giving, and ties to the Catholic faith. They both credit their parents for their strong work ethic and belief that the next generation can and will do better than the current one.

Sparks flew when they first met at a bowling alley in their teens. Neither expected anything from the encounter, but a long-distance romance took root and three years later, they were engaged and living the dream in sunny California. But those wondrous days ended abruptly when Larry was fired despite his rising star status as a regional manager for Florsheim Shoes. The young couple returned to their roots in Illinois to rebuild. Opportunity knocked in 1985 when the couple bought their first Rent-to-Own stores in rural Alabama. Over the last forty years, Larry helped shape the industry through his innovation and leadership. Together they have grown to over one hundred stores and established other successful businesses as well.

All the while the couple balanced marriage, parenthood, addiction, and aging parents with grace, though they would be the first to admit some stumbling along the way. Leaning into their faith and the couple's dedication to giving back to their community, this book shares their inspiring journey and celebrates the joy that comes when you own your life.