Even as a boy, Cornell Schultz loved cools cars. His dad, also named Cornell, was into drag racing and would take him along to the track. “My father passed away a year ago, but I often think back on our nights at the racetrack and getting the car ready to race,” he says. “At 41, I still remember that vividly.”
In 2018, to create these great memories for others, he opened Dream Toy Garage in Franklin and rents out luxury and exotic cars. “People may not be able to buy a Porsche Carrera 911 or a Mercedes G63 AMG, but they can rent one and experience that thrill.”
His customers rent the cars, such as the Audi R8 Quattro, for birthdays, anniversaries and fun date nights. “The Bentley Continental GT Convertible has been rented out for wedding after wedding, as has the 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback,” says Cornell.
The Porsche and the Corvette are the most requested. though. “The Corvette C8 is out all the time, as is the Porsche,” he says. “They come in, we clean them up, and they go back out.”
For many people, buying these types of cars is not realistic, but that doesn’t stop them from dreaming about driving one. “I want to be able to give people access to these dream cars at a reasonable price,” says Cornell.
Of course, men are frequent customers, but women, he says, also are high on the list. “They rent them as a surprise for their husbands or boyfriends for birthdays and anniversaries. One woman videotaped her husband getting the car for the weekend. When you see a grown man light up and look like a kid on Christmas morning, that’s incredible.”
Cars also are rented out by business professionals who want to make a good impression. For an important meeting coming up or for impressing clients picked up at the airport, the Bentley can be rented. Or, if Realtors are showing a multi-million dollar property, they can drive prospective buyers around in the Mercedes.
Some of Cornell’s cars also have been used in advertising photography shoots.
Cars are usually rented out for a day or two, but they are available for much longer, and the rental process is all online. “You go to the website, look at all the vehicles, the pictures and descriptions,” he says. “You then select the vehicle you want, and it takes you to a site where you can make payments. You'll submit your license and insurance information and you fill out a couple of forms and you’re done. When you come in to pick up the vehicle, you’re in the car and gone usually within 10 minutes.”
They also can deliver the vehicle directly to clients.
Dream Toy Garage has six amazing vehicles from which to choose. Due to demand, they are looking to add a Lamborghini and Ferrari in the near future. For the person who has everything, gift cards are available for holidays, such as Father's Day. Certificates can be purchased online and either printed out or emailed.
Military personnel and first responders receive a 5% discount. “We realize the sacrifice they make for everybody is huge,” says Cornell. “We just want to be able to give a little something back to show our appreciation.”
Everyone who comes in, he says, is treated like a VIP. This high level of customer service, and his cars, are the reason they have a 5-star rating on Google. Impressive reviews include: “Cornell went above and beyond to ensure that I had the best time in the C8 Corvette.”
As a family company and a small business, Cornell is also carrying on his and his father’s love of cars with his own children, 15-year-old Nylen and 8-year-old Leia. “They’re here with me helping out,” he says.
As happy and excited as he makes his customers with giving them an opportunity to experience their dreams for at least a little while, he’s also had some bittersweet moments. “A widow came in to rent the Porsche,” he recalls. “Her husband had always loved them and never had the chance to own one. They were having a memorial service for him and as a way to honor his wish, they brought the Porsche to his service.
“This is a business, but to be able to see that emotional side of it and know you’re creating memories and experiences like that is truly moving.”
To rent one of these exotic cars, go to DreamToyGarage.com.
