Rent-to-own News - Industry "Titans" diverge in latest RTOHQ: The Magazine

The second edition of APRO's revamped publication -- RTOHQ: The Magazine -- hits post offices and office desks this week with an engaging look at similarities and differences between the two publicly traded RTO "Titans": Rent-A-Center and Aaron Rents.

The new edition also features in-depth profiles of new APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek, Robby Tyson and John Blair of CM Jewelry and a recap of RTO own events including APRO's highly successful St. Louis convention.

Introduction by APRO Executive Director Bill Keese:

"For an encore to 'The Connectors' theme of our debut edition of RTOHQ: The Magazine, in the latest issue we take a look at “The Titans” of the rent-to-own industry, Aaron Rents and Rent-A-Center—the two publicly traded companies and the men who run them.

We've profiled Mark Speese, Mitch Fadel and Bob Bloom of Rent-A-Center and ColorTyme and Charlie Loudermilk, Ken Butler and Todd Evans of Aaron Rents and we think you’ll find their perspectives and distinct approaches to doing business useful, even if you’re a one-store rental dealer. After all, the rent-to-own business models used by these titans pretty much defines the way the rest of the industry does its business as well.

Also in the latest issue, we introduce a man who needs no 
introduction, APRO’s new president, Tiger John Cleek. Tiger has been the driving force in organizing and/or re-organizing state rental dealer associations across the nation.

Since helping create APRO’s State Association Coordinating Committee many years ago, he has continually strived to keep state associations up to speed on all legal and legislative issues. He has nurtured educational opportunities on the state level as well. In our profile, the new president shares his game plan for the coming year—one that calls for inclusion and participation from everyone to keep APRO at the forefront of the rent-to-own world.

Robby Tyson and John Blair, two men who are best friends and have dedicated their professional lives to rent-to-own, discuss their current gem of a business, CM Jewelry, and how the company is helping turn profits for RTO businesses.

We reflect on APRO’s recent highly successful Convention and Buying Show, held August 11–14 in St. Louis. For all of you who were there, you know the excitement and enthusiasm generated by the year’s largest gathering of rental dealers.

For those who were unable to attend, you missed—among other things—the Honorable William Lacy Clay presenting the most arousing political overview and direction for the industry’s legislative initiatives in the 28-year history of the association. Finally, Washington has a congressman who knows what we do and who we are."

mevans@rtohq.org