Rent-to-own News - 2007 Rent-to-Own Employee of the Year award goes to Brown of Bestway Rent to Own

The 2007 Rent-to-Own Employee of the Year award was presented to Jonathan Brown of Bestway Rent to Own in Tappahonnock, Virginia, during the APRO general session at the 2007 APRO Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show, September 25, in Reno, Nevada. Brown, 23, accepted the award graciously from APRO Public Relations Chairman Sidney Burton and gave a warm and humorous speech, crediting his grandparents' "tough love" for his success. A relatively new employee and customer service manager at Bestway Rent to Own, Brown was nominated as the company's 2006-07 Employee of the Year as well.

What makes Brown so special is his attitude and dedication to his job, family and less fortunate youths. "No matter what job you have, whether you're a garbage man, a secretary or working for rent-to-own, you have to love your work. If you don't, it becomes a prison," says Brown. Accompanied by his grandparents and friends, Brown's virtues were extolled in a video produced by APRO. At work, Brown has excelled by increasing his customer count 25 percent and is the only "Top 3" performer for each of the five months that Bestway started its monthly company-wide ranking system for all of its 46 collections specialists. Outside of work, Brown served as a volunteer tutor for Upward Bound for more than four years. Upward Bound serves students from low-income families by helping them succeed academically with the ultimate goal of being prepared for college.

Brown also provides any support he can to his younger brothers and grandparents by looking after them and ensuring that his 16-year-old brother PJ successfully attends high school and hopefully beyond. "His leadership, love and support have been instrumental in establishing the foundation that helped his 19-year-old brother achieve such lofty academic success," says Danny Jordan, who nominated Brown for the award. Brown's 19-year-old brother Andy is currently attending Brown University. Congratulations and kudos to Jonathan Brown of Bestway Rent to Own!