Rent-to-own News

Rent-to-own News - NEW PODCAST: Charles Smithgall of SEI Aarons

May 16, 2008

Charles Smithgall is the president and CEO of SEI Aaron's, the third largest rent-to-own company in the industry -- excluding Rent-A-Center owned ColoryTyme -- with 63 stores and annual revenue of over $80 million.

Click here for podcast.

He is also one of the most colorful personalities in the industry with a resume that depicts the life of a true adventurer.

Smithgall recently attended the New York State Rental Dealers Association in Verona, New York.

In this exclusive APRO podcast, Smithgall describes how his experiences as a cattle rancher, soldier, MBA, media mogul and business manager in a variety of industries have contributed to his success in what he calls the "forgiving" business of rent-to-own.

Never too far removed from his company -- he visits each of his stores four times a year and calls stores each week to talk to associates -- yet ever willing to help polish leaders in the rough, Smithgall discusses the importance of mentorship and the similarities between running cattle and running SEI Aarons.

"What an exciting thing, to help make dreams come true," Smithgall says. "I've always heard if you go into business just to make a profit, you're probably going to fail. I'm in a business where we really can help people achieve ownership of these products they can't get any other way. It's a joy for me to go to work everyday."

 

mevans@rtohq.org



 

About APRO
The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is the official voice of the rent-to-own industry and the most accurate and trustworthy source of rent-to-own news in the industry. Founded in 1980, APRO is the national, nonprofit trade association advocating and representing the rent-to-own industry before the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, courts, media and the public.

For more information, visit www.rtohq.org.




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RTOHQ: The Magazine
RTOHQ: The Magazine is the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations' award-winning rent-to-own industry magazine, and it's available here.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR DIGITAL RTOHQ: THE MAGAZINE

 

RTOHQ: The Magazine’s upgraded digital format

APRO's new, mobile-ready magazine is now available in addition to our print edition. The digital format provides the same informative content as our printed magazine, but also offers tools to make the reading experience more enriching. Access the table of contents page with one click or tap. Get additional information from advertisers by clicking on the links in their ads. The interface is easy to navigate and requires no special app—read our magazine on your computer, digital table or smartphone. Click here to access the digital version of RTOHQ: The Magazine November-December 2011.

 

Marketing Matters

This year marks the launch of a marketing campaign initiated by APRO to build the rent-to-own customer base. It will be a multi-year endeavor employing multiple strategies. In this and upcoming issues of our magazine, we will address the many facets of marketing that affect our industry.

 

Striving for an A with the BBB

by William E. Freeland

Consumers often refer to the Better Business Bureau's ratings to help them make rental and purchasing decisions. National Rent-to-Own's human resource manager outlines the steps every RTO company should pursue to help earn an A+ from the BBB.

 

Creating an Extraordinary Customer Experience

by Bill Keese

Apple does it. Southwest Airlines does it. Can the rent-to-own industry also garner a national reputation for exceptional service and, in the process, attract new customers?

 

BB and BBQ on Beale Street

Memphis' reputation for tremendous food, groundbreaking music and Southern charm is well deserved. It's not too early to start planning your trip there next July for APRO's 2012 Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show.

 

Card Talk

by Ed Winn III

Credit and debit card payments are on the rise in rent-to-own. So are the risks in keeping such transactions secure.

 

Rent-to-Own Families, Part VI

by Kristen Card

No, you're not seeing double, or are you? Our latest profiles of kindred colleagues include two sets of twins-the Botkins and the Kimbles. And in Kansas, a son and daughter help their dad keep business running Strong.

 

 

Future issues of APRO's magazine will be available in this same new format. Click here to access past issues that are not yet archived in the new interface.

 

Association of Progressive Rental Organizations
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Austin, Texas 78703
800/204-2776, ext. 103
Fax 512/794-0097