NEWSLETTERS - NEW VIDEOS: TRIB Group rounds out second day of buy fair

TRIB Group President Lyn Leach interviewed Tuesday by APRO's Murlin Evans. Watch video.

The rent to own industry's longest standing buying  group -- TRIB Group -- entered the first day of the buying show portion of its annual "Meeting of the Minds" event Tuesday at Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas, after a candid day of roundtable discussions legislative updates and on the heels of a pre-show HotShow that exceeded $6.6 million in purchases the night before.

TRIB Group Executive Director Dennis Shields attributed the robust bidding and record breaking attendance to the unique blend of street smarts and fellowship culture that defines the country's only member-owned, member-run buying group for the rental industry.

 "People are realizing the value of belonging to TRIB and taking advantage of the hundreds of years of experience these independent operators have," Shields said. "That and co-locating with BrandSource's second buying show makes for an opportunity that can't be passed up.

APRO Executive Director Bill Keese opened TRIB's  "session 2" Meeting of the Minds with a frank discussion of the industry's legislative progress. Keese expressed optimism at the industry's progress in the U.S. House of Representatives and the positive outcome of the industry's recent hearing this summer.

"Even our detractors are finally now acknowledging that our transaction is not a credit sale, but a lease and that in and of itself is a huge accomplishment and due in no small part to the perserverence and tenacity of many people here in this room over the years," Keese said.  "People like Wayne Chambers, Terry Beville and Kevin Quinn, industry leaders who were proactive and took the lead. Without them, and the leadership of others here, it is unlikely any of us would still be in business. APRO and TRIB have a long  standing symbiotic relationship."

More than 84 rental companies from across the country were in attendance at the meeting and show in Las Vegas and were represented by close to 250 owners, dealers, managers and family.

The group's HotShow totals surpassed TRIB Group's HotShow last August by more than two million.

The buying show portion of the meeting continues through Wednesday.

See photos from the HotShow and Meeting of the Minds Event here.

Watch HD interviews with leading rent to own independent dealers and attending vendors here:

Bob Lawrence, BrandSource CEO

Mike Tissot, APRO/TRIB Boardmember

Jim Thompson, Serta

Albert Kohut, ColorTyme VP of Operations

Todd Homberger, Buddy's Director of Franchising

Susan Matthews, Benefit Marketing Solutions

John Spangle, Partners Rent to Own, Rent-n-Roll

Gary Ferriman, Showplace Rent-to-Own

Chris Bolin, Bolin Rental Purchase

Dennis Shields, TRIB Group Executive Director

Ernie Lewallen, UHR Rents/Rent-n-Roll

Rita Haney, Protect-A-Bed

Jamie Slatton, Buddy's

Shannon Strunk, Babers, Rent-n-Roll

New vendor Tom Wallich, Franklin Corporation

Mark Reopelle, Quality Rentals

Don Wilson, Whirlpool Corporation

Lyn Leach, TRIB Group President