APRO's Exclusive Rent-to-own Audio and Podcasts

Rent to own Audio & Podcasts: Bob Lawrence, CEO AVB Brand Source

Exclusive RTOHQ.org Audio: Bob Lawrence, CEO AVB Brand Source August 27, 2008 Listen:

This Rent to Own Audio Podcast brought to you by APRO's RTOHQ.org

Bob Lawrence is the CEO of AVB-Brand Source, the nation's largest buying group.

In an economic climate that seems awash in grim forecasts, Lawrence exudes an optimism that rests on his belief that "big" is out.

His assessment, "the aggregation of small is the new big," is a shot across the bow to the big box chains that, in Lawrence's opinion, have worn out their welcome in the minds of consumers.

In this exclusive podcast, Lawrence expands on idea of the DIY consumer culture transitioning to a "serve me" culture that bodes well for the specialized brand of customer service only the independent dealer can provide.

Over 3,000 attended the AVB-Brand Source Convention and Buying Show this week at the Paris Casino in Las Vegas, where Lawrence told attendees member sales exceeded the industry averages in consumer electronics, appliances and furniture.

Next year, the site will host the APRO Convention and Buying Show which will co-locate with the AVB-Brand Source Convention August 30-September 3, 2009. Read More.

Lawrence discusses some of the factors that went in to the decision to co-locate shows with APRO next year and how the move is a win win for both organizations.

"Are goal is to be the largest home furnishings entity in north america," RTO is an important part of that. We need that channel for those customers who need or want to rent, and if we leave that out we have a big gap in what we are trying to do. So RTO is going to become more and more important to us and it's a category we are going to put a lot of energy into."

Get ready for the 2009 Convention!

2009 Convention Exhibitor Information

Featured APRO Photo:
From the TARA Exhibit Hall and Training Sessions Album
TARA educational session
View All RTO Photos
in the RTOHQ.org gallery

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.

Complete issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine | August - September 2008
Download the entire August - September 2008 issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine by clicking on the link above (PDF). by APRO

A Tiger at the Goal Line
By Neil Ferguson
In August, APRO's 2006-08 President Larry Carrico passed the gavel to another Missouri rental dealer, Tiger John Cleek. Find out what's in the playbook for this avid sports enthusiast's term as president.

Two Rent-to-Own Roads Diverged - The Industry's Titans
By Ed Winn III
Rent-to-own's two publicly traded companies, Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership and Rent-A-Center, have taken different paths to get to the top. Ed Winn III explores their journeys along the way and how each company has its own business map for the road ahead.

Rent-A-Center: Flexible and Flourishing
By Kristen Card
Mark Speese, Mitch Fadel and Bob Bloom share their perspectives on the rent-to-own industry and the role Rent-A-Center plays in it.

Aaron Rents: Different by Design
By Kristen Card
Charlie Loudermilk has been at Aaron's helm for more than a half a century. Learn how he - along with Ken Butler and Todd Evans - has developed a unique business model for rent-to-own.

CM Jewelry Sparkles
By Kristen Card
Robby Tyson and John Blair have created a gem of a business with affordable, profitable and ready-to-run jewelry programs for rent-to-own.

St. Louis Connections: APRO’s 2008 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show
Recap and photos by Neil Ferguson & Murlin Evans
It was an APRO Convention and Buying Show filled with surprises: Read more about what happened at this year's APRO Rent-to-Oown Convention & Buying Show.

Association of Progressive Rental Organizations
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