APRO 2012 Speakers Prepare Dealers for Marketing Shift

Click to play video.

Preston Swincher from the Center for Generational Kinetics, is one of several expert marketing speakers slated for APRO’s 2012 Convention this year in Memphis.

In his session, "Crossing the Generational Divide", you will learn how to reach out to your potential customers based on APRO’s latest market research. But in order to reach new customers, you must first understand who they are. For the first time in world history, four distinctly different generations are working and shopping side by side. Each of these four generations (Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Gen Y) is guided by a different set of values, beliefs, and expectations. In "Crossing the Generational Divide", each generation’s preferences and priorities will be revealed.

Join your colleagues at the APRO 2012 Convention and Trade Show in Memphis July 24-26 to get the tools and know how to implement a multi-generational strategy for landing your share of that RTO potential customer base!

 

APRO 2012 Speaker Lineup:

Bill Keese, APRO Executive Director

APRO has been investing in the rental industry through customer and potential customer studies and focus groups as well as industry surveys.

 

Our goal as your national trade association is to help you reach more of the reported 45 million potential RTO customers out there that have yet to discover the benefits of renting home furnishings.

 

In addition to hard-hitting seminar sessions, APRO’s 2012 education day offers four featured speakers sharing insight into helping you achieve greater success in your business today and into the future.

 

Dan Heimbrock, CEO, HyperDrive Interactive

The Great Marketing Shift 

 

20th Century Marketing was all about interrupting consumers and outspending your competition in traditional media like TV, Radio, Print Inserts and Direct Mailers.

 

Modern consumers are overwhelmed with commercial messages, so they tune them out, and your brand fails to engage.

 

Today consumers rely much more heavily on the Internet, social media and friend recommendations rather than what the TV tells them to do. Learn how to deliver an exceptional experience at the “moments of truth” and your brand will gain not only new customers but unpaid advocates recommending your brand to family, friends and their social network.

 

Now, more than ever, it’s imperative that you understand the changing demographics of the communities and groups you serve. How can you best serve a local community or organization if you don’t know what your community looks like today?

And the changes in demographics take many forms: racial, ethnic, gender, generational, sexual preference, linguistic, even lifestage and level of affluence, to name a few.

 

Diversity of thought helps companies stay leading-edge and proactive as well. And learning about differences in values among different groups is the key to maximizing relationships, marketing efforts and business opportunities. This presentation will focus on why changing demographics and diversity are business opportunities and how these changes affect your business today and tomorrow.

 

Martin Roberts, Martin Roberts Design

The conversation on store-design continues this year with real world examples of improved and dynamic looks for the rent-to-own industry. Be ready for your increased customer base with a look that will appeal to them and keep customers coming to your stores.

Martin has been instrumental in designing the prototype store that will be on display in our exhibit hall during APRO’s 2012 Convention & Trade Show.

 

Martin Roberts is a design industry veteran with design credits recognized across the globe. His most respected work is included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. 

 

He has a BA in Industrial Design Engineering and MA in Design Systems; and is a member of The Royal Society of Arts (London), the Society of Industrial Designers, and the Institute of Store Planners.

 

We all know that the effects of our customers’ comments, negative or positive, can make or break our business.

Vivian Saunders has proven to be quite an evangelist not only for the store she shops at, Best-Way Rent To Own in Ahoskie North Carolina, but for the rent-to-own industry itself providing valuable testimony before a Congressional subcommittee on behalf of the industry.

 

APRO’s latest marketing report recommends that every company develop a “Vivian Saunders style” evangelist in their markets. Her enthusiasm and understanding of the rent-to-own industry will help you gain insight on how to create your own customer evangelists.

 

Denise Turner, ColorTurners

Color is the primary reason for purchases more than 85% of the time. Color and design trends are rapidly changing.

Color has cultural and demographic preferences. Color can also improve image, reputation and credibility.

 

Attend and gain insider’s color marketing secrets, to unleash your RTO sales and marketing potential.

 

Denise is the Color & Design Trend Columnist for Home Portfolio Magazine, an ASID professional member, former ASID chapter president, Certified Interior Designer, CMG Chair Holder and UCLA graduate. Also during Denise’s career, she was a show room build-up designer for Ikea stores. 

 

Larry Carrico and Keith Carrico, Rent One

Feeling like your company’s health insurance costs are getting out of control?  According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health expenditures in the United States neared $2.6 trillion in 2010 which is over ten times what it was in 1980.

This informative session will focus on how Rent One implemented a wellness program to gain some control over its healthcare costs.

 

Attend this seminar if you want to understand the lessons learned by Rent One and gain helpful advice for implementing a wellness program of your own to positively affect your company’s bottom-line.

 

Libby Spears, McDonald Marketing

5 Keys to Branding Your Business  

Does your business stand out from the crowd?

The way we do business and gain the attention of prospective clients in a media saturated, 24 hour news cycle, and short attention span culture is more challenging than ever.

 

In this game changing session on how to refine, re-define and reinvent your brand from Libby Spears, you will leave with five questions in hand to measure the caliber of your brand.

 

You don’t have to have a million dollar budget or an army of people to execute your ideas to grow a brand that resonates in the marketplace. Don’t miss this opportunity to bridge the gap between knowing what a great brand looks like and actually doing it. Libby Spears brings the perfect mix of storytelling, evidence, humor and activity to every experience and you will be energized and ready to hit the ground running.

 

Ed Winn III, APRO Legal Counsel

2012 Legal Update: Current Legal Issues affecting RTO  

In this popular and essential session, Ed Winn will cover some of the most important legal issues affecting the industry over the past year.

As APRO’s general counsel, Winn is well-known in the industry as being an expert in all things pertaining to rent-to-own.

 

Come for his brash sense of humor and daring no-nonsense presentation. Stay for his up-to-the-minute rundown of the industry legalities that could make or break your business.

 

David Keen, Rent One

Delivery Tech Rodeo! Creating Programs to help your Employees Reach Their Highest Potential 

Companies often spend much of their training time focusing on the front-end of the customer satisfaction process: the sale.

 

However, how often do you think about the last person to see your customer? You know they will leave a lasting impression. Why not make sure it’s a a great one that rounds out a memorable experience.

 

Rent One’s fun and competitive ‘Delivery Tech Rodeo’ has been a wildly successful means to ensure the company’s delivery techs are well-trained, know company policies and procedures and understand the important role they play in the overall success of the organization. Learn how one company is reaping the benefits of putting their delivery techs first.

 REGISTER TODAY!

 

Millennial marketing 101: ‘Convenience is king’

A recent study of underbanked Millennials – 18-34 year-olds who utilize non-traditional financial services such as prepaid debit cards or RTO  – challenges the notion of alternative financial service users as exclusively low-income consumers forced to turn to alternative products as a last resort.

The survey by Think Finance — a developer of next generation financial products for the underbanked — found that underbanked Millennials with mid to  high level incomes use alternative financial services at rates similar to, and in some cases higher than, their lower-income peers.

The study, which surveyed 640 Millennials who have used some type of alternative financial services product within the last year and earn less than $75,000 in annual income, also found that the majority were satisfied with the experience and consider the services an important financial tool.

The report found around 15 percent of respondents making less than $25,000 and 17 percent of those who earn $50-$75,000 reported using rent-to-own stores.

"These findings really highlight the need for innovation,"  said Think Finance CEO Ken Rees. "Younger Americans are not being well-served by traditional financial products be it checking accounts or credit cards. Alternative financial products are now part of the mainstream so we need to continue working to develop better, more responsible products which is what we are doing at Think Finance."

Think Finance in 2011 introduced Presta, an online lease-purchase resource for consumer electronics and computers. The company has 11 years of online experience serving underbanked consumers. Since 2001 the company has served more than 1 million customers providing more than $3 billion in service products.

The survey found that Millennials used several alternative financial products at similar rates regardless of income level.

Products and services used at similar rates by Millennials include:

    •    Prepaid debit cards – 51 percent of those making less than $25,000 in annual income reported using prepaid debit cards within the last year. The percentage was the same for those who earned $50,000-$74,999.

    •    Check cashing services – 34 percent of respondents who earn less than $25,000 reported using check cashing services, while almost as many in the $50,000 – $74,999 range (29 percent) turned to check cashers.

    •    Rent-to-own stores – 15 percent of respondents making less than $25,000 and 17 percent of those who earn $50,000-$74,999 reported using rent-to-own stores.

    •    Overdraft protection – 58 percent of respondents making $50,000-$74,999 reported using overdraft protection compared with 31 percent making less than $25,000.

    •    Bank direct deposit advance – 37 percent of respondents who earn $50,000-$74,999 reported using bank direct deposit advance compared with 22 percent of respondents who earn less than $25,000.

    •    Money transfer service – 39 percent of respondents who earn $50,000-$74,999 used money transfer services within the last year compared with 29 percent of those who earn less than $25,000.

"It struck me as odd those would be thought of as alternative financing at all," said Preston Swincher from the Center for Generational Kinetics, who is also a Millennial. "Those just seem normal to me. It seems to me it shows rent to own is something very much ready to be positioned as a mainstream option. Convenience is king. It’s not just the ability to deliver a service but it’s how it’s delivered and we don’t mind paying a little extra if it saves time and is easier to use."

According to some reports, by 2017 Millennials will have more spending power than Baby Boomers.

Swincher will speak at APRO’s 2012 Convention and Trade Show July 24-26 in Memphis on "Crossing the Generational Divide" — how to understand and reach new customers across different generations. He is one of several expert marketing speakers slated for APRO’s 2012 Convention this year in Memphis.

"Stereotypes that paint users of alternative financial products as poor and uninformed are simply not accurate," Rees said. "This study confirms that young people across the spectrum have a need for the convenience, utility and flexibility that alternative financial services provide."

Presta officials say the site and the business model has real appeal for CE early adopters under 40 years of age, those looking for today’s hottest consumer electronics without having to pay the premium price upfront. The look of the Web site was also a key concern for the company. A transparent transaction coupled with a clean non-cluttered web presence is a must for Millennial-appeal.

"The model allows customers to own products outright after making fixed payments for a year, or they may choose to pay products off early at a discount," said Presta Director Brad Ellison. "The lease-purchase agreement also offers the flexibility to return products any time after three months with no penalty, which is particularly appealing for the early adopter who wants to continuously upgrade. Millennials are drawn to sites that have a clean look and feel so we designed Presta’s web presence with that in mind."

 

 

Markup Hearing May 31

Dear APRO Members,

The U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee has scheduled a mark-up for the industry supported bill, H.R. 1588, on Thursday May 31st at 10 AM (ET).

The committee mark-up will involve introducing and voting on amendments to the legislation and the ultimate vote to pass the bill out of committee. If your member of Congress sits on the Financial Services Committee, please contact them to answer any questions and urge them to vote for the bill’s passage.

H.R. 1588 currently has the bipartisan support of 112 co-sponsors due to the great grassroots efforts by APRO members. If your Congressmember is still not a co-sponsor, please contact or follow up with them requesting their co-sponsorship.

The Senate companion bill S. 881 currently has 12 co-sponsors. Please contact your Senators to urge them to co-sponsor as well so we can build the momentum on the Senate side.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Richard May at RMay@RTOHQ.org or 512/225-1051.

Alphabetic listing of current House co-sponsors:

Rep Ackerman, Gary L. [NY-5] – 10/5/2011
Rep Akin, W. Todd [MO-2] – 5/2/2011
Rep Alexander, Rodney [LA-5] – 6/13/2011
Rep Austria, Steve [OH-7] – 7/6/2011
Rep Baca, Joe [CA-43] – 4/15/2011
Rep Bartlett, Roscoe G. [MD-6] – 4/19/2012
Rep Bishop, Rob [UT-1] – 5/11/2011
Rep Black, Diane [TN-6] – 7/27/2011
Rep Blackburn, Marsha [TN-7] – 5/2/2011
Rep Bonner, Jo [AL-1] – 5/4/2011
Rep Boren, Dan [OK-2] – 5/7/2012
Rep Boswell, Leonard L. [IA-3] – 7/6/2011
Rep Boustany, Charles W., Jr. [LA-7] – 6/22/2011
Rep Burgess, Michael C. [TX-26] – 5/10/2011
Rep Calvert, Ken [CA-44] – 3/19/2012
Rep Castor, Kathy [FL-11] – 7/12/2011
Rep Christensen, Donna M. [VI] – 4/19/2012
Rep Clay, Wm. Lacy [MO-1] – 4/15/2011
Rep Cleaver, Emanuel [MO-5] – 7/6/2011
Rep Coble, Howard [NC-6] – 5/10/2011
Rep Conaway, K. Michael [TX-11] – 7/18/2011
Rep Costello, Jerry F. [IL-12] – 6/24/2011
Rep Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [AR-1] – 5/12/2011
Rep Davis, Danny K. [IL-7] – 4/15/2011
Rep Davis, Geoff [KY-4] – 7/8/2011
Rep DesJarlais, Scott [TN-4] – 7/6/2011
Rep Diaz-Balart, Mario [FL-21] – 7/20/2011
Rep Dold, Robert J. [IL-10] – 4/15/2011
Rep Duffy, Sean P. [WI-7] – 11/14/2011
Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. [TN-2] – 5/5/2011
Rep Emerson, Jo Ann [MO-8] – 5/10/2011
Rep Farenthold, Blake [TX-27] – 6/23/2011
Rep Fincher, Stephen Lee [TN-8] – 6/21/2011
Rep Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [TN-3] – 7/7/2011
Rep Forbes, J. Randy [VA-4] – 2/27/2012
Rep Foxx, Virginia [NC-5] – 6/21/2011
Rep Gibbs, Bob [OH-18] – 4/19/2012
Rep Gingrey, Phil [GA-11] – 10/12/2011
Rep Gohmert, Louie [TX-1] – 5/11/2011
Rep Goodlatte, Bob [VA-6] – 6/13/2011
Rep Graves, Sam [MO-6] – 5/4/2011
Rep Griffin, Tim [AR-2] – 5/24/2011
Rep Grimm, Michael G. [NY-13] – 7/26/2011
Rep Guthrie, Brett [KY-2] – 6/21/2011
Rep Hall, Ralph M. [TX-4] – 5/2/2011
Rep Hanabusa, Colleen W. [HI-1] – 3/19/2012
Rep Harper, Gregg [MS-3] – 5/23/2011
Rep Hartzler, Vicky [MO-4] – 6/23/2011
Rep Hastings, Alcee L. [FL-23] – 5/3/2011
Rep Hensarling, Jeb [TX-5] – 4/15/2011
Rep Hinojosa, Ruben [TX-15] – 7/22/2011
Rep Holden, Tim [PA-17] – 4/15/2011
Rep Hurt, Robert [VA-5] – 11/4/2011
Rep Jenkins, Lynn [KS-2] – 5/2/2011
Rep Johnson, Bill [OH-6] – 5/11/2011
Rep Johnson, Eddie Bernice [TX-30] – 7/18/2011
Rep Johnson, Sam [TX-3] – 5/2/2011
Rep Johnson, Timothy V. [IL-15] – 7/13/2011
Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] – 4/15/2011
Rep Jordan, Jim [OH-4] – 11/14/2011
Rep Kelly, Mike [PA-3] – 4/24/2012
Rep King, Steve [IA-5] – 5/4/2011
Rep Kingston, Jack [GA-1] – 9/20/2011
Rep Kinzinger, Adam [IL-11] – 5/12/2011
Rep Kline, John [MN-2] – 5/24/2011
Rep Latham, Tom [IA-4] – 2/2/2012
Rep LaTourette, Steven C. [OH-14] – 5/4/2011
Rep Lucas, Frank D. [OK-3] – 6/23/2011
Rep Luetkemeyer, Blaine [MO-9] – 5/3/2011
Rep Manzullo, Donald A. [IL-16] – 4/15/2011
Rep Marchant, Kenny [TX-24] – 5/11/2011
Rep McHenry, Patrick T. [NC-10] – 7/25/2011
Rep McIntyre, Mike [NC-7] – 4/15/2011
Rep McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [WA-5] – 7/19/2011
Rep Meeks, Gregory W. [NY-6] – 4/15/2011
Rep Myrick, Sue Wilkins [NC-9] – 5/10/2011
Rep Neugebauer, Randy [TX-19] – 5/23/2011
Rep Noem, Kristi L. [SD] – 4/19/2012
Rep Nugent, Richard [FL-5] – 5/12/2011
Rep Nunnelee, Alan [MS-1] – 6/21/2011
Rep Olson, Pete [TX-22] – 5/10/2011
Rep Palazzo, Steven M. [MS-4] – 5/10/2011
Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] – 5/2/2011
Rep Reyes, Silvestre [TX-16] – 4/17/2012
Rep Roe, David P. [TN-1] – 5/5/2011
Rep Rogers, Harold [KY-5] – 5/10/2011
Rep Rogers, Mike D. [AL-3] – 7/20/2011
Rep Ross, Dennis [FL-12] – 5/10/2011
Rep Ross, Mike [AR-4] – 4/15/2011
Rep Royce, Edward R. [CA-40] – 11/14/2011
Rep Schilling, Robert T. [IL-17] – 6/15/2011
Rep Schmidt, Jean [OH-2] – 2/15/2012
Rep Schock, Aaron [IL-18] – 5/4/2011
Rep Scott, Austin [GA-8] – 7/15/2011
Rep Scott, David [GA-13] – 5/4/2011
Rep Sessions, Pete [TX-32] – 4/15/2011
Rep Shimkus, John [IL-19] – 5/2/2011
Rep Shuster, Bill [PA-9] – 5/10/2011
Rep Smith, Adrian [NE-3] – 5/7/2012
Rep Smith, Lamar [TX-21] – 5/26/2011
Rep Stivers, Steve [OH-15] – 5/5/2011
Rep Terry, Lee [NE-2] – 7/22/2011
Rep Towns, Edolphus [NY-10] – 4/15/2011
Rep Turner, Michael R. [OH-3] – 5/12/2011
Rep Westmoreland, Lynn A. [GA-3] – 4/15/2011
Rep Whitfield, Ed [KY-1] – 5/4/2011
Rep Wilson, Frederica [FL-17] – 7/6/2011
Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2] – 2/3/2012
Rep Wittman, Robert J. [VA-1] – 5/31/2011
Rep Wolf, Frank R. [VA-10] – 5/10/2011
Rep Womack, Steve [AR-3] – 5/23/2011
Rep Young, Don [AK] – 4/19/2012
Rep Carnahan, Russ [MO-3] – 5/23/2011(withdrawn – 4/27/2012)

Current Senate co-sponsors:

Sen Blunt, Roy [MO] – 5/4/2011
Sen Boozman, John [AR] – 5/23/2011
Sen Burr, Richard [NC] – 12/1/2011
Sen Chambliss, Saxby [GA] – 4/23/2012
Sen Conrad, Kent [ND] – 2/7/2012
Sen Hutchison, Kay Bailey [TX] – 4/19/2012
Sen Isakson, Johnny [GA] – 4/19/2012
Sen Nelson, E. Benjamin [NE] – 5/10/2012
Sen Tester, Jon [MT] – 5/10/2012
Sen Thune, John [SD] – 3/8/2012
Sen Vitter, David [LA] – 4/18/2012
Sen Wicker, Roger F. [MS] – 5/4/2011
 

Bob Saunders funeral arrangements

Veteran furniture dealer, Bob Saunders of United Furniture, died Tuesday night of a massive heart attack.

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

 

Outgoing vendor advisory committee member Bob Saunders (l) receives a plaque from APRO Executive Director Bill Keese for his service to the industry in 2009.

Veteran furniture dealer, Bob Saunders of United Furniture, died Tuesday night of a massive heart attack.

 

Saunders spent 28 years serving the rent to own industry and was an active member of APRO’s Vendor Advisory Committee where he served for many years before stepping down in 2009.

 

He was named APRO’s Vendor of the Year in 2000.

 

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

A recent study of underbanked Millennials – 18-34 year-olds who utilize non-traditional financial services such as prepaid debit cards or RTO  – challenges the notion of alternative financial service users as exclusively low-income consumers forced to turn to alternative products as a last resort.

The survey by Think Finance — a developer of next generation financial products for the underbanked — found that underbanked Millennials with mid to  high level incomes use alternative financial services at rates similar to, and in some cases higher than, their lower-income peers.

The study, which surveyed 640 Millennials who have used some type of alternative financial services product within the last year and earn less than $75,000 in annual income, also found that the majority were satisfied with the experience and consider the services an important financial tool.

The report found around 15 percent of respondents making less than $25,000 and 17 percent of those who earn $50-$75,000 reported using rent-to-own stores.

"These findings really highlight the need for innovation,"  said Think Finance CEO Ken Rees. "Younger Americans are not being well-served by traditional financial products be it checking accounts or credit cards. Alternative financial products are now part of the mainstream so we need to continue working to develop better, more responsible products which is what we are doing at Think Finance."

Think Finance in 2011 introduced Presta, an online lease-purchase resource for consumer electronics and computers. The company has 11 years of online experience serving underbanked consumers. Since 2001 the company has served more than 1 million customers providing more than $3 billion in service products.

The survey found that Millennials used several alternative financial products at similar rates regardless of income level.

Products and services used at similar rates by Millennials include:

    •    Prepaid debit cards – 51 percent of those making less than $25,000 in annual income reported using prepaid debit cards within the last year. The percentage was the same for those who earned $50,000-$74,999.

    •    Check cashing services – 34 percent of respondents who earn less than $25,000 reported using check cashing services, while almost as many in the $50,000 – $74,999 range (29 percent) turned to check cashers.

    •    Rent-to-own stores – 15 percent of respondents making less than $25,000 and 17 percent of those who earn $50,000-$74,999 reported using rent-to-own stores.

    •    Overdraft protection – 58 percent of respondents making $50,000-$74,999 reported using overdraft protection compared with 31 percent making less than $25,000.

    •    Bank direct deposit advance – 37 percent of respondents who earn $50,000-$74,999 reported using bank direct deposit advance compared with 22 percent of respondents who earn less than $25,000.

    •    Money transfer service – 39 percent of respondents who earn $50,000-$74,999 used money transfer services within the last year compared with 29 percent of those who earn less than $25,000.

"It struck me as odd those would be thought of as alternative financing at all," said Preston Swincher from the Center for Generational Kinetics, who is also a Millennial. "Those just seem normal to me.  It seems to me it shows rent to own is something very much ready to be positioned as a mainstream option. Convenience is king. It’s not just the ability to deliver a service but it’s how it’s delivered and we don’t mind paying a little extra if it saves time and is easier to use."

According to some reports, by 2017 Millennials will have more spending power than Baby Boomers.

Swincher will speak at APRO’s 2012 Convention and Trade Show July 24-26 in Memphis on "Crossing the Generational Divide" — how to understand and reach new customers across different generations. He is one of several expert marketing speakers slated for APRO’s 2012 Convention this year in Memphis.

"Stereotypes that paint users of alternative financial products as poor and uninformed are simply not accurate," Rees said. "This study confirms that young people across the spectrum have a need for the convenience, utility and flexibility that alternative financial services provide."

Presta officials say the site and the business model has real appeal for CE early adopters under 40 years of age, those looking for today’s hottest consumer electronics without having to pay the premium price upfront. The look of the Web site was also a key concern for the company. A transparent transaction coupled with a clean non-cluttered web presence is a must for Millennial-appeal.

"The model allows customers to own products outright after making fixed payments for a year, or they may choose to pay products off early at a discount," said Presta Director Brad Ellison. "The lease-purchase agreement also offers the flexibility to return products any time after three months with no penalty, which is particularly appealing for the early adopter who wants to continuously upgrade. Millennials are drawn to sites that have a clean look and feel so we designed Presta’s web presence with that in mind."

 

 

The Premier Companies, In-Field Training, Orlando, Florida. For more information, contact John Darden at 434/566-3652.

Grand opening of Cheyenne Premier

 

Jesse Hunt was a successful store manager for a rent to own business.  He and his team grew the store throughout the nine years that Jesse was store manager. Eventually the store became the most profitable store in the company. Finding his success, Jesse knew that he preferred to own his own business rather than work for someone else. 

A year and a half ago, Jesse reached out to Trooper Earle, President & CEO of The Premier Companies, to explore franchise ownership with the Premier Rental-Purchase brand.  Jesse had also known several Premier dealers. They recommended Premier to him as well.  Jesse decided that his future was going to be as a Premier Rental-Purchase dealer. He wanted the freedom as a business owner and the support that Premier offers its franchisees.

Jesse recently opened the doors to his own store. The Grand Opening of Premier Rental-Purchase in Cheyenne, Wyoming was this past weekend.  Their grand opening celebration began with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the local Chamber of Commerce followed by a weekend of festivities.

 

Local  radio station, The Boss 92.9, provided a live broadcast from the store. With a large Hispanic population in Cheyenne, Jesse served burritos, had Mexican dancers performing throughout the parking lot and a Hispanic radio station broadcasted live.

 

“Our Grand Opening was just great!” said Jesse.   “I’m very excited to now have my own business where I can treat customers the way they should be treated – like family.”  Also during the grand opening weekend, they gave away a 50” television, barbeque grill, surround sound system and a Wii game system.

Premier Rental-Purchase offers a better way for their customers to buy name brand furniture, appliances, computers, and electronics at affordable prices.  They offer flexible payment options for their customers who do not wish to tie up their credit or for those who have not yet established credit.   They’re the people you know and trust.

The national office of The Premier Companies is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Premier Brands consist of Premier Rental-Purchase, Premier Home Furnishings, Premier Wheel Workz, and Premier Auto by Rent. All Premier stores are independently owned and operated. Visit Premier’s website at www.premierrents.net or call 800/2-Premier and ask for Trooper Earle.
 

Deadlines: Contests, Scholarships and More!

Each year APRO recognizes the exceptional within the rent to own industry from the best advertising to exceptional customer service to customers who have chosen to make the world a better place beginning with their own communities.

From the student seeking to improve themselves through higher education, to the ‘Superstar’ employee going above and beyond routine customer service, APRO is searching far and wide for the most creative, industrious and promising the industry has to offer.

Enter and nominate today!

NEW: APRO’s ‘Superstar’ Customer Service Award
Entry Deadline: May 31

Yes, the APRO Employee of the Year contest is now the SUPERSTAR CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD.

Recognizing outstanding community service has been our focus in past years and community service is still an important goal. But the changing environment in all customer focused industries, including rent-to-own, underscores the critical need to recognize and reward those individuals who consistently demonstrate over-the-top customer service. After all, this has always been the foundation of our industry and we are looking for the very best in the nation!

It’s easy to nominate a co-worker. You know who they are – superstars always stand out from the crowd.

Go here for full contest details and to nominate your Superstar online!

Rental Advertising Excellence Awards
Early Entry Deadline: Friday, May 25

It’s time to flex your company’s creative muscle and go toe-to-toe with the best ads in the business with APRO’s 2012 RAE Awards competition.

APRO is looking for the best print, TV, radio, specialty ads, campaigns, banners, price tags and community relations. If you think your company’s advertising has what it takes, enter today!

See full contest details and entry information here.

2011 Customer of the Year Vivian Saunders. Watch video.

Customer of the Year
Entry Deadline: June 1

APRO’s Customer of the Year Contest is for members of the RTO family who lead by example through their inspiration, dedication and sacrifice on behalf of their families and communities.

If one of your rent to own customers represents their community with such honor and character, then be sure to submit their names for APRO’s 2012 Customer of the Year contest.

Make online nominations here.

The APRO 2012 Customer of the Year winner receives a $1,000 cash prize. And the employee who nominates the customer of the year winner receives a cash prize of $500 for discovering the rent-to-own customer that best exemplifies the humanity and giving spirit within the industry.

The customer winner will be featured with a video during APRO’s General Session and in APRO’s national publications. Many recipients have been featured in their local newspapers and television news programs.

APRO Education Foundation: 16 Awards; $50,000
Entry Deadline: June 1

The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is looking to award thousands in scholarships to members of the rent to own industry this spring as part of the organization’s fifth annual contest.

From awarding one $2,000 scholarship in 2008 to awarding 17 scholarships worth $30,000 last year, the APRO Education Foundation and its annual contest continues to thrive thanks to the generous contributions of APRO members, associate members and foundation cheerleaders.

See APRO Education Scholarship Fund Page for full details and to download the application.

 REGISTER TODAY!

Each year APRO recognizes the exceptional within the rent to own industry from the best advertising to exceptional customer service to customers who have chosen to make the world a better place beginning with their own communities.

From the student seeking to improve themselves through higher education, to the ‘Superstar’ employee going above and beyond routine customer service, APRO is searching far and wide for the most creative, industrious and promising the industry has to offer.

Enter and nominate today!

 

NEW: APRO’s ‘Superstar’ Customer Service Award
Entry Deadline: May 31

Yes, the APRO Employee of the Year contest is now the SUPERSTAR CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD.

Recognizing outstanding community service has been our focus in past years and community service is still an important goal. But the changing environment in all customer focused industries, including rent-to-own, underscores the critical need to recognize and reward those individuals who consistently demonstrate over-the-top customer service. After all, this has always been the foundation of our industry and we are looking for the very best in the nation!

It’s easy to nominate a co-worker. You know who they are – superstars always stand out from the crowd.

Go here for full contest details and to nominate your Superstar online!
  

Rental Advertising Excellence Awards
Early Entry Deadline: Friday, May 25

It’s time to flex your company’s creative muscle and go toe-to-toe with the best ads in the business with APRO’s 2012 RAE Awards competition.

APRO is looking for the best print, TV, radio, specialty, web-based, campaigns, banners, price tags and community relations. If you think your company’s advertising has what it takes, enter today!

See full contest details and entry information here.

 

2011 Customer of the Year Vivian Saunders. Watch video.

Customer of the Year
Entry Deadline: June 1

APRO’s Customer of the Year Contest is for members of the RTO family who lead by example through their inspiration, dedication and sacrifice on behalf of their families and communities.

If one of your rent to own customers represents their community with such honor and character, then be sure to submit their names for APRO’s 2012 Employee and Customer of the Year contest.

Make online nominations here.

The APRO 2012 Customer of the Year winner receives a $1,000 cash prize. And the employee who nominates the customer of the year winner receives a cash prize of $500 for discovering the rent-to-own customer that best exemplifies the humanity and giving spirit within the industry.

The customer winner will be featured with a video during APRO’s General Session and in APRO’s national publications. Many recipients have been featured in their local newspapers and television news programs.

APRO Education Foundation Scholarships: 16 Awards; $50,000
Entry Deadline: June 1

The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is looking to award thousands in scholarships to members of the rent to own industry this spring as part of the organization’s fifth annual contest.

From awarding one $2,000 scholarship in 2008 and awarding 17 scholarships worth $30,000 last year, the APRO Education Foundation and its annual contest continues to thrive thanks to the generous contributions of APRO members, associate members and foundation cheerleaders.

See APRO Education Scholarship Fund Page for full details and to download the application.

 

 REGISTER TODAY!