Rent-to-Own

Recognizing rent-to-own dealers and vendors who have been APRO members for more than 10 years

30-Year-Plus APRO Members 

• ABC Discount Superstore-Lease Purchase and Sales, Jim and Deborah Brown, Wichita, Kansas 
• Baber’s Inc., Cynthia Baber-Strunk and Shannon Strunk, Pascagoula, Mississippi 
• Basham Furniture Rental Inc., Jeff Basham, Wichita, Kansas 
• KLQ Enterprises Inc., Kevin and Angela Quinn, Tacoma, Washington 
• LG Electronics Corp., Mike Wood, Lincolnshire, Illinois 
• Quality Rentals Inc., Bob and Diane Feider, Roslyn, Washington 
• Whirlpool Corp., Glenn C. Averill, Benton Harbor, Michigan  

New 30-Year APRO Members 

• Ace Furniture & TV Inc., dba Ace Rent-To-Own, Lyn and Natalie Leach, Lincoln, Nebraska 
• Action TV Rental Inc., Pam E. May, Saltillo, Mississippi 
• Appliance & Furniture RentAll, Robert Elmen, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 
• Appliance Man Enterprises, Richard Monson, Saint Joseph, Missouri 
• Bi-Rite Co. Inc., dba Buddy’s Home Furnishings, Lois Slatton, Tampa, Florida 
• Woodville Rental Co., Mark Kohler, Oregon, Ohio 

25-Year-Plus APRO Members 

• Blue Ribbon Rentals Inc., William M. Wendell, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 
• Central RTO, Kit Knight, Nampa, Idaho 
• Cleek’s Inc., dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, John C. Cleek, Columbia, Missouri 
• Countryside Rentals Inc., Michael Tissot, Bainbridge, Ohio 
• Dan’s Rent To Own Inc., Dan T. Ballard, Tupelo, Mississippi 
• Dial Rent To Own, Robert W. O’Connor, Humacao, Puerto Rico 
• Full-O-Pep Appliances Inc., David P. David, Bloomington, Indiana 
• Gill’s Inc., Davis Gill, Albany, Georgia 
• High Touch Inc., Wayne Chambers, Wichita, Kansas 
• House of Television Rentals, Randy Otander, Jamestown, New York 
• Kelly Rentals Inc., t/a Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Bobbie M. Floyd, Danville, Virginia
• Mr. C’s, Dave Conger, Greensboro, Georgia
• R.T.O. Inc., Richard Rose and Jeff Loeb, Norfolk, Virginia
• Rent City, Ed Wisdom, Grand Prairie, Texas
• The Rental Market, Amy Zeller, Defiance, Ohio
• RentQuik, Betty Porter, Tulsa, Oklahoma
• RES Accessories, Michael E. Gerwe Jr., Tampa, Florida
• Royal Crown Leasing Inc., Larry and Brenda Tinney, Fayetteville, North Carolina
• Sam’s Appliance & Furniture, Herb Weisblatt, Haltom City, Texas
• Sunrise TV Rentals, Shawn Merkle, Zanesville, Ohio
• Super Rent Corp., Brian J. Luksetich, Des Moines, Iowa
• TRIB Group, Dennis Shields, Lawrenceville, Georgia 
  
  
  

New 25-Year APRO Members 

• Kirkpatrick, Sprecker & Co. LLP, Jim Hubbard CPA, Wichita, Kansas

20-Year-Plus APRO Members 

• Benefit Marketing Solutions, Susan Matthews, Mesquite, Texas
• Briley Investments Inc., dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Robert O. and Lou Briley, Abilene, Texas
• Credit Merchandise of Breaux Bridge Inc., Judy Bergeron, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
• Fraenkel Co./Englander Bedding, Brian Akchin, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• The Intium Corp., Milton L. McNeely, Amarillo, Texas
• Keller’s Rental Place Inc., dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, John Keller, Rolla, Missouri
• Lebakkens Inc. of Wisconsin, Jeffrey Lewis Lebakken, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
• Liberty LLC, dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Bob Moomey, Havre, Montana
• National Rent To Own, Daniel L. Cole, Bridgeton, Missouri
• The Niche Connection, Tom Nitzsche, West Chester, Ohio
• Rento Inc., dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Greg Ressler, Sheridan, Wyoming
• Rentown Inc., dba Stew’s Downtown Sight & Sound, Stewart D. Libby, Presque Isle, Maine
• Sears Commercial, Dave Bradlaw, Augusta, Georgia
• Shenandoah TV & Appliance Rentals, dba STAR Rentals, Richard and Miriam Eichlin, Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Show-Me Rent-To-Own Inc., Gary A. and Kathy Romine, Farmington, Missouri
• Showplace Inc., Gary  and MaryAnn Ferriman, Marion, Ohio
• SKC Enterprises Inc., Larry D. Carrico, St. Louis, Missouri
• UHR Rents, Ernie Lewallen, Cincinnati, Ohio
• White, Soward & Claassen LLC, Michael S. White, Wichita, Kansas 
  
  
  

New 20-Year APRO Members 

• Best Rentals, Dave Batten, Wilmington, North Carolina
• ColorTyme Inc., Cathy Skula, Plano, Texas
• GE Appliances & Lighting, Paul Eichberger, Louisville, Kentucky
• Hughes Rental & Sales, James Hughes, Big Spring, Texas
• Rental Associates Ltd., dba Rental Express, John Rock, Burlington, Vermont 
  
  
  

15-Year-Plus APRO Members

• AAA Rent To Own, dba ColorTyme, Gary Hughes, Clarkston, Washington
• Advantage Rental/Purchase, John Martin, Eureka, California
• Affordable Rent To Own, Dave Pooley, Tucson, Arizona
• Ashley Furniture Industries, Kerry Lebensburger, Hallandale, Florida
• Bargain Center, dba Aaron’s, Dale L. and Brenda Frederick, Grove, Oklahoma
• Bestway Rental Inc., dba Bestway Rent-To-Own, David Kraemer, Dallas, Texas
• C&R Audio & Video Inc., dba All American Rent To Own, Loren Johnson, Loveland, Colorado
• CM City Inc., Mitchell Hayes, Statesboro, Georgia
• DDS Inc., dba Home Store Rent To Own, Daniel D. Sharff, Canton, Texas
• Donrich Inc., dba Discovery Rent To Own, Donald W. Fifolt, Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Easy Rent of Wichita Falls Inc., Keith Sinclair, Wichita Falls, Texas
• Entertainment Products Inc., dba Al’s Rent To Own, Ron Zimmerman, Irving, Texas
• G&G Graphics and Promotions, Gene Pharis, Alpharetta, Georgia
• H&H Furniture Inc., Mark and Carrie Peterson, Yakima, Washington
• Hometown Brand Center & R-T-O Inc., Richard S. and Anna Cross, Russell, Kansas
• Hometown Ventures, Sidney and Grace Burton, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
• J. Enterprises Inc., dba Rent 1st, Jim Cole, Wichita, Kansas
• Jamison’s Sales & Rental Inc., Jennifer Harrod, Shelbyville, Kentucky
• L.A. Waters Furniture Co. Inc., dba Rentown, William C. Thornton, Statesboro, Georgia
• Lacey & Sons Inc., dba ColorTyme Rentals, Tom M. Lacey, National City, California
• Mike Strong Inc., dba Mike’s TV-Furniture & Appliance, Mike Strong, Hutchinson, Kansas
• Progressive Furniture Inc., Mike France, High Point, North Carolina
• R. G. Allman Inc., dba Allman’s, Richard Allman, Battle Creek, Michigan
• Raper’s Rent To Own Inc., Charlene Clark, Richmond, Indiana
• Rental City Inc., Lynn Kuluva, Kansas City, Kansas
• Roberts & Cox Inc., dba Gateway Home Furnishings, J.C. Cox, Waynesville, Missouri
• RTO Systems Inc./Walter Clark & Associates, Jeanette Beardsley CPIW, AIS, Porterville, California
• Supreme Rent To Own Inc., Brad Dugas, New Iberia, Louisiana
• Treadwell Management Group Ltd., dba Rent One Plus, Evan Macdonald, Bedford, New Hampshire
• Welton USA Ltd., Steve Sherman, Coppell, Texas
• Z-Best Rentals Inc., Jan D. Arnett, Palm Coast, Florida 

New 15-Year APRO Members 

• Central File Marketing, Alan Benson, Brown Deer, Wisconsin
• Coaster Co. of America, Larry Furiani, Santa Fe Springs, California
• CPL Group Inc., dba Rent King, Chris Kale, Tampa, Florida
• The Expert Warehouse, Kelly McClellan, Kennesaw, Georgia
• Ideal Rentals, Ruben San Miguel, Hereford, Texas
• Mustang Enterprises Inc., dba Hometown Rental Purchase, Jess Fisher, Arkansas City, Kansas
• Premier Home Furnishings Inc., John Owens, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Simmons Co., Benjamin Crowder, Atlanta, Georgia
• Television Merchants Inc., dba Creative Rents, Scott C. Salvesen, Santa Maria, California
• Tower Rental Purchase Inc., Robert F. Murphy Sr., Salem, New Jersey 

10-Year-Plus APRO Members

• Affordable Rent To Own Inc., Chris Overton, Lafayette, Louisiana
• Aspen Way Enterprises Inc., dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Rohnn M. Lampi, Billings, Montana
• B&B Loan & Rental, Anthony Longin, Great Falls, Montana
• Best Images Inc., dba New Image Rent To Own, Charles Green, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Bryce Co., Bryan Collins, Mobile, Alabama
• Customer’s Choice, Larry Randolph, Greenville, Texas
• Don’s E-Z Pay Inc., Rhonda Weatherford, Mena, Arkansas
• DPi Teleconnect LLC, Stephen Alexander, Carrollton, Texas
• Easy Rental, Jeffery Klopp, Marietta, Georgia
• Encompass Group Affiliates, Scott Cameron, Davie, Florida
• Fairway Ventures LLC, dba Rent USA, Wayne R. Sutton, Hammond, Louisiana
• FAN Sales & Leasing LLC, dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Geron Vail, Fayetteville, Arkansas
• Florida State Games, Denis Rosen, Coconut Creek, Florida
• Gorman Distributing Co., dba Casa Rentals, Charles C. Gorman, El Paso, Texas
• HomeSource Rentals, Dale Tanner, Savannah, Georgia
• Hometown Rental Purchase Inc., William Spangenberg, Houston, Texas
• Ideal Software Systems Inc., David Sisson, Meridian, Mississippi
• Imagery Marketing Group, Marty Smith, Saint Louis, Missouri
• IOK Rental Inc., dba The Rental Superstore, Tal C. Tate, Amarillo, Texas
• J&A Rentals Inc., dba ColorTyme, John Prothro, Derby, Kansas
• JKR Enterprises Inc., dba Premier Rental-Purchase, Jack R. Rowland, Roseville, California
• Mainely Rent To Own, Wade Shaefer, Lincoln, Maine
• National TV Sales & Rental, Mark and Kathy Windsor, Lebanon, Missouri
• Nations Rent-To-Own, Paul M. and May Davis, Riverside, California
• New York Furniture, Stewart Gentry, Monroe, Louisiana
• Nicole Rental Purchase LLC, dba Premier Rental-Purchase, Waldemar Landmesser, Norwalk, Connecticut
• Oak Park Inc., dba Rental Express, Mark Kresch, Douglasville, Georgia
• Partner’s Rental Purchase Inc., dba Partner’s Sales and Leasing, John Spangle, Friendswood, Texas
• The Premier Companies, Trooper Earle, Lightfoot, Virginia
• Rent One LLC, Jeff and Regina White, Shreveport, Louisiana
• Rental City, Rodger, Greg & Jeff Worboy, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
• Rent-n-Roll LLC, dba RNR Custom Wheels and Tires, Larry Sutton, Tampa, Florida
• Ron Connolly Inc., dba Castle Rental, Kent Beckloff, Rogers, Arkansas
• RTO Insurance LLC a Subsidiary Of Integrated Insurance & Risk Management, Robert P. Scott, Peoria, Illinois
• RTO PRO Software, Ron Ganus, Mount Dora, Florida
• Schwartz & Co. Limited, Brian Purchase, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Sultan Financial Corp., dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Randy Sultan, Los Angeles, California
• Sutton Adventures II Inc., dba RNR Custom Wheels and Tires, Larry D. and Steve Sutton, Tampa, Florida
• Top 40 Video Inc., dba Prime Sales & Rentals, Larry A. Amati Sr., Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania
• Video Flicks, dba Video Flicks – The SuperStore, Mike Langton, Selbyville, Delaware 

New 10-Year APRO Members

• A Full House, Gloria Homeier, Russell, Kansas
• All American Rental Inc., Scott Mitchell, Springfield, Missouri
• DSI Systems Inc., Jewell Dolton, Grove City, Ohio
• Innovex Home Products Corp., Edgar Gonzalez, Pomona, California
• Jones Wayside Furniture, Cackie Jones, Fayetteville, North Carolina
• Majik Enterprises International Inc., dba Majik Rent-To-Own, Daniel J. Fisher, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• MRW Investments, dba ColorTyme, Mark Wilford, Suitland, Maryland
• PMB Rentals LLC, dba RTO Rentals, Tim Boyd, Paris, Tennessee
• Rent Plus, Dan Matthews, Mesquite, Texas
• RimFire Inc., dba Right Away Rent To Own, Kurt D. Henning, Fallon, Nevada
• South East Auto Dealers Rental Association Inc., John Garner, Covington, Louisiana
• Triple M Inc., dba ColorTyme, Mark Keenan, Alton, Illinois
• United Furniture Industries, Jay S. Quimby, Okolona, Mississippi 

Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.
M A L C O L M   F O R B E S

 
The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Members and Associate Members are dedicated to the future of the rent-to-own industry by establishing a permanent educational scholarship fund. Through APRO member donations, rent-to-own employees and their children are eligible to receive college scholarships each year. Read below for updates, application and eligibility requirements. for more information, contact Richard May by e-mail.

16 Scholarships totaling $50,000 for 2012!!

The 2012 APRO Educational Scholarship applications are now open. This year APRO will offer the following amounts:

Three $5,000 Scholarships

Two $4,000 Scholarships

Five $3,000 Scholarships

Six $2,000 Scholarships

Special thanks to Larry Carrico, Jamie Slatton and all of the APRO member contributors for making these scholarships a possibility. Scholarship amounts vary from year to year depending on fundraising.

DEADLINE JUNE 1, 2012.

You must submit:

1. The completed application form.

2. Narrative essay why you deserve the scholarship.

3. Narrative essay about how rent-to-own plays an important role in America.

4. Proof of college admission and a 3.0 GPA or better.

5. (Optional. Not required but still important). Reference letters from college, high school teachers and/or representatives from extra-curricular groups that you participate.

Scholarship Application Tips: Your GPA and proof of college admission qualify your submission. But YOUR NARRATIVE STORY on why you deserve the scholarship based on the priorities listed below is the single most important factor when judging winners. Please pay special attention to your narratives.

Please read requirements, priorities and past winners to best guide you through the submission process.

Meet the 2011 Educational Scholarship winners. Congratulations!

 

 

$3000 Scholarship Winners

 

Kaylie Scherer, Indiana University
APRO Sponsor: Rick Sherer, American Rentals

Both Kaylie’s grandmother and father have worked for American Rentals for twenty years so “rent-to-own has always been a part of my life”. Kaylie graduated high school in the national honor society with an Academic Honors Diploma. She was recently accepted into the Washington Leadership Program where she spent a semester in Washington, D.C. as an intern. During her college years, Kaylie travelled to Mexico to help build homes for the homeless. She has also volunteered for Special Olympics, the Community Kitchen, the local food bank, nursing homes and teaching gardening at the local elementary schools.

 

 

 

Faith Jennings, University of Kentucky

APRO Sponsor: Brent Jennings, Rent-A-Center 

Faith’s high school credits include captain of the speech team and academic team. She was a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society and a member of the Kentucky Governor’s Scholar. She was Salutatorian of her graduating class that led her to the University of Kentucky. She has spent her first two years there participating in “UK Fusion” where she and classmates volunteer in community service events in Lexington. She has already donated 60 hours of community service while maintaining a 3.7 GPA earning a spot on the Dean’s List every semester but one.

 

 

Dean’s List every semester but one. 3.7 GPA.

 
 

$2500 Scholarship Winners

Jennifer DeBouse, Capella University

Aaron’s University Training Administrator

Jennifer has worked for Aarons for the past three years. She manages the Aaron’s University database, schedules training sessions and provides technical support for Aaron’s University issues.

 

Jennifer helped create an alliance with Aaron’s and Capella University creating and Alliance Partnership Agreement to help Aarons associates attain a college degree. When Jennifer isn’t helping at Aaron’s, she volunteers for Second Chance Career and Development Center, Project Healthy Grandparents and Hope House for Women.

 

Chad Jasman, University of Michigan

APRO Sponsor: James Jasman, Rent-A-Center 

Chad grew up with rent-to-own watching his father work for the rent-to-own industry for nearly 20 years.  Chad graduated High School with a 4.0 GPA and being named as an academic all state athlete.

 

Chad plays college baseball and was named on the 2010 NJCAA Academic All-American team.  When Chad is not fielding baseballs, he is volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and the local homeless shelter.

 

Kiersten Scheele, University of Toledo

APRO Sponsor: Jerry Scheele, Rent-A-Center 

Kiersten graduated high school with a 4.0 and an Honors Diploma. She volunteered for the local animal shelter and the Salvation Army while working her part-time job.

 

At the University of Toledo, she is a member of the Dean’s list and was recently accepted into the Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society due to her academic excellence. Kiersten also spent her freshman and sophomore years volunteering for the American Red Cross and 80 hours of volunteer work for children with disabilities to help her fulfill her goal obtaining a degree in occupational therapy.

 

 

$2000 Scholarship Winners

 

Christian Dunlap, Southern State Community College

APRO Sponsor: Nancy Dunlap, Countryside Rentals 

Christian recently graduated high school with a 3.98 GPA as a member of the National Honors Society. Christian spent his high school years as a treasurer for the 4H club, High School Football Captain and the FFA.

 

Christian also took time out as a mentor and tutor fellow classmates. Christian will be attending Southern State Community College to then transfer to Ohio State University.

 

Tyler Heck, Union Collate at Schenectady, New York

APRO Sponsor: Greg Heck, Great Rentals 

Tyler spent his life working at his father’s Great Rentals rent-to-own stores in Utica and Rome, NY.

 

Tyler has seen firsthand the power of rent-to-own to give those Americans “the opportunity to make the unaffordable affordable”. Tyler maintains a 3.95 GPA while starting for the Division III College Baseball team.  

 

Jafon Fearson, University of Alabama

APRO Sponsor: Shirley Fearson, Rent-A-Center 

RAC’s Shirley Fearson spent many years working hard for her family so her son Jafon made sure to honor her obtaining a college degree while helping others to do the same.

 

Jafon is in his senior year at the University of Alabama pursuing a Biomedical Engineering degree. Jafon knows the struggles of the African American males face during their educational pursuits so has spent his years at UA helping other African American males finish their degrees through the Blazer Male Excellence Network.

 

 

$1500 Scholarship Winners

 

Kassie Barroso, Ivy Tech at Anderson, Indiana

APRO Sponsor: Joseph Stepke, Aaron’s 

Kassie is off to college “as a tribute to her hero” – her dad Joseph Stepke from Aarons. Joseph sacrificed years of hard work to make sure Kassie had the chance for college and she wants to thank her father and mother with a teaching degree.

 

Kassie spent her High School lettering in concert band and on the Rugby team. She participated in the ROTC and many other school activities.

 

Robert Sonnenfelt, St. Louis University

APRO Sponsor: Paul Sonnenfelt, Aaron’s 

Robert is a sophomore at St. Louis University pursuing a degree in Political Science. Robert spent his High School years as a member of the Model United Nations, varsity soccer and the National Honor Society.

 

He continues his political involvement at SLU as an active member of the College Republicans and the Student Conduct Board.

  

Matthew Bowen, Francis Marion University

APRO Sponsor: Kenneth Bowen, Rent-A-Center 

Matthew has excelled in education all of his life. He graduated high school with a weighted 4.297 GPA and maintains a 4.0 GPA at Francis Marion University.

 

Matthew gives back as much as possible through Toys for Tots donations, canned food and clothing drives to the point of being “happily dunked in a dunking booth for hours” for these causes.

 

 

$1000 Scholarship Winners

 

Dusty Ray, Vincennes University

Rent One Regional Manager 

Rent One “Regional Manager of the Year” Dusty Ray is completing his marketing degree at Vincennes University. Dusty was also Rent One’s “Employee of the Year”.

 

Dusty is an active member of the local chamber of commerce volunteering time and efforts for the many community events both as a Rent One employee and as a citizen. 

 

Christopher Willman-Bunge, Penn State – Mont Alto

APRO Sponsor: Martha Willman, Blue Ribbon Rentals

Christopher grew up in a one-parent household and knows the financial hardships well. While in high school, Christopher participated in the orchestra and choir.

 

He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with a specialty World Conservation Award. He plans to pursue English as a writer/reporter. 

 

Michael Elkik, University of Georgia

APRO Sponsor: Ann Elkik, Aaron’s 

Michael graduated high school with a weighted 4.1 GPA and an un-weighted 3.8 GPA. During high school, Michael worked with “Shop with a Mustang” sponsoring an underprivileged child.

 

Michael was president of DECA, the school’s business club and winning business competitions at the local, state and international levels.

 

Brittany Smith, North Carolina State University

APRO Sponsor: Shawna Smith, Rent-A-Center 

Brittany completed her junior year at North Carolina State University. Her family grew up struggling through economic hard times but always kept a focus on education.

 

She was awarded a fellowship from the Organizational Science Summer Institute and studied abroad in Mexico. Brittany has volunteered for Salvation Army. Tutors middle school children as a part of work-study program and volunteers for the “Strengthening the Black Family” non-profit helping with diabetes prevention and promoting health and wellness.

 

Jordan Miller, Virginia Tech

APRO Sponsor: John Miller, Premier Rentals 

Jordan Miller graduated high school with a 3.9 GPA earning him admission to Virginia Tech. Jordan is actively involved in his church, helping the under-served on church missions in Memphis and Baltimore.

 

He also donates his time and labor to the poor and elderly and now serves on his church’s parish council. 

 

Cole Weir, Brigham Young University

APRO Sponsor: Mike Weir, TUR, Inc. dba Aaron’s 

Cole just graduated high school with a 3.78 GPA. Cole demonstrated his leadership skills through his school’s wrestling and football team.

 

He spent most of his energy on the wrestling team working up to team captain while excelling in his studies.

 

 

 

 

2011 APRO Member Franchise Company, Rent n Roll, Dedicated Scholarships

 

$2500 Scholarship Winners

Brandon Burrell, Rent-n-Roll/Baber’s, Mobile, AL

Jessica Darnell, Rent-n-Roll, Rogers, AR

Kelly Pierce, RNR Custom Wheels, Las Vegas, NV

 

Donate to APRO’s Scholarship Foundation

The APRO Scholarship Foundation has raised its minimum of $100,000, from which to generate annual interest to award scholarships each year. The APRO Scholarship Foundation’s ultimate goal is to raise $1,000,000. Member contributions are actively being sought and can be made here or with in conjunction with the payment of annual APRO membership dues. Look to your dues billing on your APRO membership form to donate to this worthy cause. Donations are tax deductible. For more information regarding the APRO Scholarship Foundation, contact APRO Public Affairs Director Richard May by e-mail.

The APRO Board of Directors is a talented team with committees headed by top-notch talent. But the association would like to expand committee participation beyond members of the board. APRO is urging participation from other association members to tackle industry issues on its various committees. Listed below, you’ll find a list of those committees, contact information for the chairman of each committee and APRO members who are currently participating. We encourage you to contact the committee chairs, get involved in one or more committees and help make the association even better.

APRO’s Employee and Customer of the Year are those customers and employees who inspire, help or sacrifice for the betterment of their families and communities—just like the previous recipients listed below have done.

The APRO 2012 Employee of the Year Winner and a guest receive an all-expense paid trip to APRO’s convention in Memphis, Tennessee. The winner will be honored and featured during APRO’s General Session and Awards Banquet. The winner is bestowed the equivalent of rent-to-own’s "Oscar" award for APRO’s 2012 Employee of the Year.

NEW: APRO’s ‘Superstar’ Customer Service Award Contest

We’re Changing More Than Just The Name!

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.

How You Participate:

1.  Identify that SUPERSTAR in your store or in your company.

2.  Write a short (300 word) essay detailing one or more examples of superstar customer service exhibited by your SUPERSTAR.

3.  E-mail your essay to the APRO office no later than May 31, 2012.

4.  From the hundreds of entries submitted, we will select the top finalists.

5.  Then, we will notify each finalist and ask them to provide a short video of no more than 3 minutes in length. We need them by June 15, 2012.

Now The Fun Begins!

6.  The top SUPERSTAR videos will be posted on APRO’s YouTube channel the week of June 18, 2012.

7.  EVERYONE will be able to “vote” for their favorite SUPERSTAR with a “Like” on the YouTube channel.

8.  The top SUPERSTAR wins an all-expense paid trip to the 2012 APRO Convention in Memphis, Tennessee July 24- 26th PLUS recognition at B. B. King’s Club as the top SUPERSTAR with a special presentation!

E-MAIL ENTRIES TO:

APRO

C/O Richard May
rmay@rtohq.org
512.225.1051

The APRO 2012 Customer of the Year Winner receive $1000 cash prize. AND, the employee who nominates the winner receives a cash prize of $500 for discovering the rent-to-own customer that best exemplifies the humanity and giving spirit within our industry. The customer winner will be featured with a video during APRO’s General Session and APRO national publications. Many recipients have been featured in their local newspapers and television news programs. The winner is bestowed the equivalent of rent-to-own’s "Oscar" award for APRO’s 2012 Customer of the Year.

Contest Rules & Judging Criteria: 

• The entry deadline is June 1, 2012.
• Winners and finalists will be announced prior to convention 2012.
• Click here to enter contest online.
• Click here to download a PDF contest entry form.

  
Eligibility requirements:

• Must be a customer/employee of an APRO rent-to-own company member in current standing.
• Must be nominated through an official application. You may nominate as many people as you deem appropriate. An application (PDF) can be downloaded by clicking here or fill out our online application.

Judging criteria (in order of importance) for Customer of the Year. Please see above for Superstar Customer Service Award.

• Project positive image of industry
• Contributes to the community, society and/or family
• Good human-interest story
  
• For Employee of the Year, prefer store-level employee, but not required
  
• Leadership traits
  
• Loyalty and length of service to the RTO industry

For the best way to determine if your candidate would be a good nominee, please view the below recipients.

Meet 2011’s Winners!

Employee of the Year Donna Falley –
Rent One (Mt. Vernon, Illinois)  

Watch video.

Fally is an active member of her community as a 16-year member of the Rome Community Consolidated School Board where she began when her son was in the fifth grade. Never one to leave a job unfinished, Fally continued on the board helping see through a number of instructional and technological advancements at the small district.

She is also a long-time volunteer with the United Way of South Central Illinois and serves as an officer with the Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity where she is still treasurer seven years and 13 homes later. She enjoys cooking meals for the Habitat crews when a home is being built. Fally served on the organizing committee that is bringing a homeless shelter to Mt. Vernon. It is one of her proudest accomplishments.
 

"People are finally beginning to realize that people are facing tough times all over," Fally said. "There is no reason for a family to be living in a car. This shelter will provide them with the dignity and security of a roof over their heads and something to eat so that they can take advantage of some of the other tools we will offer them to help them get a job."


Fally currently serves as vice president of the school board and served two terms as its president overseeing an extensive school district building renovation projects. She has volunteered with the United Way since 2002, serving in half-a-dozen positions including seven years on the United Way Board of Directors.

Customer of the Year Vivian Saunders -
BestWay Rent to Own (Bertie County, North Carolina)  
 

Watch video of Saunders at APRO 2011 Convention.

Meet Vivian Saunders, BestWay Rent to Own’s longtime customer. Saunders symbolizes the spirit of love for the disadvantaged youth in Bertie County, NC and will always be the children’s "Vivian’s Hope".  
 

Her life’s work is driven by a keen understanding that a society only harvests what it sows. That is why she has invested her life, and her retirement pension, into the mission of righting the course of African American boys in crisis.



Saunders keeps it "real" by facing the area’s "real" problems as the executive director of The Hive — an alternative charter school she founded in rural Bertie County, North Carolina — and as the director of two community centers that provide everything from a food pantry to a computer lab, job training and drug counseling.



The Hive — officially opened in 2009 in partnership with the Bertie County School System and One Economy — was a natural extension of the youth program Saunders established at her community center where suspended students from the district were often sent.



"These boys have so much talent and potential that goes unrecognized and unfulfilled  because they have no outlet," Saunders said. "Many times the parents are incarcerated and the boys are on the road to being incarcerated because there aren’t a whole lot of positive role models. We bring it all together and give them the tools to chart a different course."



The school enrolls around 50 at-risk 6th through 12th graders, providing them with a day-long safe haven and preparing them not only for graduation, but for the 21st century workforce through technical, life and study skills training.    

Saunders operates the school from dawn to dusk, cooking meals and providing after school and weekend instruction for the students and the wider community. Her plight is the subject of a soon to be released feature film produced by acclaimed director Robert Townsend entitled, The Discarded Boys.

Please view these past winners as examples

Larry Carrico, APRO 2010 Employee of the Year David Lane, Premier franchisee Mike Lewis and Premier Companies CEO Trooper Earl. Click here to watch David Lane Video.

• Donna Falley 2011
• David Lane 2010
• David Keen, 2009
• Bill Tennison, 2008
• Jonathan Brown, 2007
• Murray Beck, 2006
• Paul Russell, 2005
• Jody Katz, 2004
• Anthony Robinson, 2003
• Ronnie D. Williams, 2002
• Josef Warren, 2001
• Eric Ison, 2000

Rent-to-Own Customer of the Year
Eligibility requirements:

• Must be a customer of an APRO rent-to-own company member in current standing.
• Must be nominated through an official application. You may nominate as many people as you deem appropriate. An application (PDF) can be downloaded by clicking here or fill out our online application.

Judging criteria (in order of importance):

• Contributes to the community, society and/or family
• Good human-interest story
• Positive life experience because of rent-to-own
• Positive feelings toward rent-to-own company or companies they have used
• Length of time customer has used rent-to-own

• Please view these past winners as examples

• Vivian Saunders 2011
• Louise Brown, 2010
• Sherron and Robert Wilder, 2009
• Kim Royal, 2008
• Johnnie Bradford, 2005
• Patrick and Marianna Head, 2004
• Donna Brown, 2003
• Norma Burgenger, 2002
• James and Brenda Atchison, 2001
• Maria Magdalena Estrada, 2000

APRO’s Annual Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show

This annual event is the largest, most-prestigious event dedicated to the rent-to-own industry. More than just a trade show, the APRO Rent-to-Own Convention and Trade Show includes educational seminars offered by top speakers and RTO industry experts from across the country, as well as the annual APRO Rental Roundtable which brings together rent-to-own professionals for in-depth conversation and education. 

The networking opportunities with fellow dealers and vendors are unparalleled and there are always wonderful social events—not to mention the annual Joe Eason/Tom Kitchens Golf Classic—to make the event memorable. Hundreds of owners, managers and store employees representing both large and small rent-to-own companies attend this show.

Click here for attendee information 

Click here for exhibitor information

Visit APRO’s 2011 Virtual Trade Show

APRO’s Dave Egan Legislative Conference

The best way to assure that the rent-to-own industry receives favorable legislation is for rental dealers to work together in forming a successful grassroots campaign.

Held annually, in Washington, D.C., APRO’s Dave Egan Legislative Conference gives dealers the opportunity to meet with their senators and representatives to discuss the importance of a federal definition for the rent-to-own transaction.

Use this link to find out more about APRO’s Dave Egan Legislative Conference.

These collection guidelines were initiated by the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations for its members and their businesses. Use this link to download a printable PDF of the Collection Practices that you may wish to display in your stores.

APRO has also created a list of Code of Ethics in conjunction with these Collection Practices.

Bill Keese, Executive Director

800/204-2776, ext. 101

Bill oversees all operations of the association, manages the staff and resources and implements APRO board policy.  If you’ve got a policy question – or any question about APRO – he’s the person to contact.

Email: bkeese@rtohq.org

Tulisha Carson, Office Manager

800/204-2776, ext. 111

Tulisha handles all of the bookkeeping for the association, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and staff benefits and preparation of the monthly financial and cash-flow statements. She can answer questions about APRO’s billing.

Email: tcarson@rtohq.org

 Murlin Evans, Senior Reporter

 800/204-2776, ext. 105

 Murlin reports on the rent-to-own industry for APRO’s Web 
 site, www.rtohq.org. He also assists in maintaining the 
 site, producing online audio and video presentations and managing the association’s social networking efforts. If your company has news to share with others in the industry, please contact Murlin so that APRO can help spread the word. 

Email: mevans@rtohq.org

  Cindy Ferguson, CEM, Marketing Director

  800/204-2776, ext. 107

  Cindy manages advertising sales for APRO’s publications, event sponsorships  
  and booth sales for the Trade Show at the annual Convention. She is also
  responsible for assisting the APRO president with the APRO Vendor Advisory 
Committee. If you’re a vendor interested in widening your customer base, contact Cindy.

Email: cferguson@rtohq.org

Neil Ferguson, Publications Editor/Art Director

800/204-2776, ext. 106 

Neil is responsible for editing and designing APRO’s printed communications, including RTOHQ: The Magazine, the RTO Almanac and convention-and education-related promotional materials.     

Email: nferguson@rtohq.org

  Laurie Hill, IT/Web Director

  800/204-2776, ext. 103

  Laurie oversees APRO’s IT and Web site needs.  She is also the director of circulation 
  for APRO publications, administrates the membership database, and maintains the
  registry for APRO meetings. 

Email: lhill@rtohq.org

  Jeannie Hutchison, Administrative Director

  800/204-2776, ext. 108 

  Jeannie organizes the annual APRO Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.,
  coordinates APRO’s Political Action Committee and handles the needs of the state 
  rental dealer associations.

Email: jhutchison@rtohq.org

Shelley Martinek, CMP, Member Services Director

800/204-2776, ext. 109

Shelley oversees the APRO member services department, which includes education and meetings. If you have questions regarding membership, member benefits, educational seminars, Rental Training Online, or APRO’s Convention and Trade Show, contact Shelley. 
 

Email: smartinek@rtohq.org

Richard May, Public Affairs Director

800/204-2776, ext. 104 

Richard coordinates congressional and state legislative affairs and represents the rent-to-own industry before the media and financial community. He is responsible for many of the industry’s statistical market research regarding rent-to-own’s public image, economic impact, financial analysis, advertising, customer and employee satisfaction. He oversees the web content, news and produces APRO’s audio and video productions.

Email: rmay@rtohq.org

Ed Winn III, General Counsel 

Ed helped found the association in 1980 and his knowledge of the rent-to-own industry is unsurpassed. He’s a regular contributor to RTOHQ: The Magazine and offers legal advice to APRO members. For legal matters, contact Ed at 512/476-0750.

Email: edwinn@mwvmlaw.com

The APRO Vendor Advisory Committee serves a critical function in addressing APRO suppliers’ needs and issues. The committee sets the direction and helps with many of the specifics of the convention and buying show, while providing an important link between vendors and dealers.

Committee members serve staggered, two-year terms and half of the positions become available each year at the convention.  Bill French of O’Rourke Sales is the committee vice chairman, acting as a liaison between industry vendors and the APRO president. French also serves on the APRO board of directors. Michael Gerwe is the committee’s co-vice chairman.

The Vendor Advisory Committee meets three times a year—once at the conclusion of the convention, once in the fall and again in the spring. All committee members participate voluntarily and assume responsibility for their expenses for travel and accommodations.

	APRO President Robert Briley (Term 2011-12) Briley Investments, dba Aaron’s Abilene, Texas  325/698-1501 Email: robert.briley@aaronrents.com
	Vice Chairman  Bill French (Term 2010-12) O’Rourke Sales Company Lewisville, Texas 972/978-9283   Email: bfrench@orourkesales.com
	Co-Vice Chairman Michael E. Gerwe Jr.  (Term 2011-13) RES Accessories Tampa, Florida 800/444-7304 Email: mgjr@resacc.com
	APRO Board Liaison Jamie Slatton (Term 2011-12) Buddy’s Home Furnishings Tampa, Florida 813/623-5461 Email: jslatton@buddyrents.com
	Al Benson (Term 2011-13) Central File Brown Deer, Wisconsin 414/365-9000 Email: al@centralfileinc.com
	John Blair  (Term 2011-13) PTS Financial Tax Service Canton, Georgia  770/262-5609  Email: johnb4623@aol.com
	Bryan Collins (Term 2010-12) Bryce Company Cullman, Alabama 800/880-9434 Email: bryan@brycejewelry.com
	Ellison Crider (Term 2011-13) RSSS Corpus Christi, Texas 361/737-0635 800/334-5224, ext. 6 Email: ellison@rsss.com
	Michelle Dunning (Term 2010-12) Tom’s Truck Center Atlanta, Georgia 404/886-1793   Email: micki777@aol.com
	Larry Furiani  (Term 2011-13) Coaster Co. of America  Santa Fe Springs, Calfornia 562/944-7899, ext. 1149  Email: lfuriani@coasteramer.com
	Gary Jones (Term 2011-13) Ashley Furniture Carrollton, Texas 972/939-5123 Email: gjones@ashleyfurniture.com
	Don Julson (Term 2011-13) BriteLite Enterprises Los Angeles, California 847/840-1631 Email: don.julson@gmail.com
	Jay Nardone  (Term 2010-12) O’Rourke Sales Company Atlanta, Georgia 404/822-4700   Email: jnardone@orourkesales.com
	Marty Smith (Term 2010-12) Imagery Marketing Consultants St. Louis, Missouri 314/835-0004 Email: martys@imageryadv.com
	Sherry Workman (Term 2010-12) Workman & Company Wichita, Kansas 316/734-3244   Email: sherry_workman@yahoo.com

APRO is governed by a 18-member elected board of directors. Sixteen directors serve staggered two-year terms with eight directors elected each year. The 17th and 18th board members are from the vendor community and are elected by the APRO Vendor Advisory Committee.

All directors are elected at the annual convention. For more information about the APRO board of directors, contact Bill Keese by e-mail or by calling 800/204-2776, ext. 101.

2011-2012 APRO Executive Committee:

	APRO President Robert O. Briley (Term: 2010-12) Briley Investments, dba Aaron’s Abilene, Texas 325/698-1501 Email: robert.briley@aaronrents.com
	First Vice President Cynthia Baber Strunk (Term: 2011-13) Baber’s Inc. Pascagoula, Mississippi 228/312-0350 Email: Cynthia@babers.com
	Second Vice President David P. David (Term: 2010-12) Full-O-Pep Appliances Bloomington, Indiana 812/333-7496   Email: david@americanrentals.com
	Secretary Richard Rose (Term: 2010-12) RTO Inc. Norfolk, Virginia 757/455-2800, ext. 527 Email: richard@rtobestway.com
	Treasurer Mike Tissot (Term: 2010-12) Countryside Rentals Inc. Bainbridge, Ohio 740/634-2666  Email: mtissot@r2o.com

2011-2012 APRO Board of Directors:

	Dennis Adams (Term: 2011-13) Full-O-Pep Appliances Bloomington, Indiana 812/961-4224   Email: dennis@americanrentals.com
	Sidney Burton (Term: 2010-12) Hometown Ventures Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan 906/440-2333 Email: burton.hbs@gmail.com
	Dan Cole (Term: 2011-13) National Rent To own Bridgeton, Missouri 314/291-3139   Email: dcole@nationalrto.com
	Dwight Dumler (Term: 2010-12) Rent-A-Center Plano, Texas 972/801-1352 Email: Dwight.Dumler@Rentacenter.com
	Dave Edwards (Term: 2011-13) SEI/Aaron’s East Hartford, Connecticut 860/290-6670 Email: dave.edwards@aarons.com
	Gary Ferriman (Term: 2011-13) Showplace Inc. Marion, Ohio 740/383-6020 Email: gferriman@showplaceinc.biz
	Bill French (Term: 2011-13) O’Rourke Sales Company Lewisville, Texas 972/978-9283   Email: bfrench@orourkesales.com
	Sandi Frye (Term: 2011-13)   White Rose Ent., dba Premier Rental-Purchase Altoona, Pennsylvania 814/949-2300 Email: sandifrye@premierrents.com
	Michael E. Gerwe Jr. (Term: 2011-13) RES Accessories  Tampa, Florida  800/444-7304     Email: mgjr@resacc.com
	Bill Kelly (Term: 2010-12) EBRO International, dba ColorTyme Defuniak Springs, Florida 850/543-7522 Email: williamakelly@aol.com
	Jim Ratner (Term: 2011-13) JR Squared Ent., dba Premier Rental-PurchaseSan Westbrook, Maine 207/854-6200     Email: jimratner@premierrents.com
	Gopal Reddy (Term: 2011-13) Action Dev. Corp., dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership Springfield, Illinois 217/241-5800   Email: gopal.reddy@aarons.com
	Jamie Slatton (Term: 2010-12) Buddy’s Home Furnishings Tampa, Florida 813/623-5461 Email: jslatton@buddyrents.com