Bill Keese
APRO’s Executive Director
As the cover of this issue illustrates, we are honoring both the 2014 recipients of APRO’s Educational Foundation scholarship fund and those rental dealers who have made the program so successful. The scholarship program–the brainchild of Shannon Strunk and carried forth under the fundraising acumen of Larry Carrico, Jamie Slatton and David P. David–helps rent-to-own employees and children of employees across the country attend college. I also want to recognize the TRIB Group board of directors, which dedicated proceeds from the group’s golf tournament to the scholarship fund. To unify the scholarship selection process, we provided the TRIB Group board with applications from its members for review and asked that the board select a number of recipients to receive scholarship funds raised from the golf tournament proceeds.
As you scan the cover photographs–almost all of them selfies–and read the article, I am sure you will feel a sense of pride in our industry for the success of the scholarship program. The stories of the recipients are inspiring and demonstrate the great act of improving the lives of our youth, which, in turn, helps them to better themselves, their families, our industry and country. With your support, since 2008, APRO has awarded 105 college scholarships totaling $282,500. Again, thanks to all who have donated to the fund.
Also in this issue, we continue our two new series, “Now & Then” and “Building Better Business.” “Now & Then” profiles Joe Fischer of Eagle Rental Purchase and Ted Wilson, a past APRO president. Ted was the second president I worked with in the early days of APRO. He remains one of the most loved and popular presidents ever to serve, even though he has been retired for a number of years. You will appreciate his comments about the early days of rent-to-own and how he is faring in retirement. Joe, meanwhile, talks about his long journey in rent-to-own, which now keeps him busy with nine stores.
We have reported previously on Rent One’s Delivery Tech Rodeo, this issue’s “Building Better Business” feature, but interest among many in the RTO industry regarding this program has been so keen, we dug further and present a more in-depth and updated article on the rodeo. It is a unique and innovative program that is being copied around the country. If you haven’t seriously considered implementing such a competition at your company, you probably will after reading this feature.
These pages also include the return of a talented businessman and writer, Bud Holladay. Don’t miss his article entitled “The Seven Habits of Largely Ineffective People.” Bud was one of the founders of APRO and served as the association’s first president. His sharp wit and unique perspective will entertain and enlighten you.
We hope you enjoy this edition of our flagship publication!
