Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

Nationwide Celebrates #Family this PrimeTime! in Nashville

Registration is now open for Nationwide Marketing Group’s August PrimeTime! show. The event will be held August 14-17, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. “This PrimeTime!, we want to celebrate not just 45 years of business for Nationwide, but the successes of our 3,500+ retailers. Our theme ‘We Are Nationwide’ represents our dominance within the industry, due to our members capturing share using tools and services that are unrivaled against their competitors,” said Dave Bilas, President and CEO of Nationwide Marketing Group. We Are Family Dennis Willich, CEO of Nationwide Southwest, says that ‘We Are Nationwide’ represents solidarity across all fronts within the Nationwide Marketing Group. “It’s about recognizing that every retailer is paramount and that our programs and services are for every member, no matter the size. We operate as a unified family, bringing every independent retailer an opportunity to be part of a group where our members grow and thrive in their marketplaces.” The group is not disclosing details of their kickoff event, but has confirmed it will be an event at the Grand Ole Opry. Jeff Knock, CCO of Nationwide said, “We won’t tell you exactly who will take the stage, but we will say, it will be an event not to miss!” Over the course of the show floor days, dealers will meet with leading appliance, electronics, and furniture manufacturers and have access to unbeatable deals. The group’s thousands of independent retailers will also gain exposure to product demonstrations and cash back opportunities only available at PrimeTime! Frank Sandtner, EVP Member Services, said “Our member services team is excited to announce expanded digital marketing, financial and in-store services to our membership in Nashville”. The Nationwide Learning Academy, the newly redesigned format of the curriculum-based program formerly known as PrimeTime! University, returns this August with even more educational options for members to take advantage of. “The addition of vendor based training is just one newly added venue at our member’s request,” said Knock. The group’s growing NeXt Gen network will celebrate its third year of bringing the next wave of industry leaders together to exchange best practices and network. The event in March was their largest yet, hosting 200+ people in Orlando, Florida. Along with continued expansion of the group’s Prepare for Share strategy for independents, Nationwide is excited to share some of their newest programs and initiatives this August. Visit www.nationwideprimetime.com for registration information. About Nationwide Marketing Group Nationwide Marketing Group works beside thousands of appliance, furniture, electronics, specialty electronics, custom installation and rent to own dealers helping them grow their businesses and their bottom lines. With over 3,500 members operating more than 10,000 store fronts and $15 billion in combined annual sales, Nationwide is North America’s largest buying and marketing organization. Industry veterans, heading Nationwide’s seven regional divisions, work to provide independent dealers with personalized service and local programming in every market they serve. More information is available at www.nationwidegroup.org.

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Mike Lewis

Mike Lewis is a Premier Rental Purchase franchisee with multiple stores and currently serves as Vice President of Operations. With 33 years of experience in the rent-to-own industry, he has spent the past 20 years working closely with franchisee owners and previously spent 12 years in Corporate RTO, gaining a strong foundation in the business.

For the past five years, Mike has been sharing his knowledge by teaching managers and franchisees at the company’s Training Center.

Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, kids, and grandkids, and appreciates the simple things in life – especially riding his Harley Davidson with the sun on his face. If you know, you know!

Lauren Talicska

Arona Corporation dba Arona Home Essentials

Lauren Talicska is an experienced multi-channel marketing specialist and the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Arona Home Essentials. She has found her home in the RTO community, supporting stores in branding, growth, and increasing traffic.

You may recognize Lauren as a former RTO vendor, including her time as a partner for Nationwide RentDirect, or her previous participation in the APRO Vendor Advisory Committee. Lauren calls Columbus, Ohio, home and spends her workday crafting and executing marketing promotions from inception to realization, all while supporting the branding and social media needs of all the Arona stores in 12 states (plus Puerto Rico!).

Charles Smitherman

APRO

Charles Smitherman, JD, PhD, CAE, became CEO of APRO in 2023, bringing years of legal and executive experience in the rent-to-own industry. 

Prior to joining the association, Charles served as COO, General Counsel, and Vice President of PTS Financial Services, where he played an active role in the rent-to-own industry by representing his company through PTS’s club program offering with APRO member dealers. Charles is an attorney with two decades of experience across a wide variety of areas, including RTO, consumer financial services, antitrust, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, franchise law, and privacy law. Following law school at the University of Georgia, Charles earned a Master of Legal Studies and PhD in Law from the University of Oxford in England.

Charles is credentialed as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with the American Society of Association Executives, a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) with the International Franchise Association, and a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals. As APRO’s sixth CEO in its 45-year history, he brings a collaborative, member-focused approach to association leadership, emphasizing transparency, advocacy, and value creation. Outside of work, Charles is an active ultra runner and open water swimmer.

Mike Kays

Ashley Furniture Industries

As VP of Rental Sales for Ashley Furniture Industries, Mike thrives on building relationships with our RTO industry veterans, and helping businesses grow through new product, new marketing, and new supply chain options.

Mike works to leverage a wide breadth of relationships and influence, intimate knowledge of market trends, and unique knowledge of what RTO dealers need from a supplier to be successful.

The saying goes that a high tide raises all boats, and our goal is to leverage the world’s largest furniture manufacturer to drive the continued growth of the RTO industry and all the suppliers.

Mike Tissot

Countryside Rentals Inc., dba Rent-2-Own

Mike grew up in the rent-to-own industry under the guidance of his father, former APRO President and RTO legend Darrell Tissot. For nearly 25 years, Mike’s innovative leadership has helped expand the family business to more than 40 stores across Ohio and Kentucky while also shaping the industry as a whole.

He has served as President of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association, an APRO board member and Treasurer, and President and Treasurer of the TRIB Group. His contributions have earned him the APRO President’s Award of Excellence and the title of APRO Rental Dealer of the Year.

Outside of RTO, Mike enjoys time at the lake house or in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his girlfriend, Angela Strong McCool. A passionate Cincinnati Reds fan, he rarely misses a game, whether watching or listening alongside his parents. He also takes every opportunity to visit Arizona, where his daughter is currently attending Arizona State University.