Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

Congratulations to APRO Scholarship Recipient Harrison Daniel for Graduating Magna Cum Laude

2012 and 2015 APRO scholarship winner, Harrison Daniel, recently graduated from Ouachita Baptist University Magna Cum Laude with bachelor degrees in Chemistry and Biology. Harrison now represents the more than 25 students the APRO scholarship foundation has helped graduate college. HarrisonDaniel Harrison is familiar with the Rent-to-Own industry as he worked as a Product Technician at Aaron’s since he was 16 on a part time basis. He was awarded scholarships for his academic excellence and through his volunteer time with Conway’s First Baptist Church summer camp, serving the elderly, disabled and individuals in need around the Arkadelphia area. Harrison volunteered in the Radiology department of Conway Regional Health Center and assisted research at the Children’s Hospital on the effects of industrial pollutants on the development of autoimmune diseases in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is currently in Indonesia teaching English and volunteering at a local humanitarian organization helping women find their freedom who are stuck in the cycle of prostitution. “I really appreciate the APRO scholarship foundation and all that it has blessed me with. It has allowed me to have more time to focus on my studies without the weight of student loans or a time consuming full time job. I was able to graduate with two degrees instead of just one because of the freedom I got from the scholarships I received. I hope that it can continue to bless others pursuing their dreams for many years to come,” proclaims Daniel. Harrison is starting medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in August. Harrison Daniel is the son of Tim and Sondra Daniel. Tim recently opened up a RNR Tires Express with his partner and longtime APRO member, Geron Vail. Their first store is in Wichita, KS and have plans to open two more in the near future. “His mother and I are very proud of Harrison and very appreciative of the generous donations from APRO members helping my two children and the many others with their education,” states Tim Daniel. The applications for APRO’s 2016 scholarships are being accepted and the deadline to apply is Friday June 9th. Go to APRO’s website for more information on the APRO Scholarship Foundation.

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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.