Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

Announcing Fuse 2017 Closing Speaker: Matthew Dowd

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Matthew Dowd, special correspondent and analyst for ABC News, bestselling author and campaign strategist.

At a time of immense change, disruption and dysfunction in America today, Matthew Dowd gives a road map of what can help leaders navigate these uncertain times successfully—whether it’s dealing with voters, consumers or employees. Dowd, a vehement independent who has worked both sides of the aisle, has given advice to presidents, CEOs, governors, foundations and associations on how to win the hearts and minds of their constituencies. He brings more than 30 years of experience and expertise to audiences around the country, examining America’s current status and what values and strategies are necessary to achieve success. Dowd has been described as one of the most common-sense, independent and brightest minds in America. Any leader at any level who wants to move forward in an era of profound confusion and disconnection should consider his speech a must.

Closing Session: Leading Through Uncertainty Thursday, May 11th 2:30-3:30 p.m. Grand Ballroom, Level 2

Dowd currently serves as a special correspondent and analyst for ABC News, where he appears on that network’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos, Good Morning America and Nightline, and writes regularly for the National Journal, The New York Times, the Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor and Huffington Post. With triumphant political campaigns under his belt and independence from both political parties, he uses his wealth of experience and knowledge to provide insights into how our political, economic and social institutions need to respond to the nation’s challenges. Dowd covers not only politics, but cultural, economic and spiritual trends, as well.

Over the past 20 years, Dowd has been an active entrepreneur, founding three highly successful companies, including Vianovo and Public Strategies. Recently, he launched Paradox Capital, a social-impact venture fund focused on for-profit social-good companies.

Click here for the full Education Day schedule.

Click here to register for for Fuse 2017. 

Fuse17

Upcoming Events




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.