Rent-A-Center Franchising International, Inc. (RACFI), the nation’s first franchisor of independently owned-and-operated rent-to-own stores, is hosting its annual Summer Retreat from June 21-25, at the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas, giving franchisees, corporate personnel, and vendor partners a chance to relax, reconnect, and plan key initiatives for the rest of the year. We are excited to have seven of our vendors join us this year as our Summer Retreat sponsors, including top supporters Ashley Furniture®, Whirlpool®, and Sealy®.
Opening day events on Wednesday included a Vendor Appreciation Reception at the resort’s Royal Tower Overlook, and a Welcome Reception and Dinner sponsored by Whirlpool®, held in the resort’s Athletic Garden Center.
At today’s General Session, corporate personnel will update franchisees on operational topics, marketing and advertising, purchasing, and franchise development. Our vendor partners will present an exciting buying show with some sizzling hot deals to end the morning. An owner roundtable discussion will start the afternoon, and a special onsite dinner tonight at the Royal Tower Deck will honor Eagle Club members who have achieved the RACFI’s prestigious “Franchisee of the Year” award.
“Each year, we’re able to share best practices with our franchisees and them amongst themselves. The ability to do so while having fun with our families makes the Summer Retreat unique,” says RACFI Senior Vice President Cathy Skula. “I can’t think of a more relaxing place to do it than Paradise Island, Bahamas, and greatly appreciate our key vendors for help making it possible.”
Tomorrow, attendees can enjoy a day of leisure in nearby Nassau or on Atlantis’ breathtaking grounds. Following a relaxing day at the beach, the Retreat will conclude Saturday night with a Farewell Reception and Dinner sponsored by Ashley Furniture® that includes live music and dancing at the Ripples Pool Deck. 
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!
