After 35 years, APRO Past President Wayne Chambers is ready to trade in his suit and tie for a comfortable pair of boots. Chambers announced last week he would be stepping down as CEO of High Touch Technologies to become a full-time rancher. As he steps away from the corporate world, Chambers leaves an impressive list of accomplishments.
Starting in Remco in 1975 under the legendary Chuck Sims, and rising to be the CFO, Chambers has been an important force for the RTO industry. He served two terms as President of APRO between 1991 to 1993, then led APRO’s defense of the Rent-To-Own industry from the IRS in the 1990s. As chair of the Tax and Accounting Committee, Chambers provided crucial leadership in stopping IRS efforts to reclassify RTO transactions from leases to installment plans.
“But for Wayne’s tireless commitment to the cause, the RTO tax issue could easily have gone the other way,” notes APRO General Counsel Ed Winn III. “The industry owes Wayne a huge debt.” In recognition for his efforts, Chambers received the first APRO Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.
Since 2005, Chambers has led High Touch Technologies, an IT solutions provider providing software vital to the RTO industry. After shepherding the company through its growth phase, Chambers believes the time is right for him to shift his focus from the boardroom to his ranch. “I’m ready to spend time with my family and raise cattle full time now,” says Chambers, as he eagerly looks to the next phase of his life.
Although he terms his shift from the corporate world to the ranching world a “retirement”, Chambers will be remaining active in his community. Chambers will remain on the board of the Greater Wichita Partnership, Wichita Community Foundation, and the National Advisory Council for the WSU Foundation. In addition, he plans to remain involved with his philanthropic efforts with Rainbows United, Kansas Special Olympics, and the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland.
“We celebrate Wayne’s many accomplishments at the helm of High
