Association of Progressive Rental Organizations
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2020 Legislative Conference – Postponed

Our commitment to the health and safety of our members and communities is our highest priority, as we have decided to postpone the APRO Legislative Conference, scheduled for April 28-30, 2020, in Washington, D.C. Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the event. If you have additional questions, please contact info@rtohq.org or call toll free at 800.204.2776.

Additionally, APRO is closely following all developments regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have created a COVID-19 RESOURCES page to provide links to up-to-date, pertinent information that may assist you to keep your employees and customers safe and healthy and provide details on how you can continue to run your business.

APRO Legislative Conference Postponement FAQ

Do I need to cancel my hotel room at the Hilton?
Yes. Please contact the Hilton Washington DC National Mall at 855-271-3617 or visit their dedicated COVID-19 page for more information about their modification and cancellation waivers, cleanliness and hygiene standards, and Hilton Honors Points expiration policy adjustment. We recommend that you make your cancellations no later than Wednesday, March 18.

Will I need to cancel my Legislative Conference registration?
You will only need to cancel your Legislative Conference registration if you are unable to attend the postponed date of the conference. We will send updates to current registrants and all APRO members as news develops with new dates and detailed instructions.

Will I need to cancel or modify my airline arrangements?
Yes, attendees need to cancel their flight reservations. As of March 11, 2020, many major US-based airlines have suspended, reduced, or cut flights to affected regions. Many airlines have made special concessions and are offering flexibility outside normal policies. Please check with your airline to find out more. Keep travel vouchers/credit for future use to rebook once the conference is rescheduled or for other future travel.

When can I expect the conference to be rescheduled?
Once the coronavirus threat lifts and we know more about the Congressional calendar, we will be able to reschedule. Currently, we are hopeful that September or October dates will be feasible. We will alert APRO members once we have more certainty. Thank you for your patience.

Thank you to Our Sponsors for Your Steadfast Support

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

Audit Advantage
O’Rourke Sales Company
PTS Financial and Benefit Services
Rivero, Gordimer & Company PA
Slumba LLC
Whitsell and Company, PC

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Mike Lewis

Central Properties dba Premier Rental-Purchase

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.