By Jill McClure, CAE
APRO Executive Director
As we go to print with this issue of the magazine, COVID-19 – one of the world’s most serious pandemics in over 100 years – is hitting the United States hard. Travel and public gatherings have been banned to various degrees across the country, and we all miss our normal lives with the freedoms to which we’ve grown accustomed.
Over the last three months, APRO has been spending time with its members in a way that we haven’t experienced before – talking through how to negotiate with those enforcing what is and is not an “essential business” and how to educate them on what exactly a rent-to-own store provides. We’ve learned that the critical items dealers offer like computers to work from home, freezers to keep groceries stocked and lessen trips to the store, and washers and dryers to limit viral exposure at laundromats are things that often local enforcers are not always aware that dealers supply.
I am so incredibly impressed with how our members have adapted to this threat. They have figured out how to offer these essential services, and how to do so safely with the health of their employees and customers in the forefront.
As I reminisce about the sharp contrast to this year’s first quarter, I am happy it was so full with industry events and time in person with our members. APRO staffers attended and covered some of the biggest happenings of the year, including RentDirect Nationwide’s PrimeTime Vendor Show in Houston, and TRIB Group’s Meeting of the Minds & Expo in Atlanta, both held in February.
Additionally, Premier Companies hosted its 2020 National Convention in Miami in January. I was proud to present select Premier dealers with Industry Service Awards for their involvement in the health and strength of RTO, and was pleased to provide an industry update to all attendees. Later that month, I participated in RNR’s Annual Franchise Convention in Tampa. A celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary, it was an extraordinary event – you can definitely depend on RNR folks to make enthusiasm look like an extreme sport!
Traveling to various industry events, meetings, and shows can be tiring, but truly, it’s my favorite part of my job. Meeting and getting to know APRO members face-to-face never fails to be a fascinating experience, and always proves a wonderful reminder of how special this business is. Here’s hoping for many more opportunities to see you all in person again in the near future!
Even though some projects may be put on hold this season, the subjects of our APROFile double dip in this issue are moving forward, full steam ahead! Two decades into his career with Buddy’s Home Furnishings, Chip Guy finds himself playing a new, different, and unexpectedly bigtime role with one of the company’s fastest-growing franchisees. From delivery tech to c-level exec, Chip continues to move ever closer to living his RTO dream – not through hustle and flow, but via influence and growth.
We’re also profiling the RNR father-son team of Larry and Adam Sutton. The Suttons are one of the rent-to-own families I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over my three years as Executive Director of APRO. As their RNR Tire Express hits its 20th year milestone, it’s a joy to witness the respect these two have for one another, and to see how family can work together toward a shared vision with such tremendous success. Here’s to the next 20, gentlemen, and to the momentous plans you have for your business!
Finally, I want to recognize Director of Finance Tulisha Wendele’s 29th work anniversary with APRO. Tulisha is an important part of APRO and her influence is in the DNA of this organization. She ensures the integrity of our financial processes and has an incredible heart of service for our members.
Also, I’d like to introduce you to our new Content and Communications Manager, Kaiden Gray. Kaiden brings international experience and fresh energy to the APRO team. Not only will he be leading the coordination of every issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine (you’re reading his first), but he also will be serving as our point-person for industry news. Please feel free to send your good news stories, your compliments, and/or your warm welcome wishes to Kaiden.
And, if you’ve got business plans and projects for this season or next, send us something about those, too. According to industrialist J. Paul Getty, “Uncertainty is the refuge of hope. Without the element of uncertainty, the bringing off of even the greatest business triumph would be dull, routine, and eminently unsatisfying.” Here’s to an unpredictable, remarkable, triumphant second quarter!
