Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

The ShopSafe Promise Commences for Dealers

Nationwide Marketing Group announced free CDC-approved training modules for retailers, called ShopSafe. As many rent-to-own stores reopen and become even more accessible to the public, shops that complete the complimentary training courses can inform their customers they have taken the ShopSafe Promise. This promise dedicates itself to consumers. It keeps them informed that the area adheres to CDC recommended COVID-19 safeguards, making shopping safer and convenient.

“RTO businesses should consider using this time to show the reality and the heart of the industry,” said Director of Nationwide RentDirect, Keven Dalke. “By following this program and making the ShopSafe Promise, rent-to-own dealers can genuinely let their customers see how much dealers care about them and their safety.”

This training is available for RTO dealers who sell appliances, electronics, furniture, bedding and outdoor entertainment products and consist of 18 modules for staff to take. The modules cover topics including preventive measures, understanding how and why the virus spreads, warning signs of illness, managing packages and returns during the pandemic and more.

Once completing the ShopSafe Promise, rental dealers will also have access to marketing materials to distribute to their customers about the promise from Nationwide. RTO dealers could already match the required actions to maintain the pledge – these actions include:

-Employee health screening each day

-Employee face coverings at all times

-Disposable masks provided for all customers

-Adherence to social distancing guidelines

– Frequent deep cleaning of surfaces

-Access to hand sanitizer, soap and water

-Contactless delivery options

-And more

“While we all may be socially distant these days, most ShopSafe Promise businesses are locally owned,” said Mike Whitaker, the head of the Nationwide Learning Academy. “They’re integral to the fabric of the community. Their customers and staff are also their friends and neighbors. And that’s why they’re so dedicated and willing to make the ShopSafe Promise to their customers and for their communities.”

More information about the ShopSafe Promise can be found at, www.shopsafepromise.com/.

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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.