Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)
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2022 Winter Magazine: Welcome Letter

A heartfelt update on APRO’s advocacy work, upcoming initiatives, and a meaningful leadership transition rooted in gratitude and community

Dear APRO Member,

While we consider this a relatively quiet time for the APRO team, it’s only because our member calls and emails slow a bit during Q4 as we approach the holidays. In spite of the relative quiet, we’ve been full throttle, planning our next APRO Legislative Conference, set for Spring! There’s no better time to be in our nation’s Capital than cherry-blossom season. Plan now to join our group of RTO advocates on April 26 – 28, 2023.

The RTO World committee is also busy gearing up for San Antonio in 2023, and reviewing potential destinations for 2024. We also recently completed the APRO Fall Board Meeting and have included a full rundown on page 8.

On a different note, I have some bittersweet news to share. After 5 1/2 years with APRO, I will be stepping down as your Chief Executive Officer. It’s been a wonderful ride with RTO, and I will be transitioning to my next adventure – including a move to D.C. – in the new year.

Working with APRO has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. We have accomplished so much together: educating lawmakers and the public about the essential business RTO provides; building a system of support services to help and strengthen our state associations; creating a new successful brand and joint convention with RTO World; and elevating the ideas and interests of APRO members through education, advocacy, and our award-winning publications.

APRO is about community – the sum of the contributions of engaged members, committed leaders, and dedicated staff. Its success is not dependent on any one individual. APRO will continue to thrive and grow, dedicated to its mission of promoting professionalism in the industry and protecting the livelihood of those who depend on it.

The Board of Directors will soon begin a hiring process for a new leader for your national trade association. I remain deeply invested in APRO’s future, and plan to set your new leader up for success. Our whole team is committed to a smooth, successful, and transparent transition.

It has been my great honor and pleasure to serve as your Chief Executive Officer, and I will take with me not only pride in the work we have done together, but also the lasting friendships we have built.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve your industry. Maybe I’ll see you on the Hill!

Jill McClure, CAE
APRO Chief Executive Officer

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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.