Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

The Value of APRO Membership: Education

One way APRO supports our members’ success is through our extensive education efforts. APRO provides continual education advancing the use of best business practices to benefit and improve both individual member companies and the rent-to-own industry.

We achieve this by:

  • creating consistency in RTO business practices;
  • maintaining and promoting an industry-wide Code of Ethics;
  • marketing the RTO industry overall and helping our member companies with their marketing; and
  • helping APRO members attract and retain superior talent and customers.

APRO leaders present and facilitate educational sessions for state rental-dealer associations, industry buying groups, company meetings, and other events. We also provide guidance on relevant speakers – both within and outside the industry – for such rent-to-own gatherings. And APRO coordinates the many education sessions that play a key role in RTO World, the industry’s biggest event of the year.

APRO provides for and allows us all to connect and network, sharing innovative ideas and strategies to benefit our industry. I was honored to present at RTO World 2022 and provide insights into how to be a leader in this new post-pandemic era.”

Danny Lastra, District Manager, CPL Group Inc. dba Rent King
Attendees at an RTO World 2022 educational session.

The (cybersecurity) webinar was on-point, bringing real-life experiences to the forefront. The presenters were knowledgeable, insightful, and on-topic. The flow of information allowed all attendees to understand the true impact of cyber-breaches on businesses, no matter their size. Thank you for helping APRO members grow by spreading awareness, knowledge, and education.”

Salvatore Moccia, Director of Client Relations, Ideal Software Systems

The APRO Code of Ethics is comprised of industry standards that all our member companies are expected to meet or exceed. These ethical standards help RTO businesses avoid legal trouble, manage and advance their reputations, and strengthen consumer confidence in both their companies and rent-to-own.

APRO offers important information and education through our well-established digital and print communication channels. We publish an award-winning biannual magazine (RTOHQ: The Magazine), a weekly e-newsletter (APRO Today), and weekly social media content. APRO also hosts several topic-specific webinars each year. Additionally, the Members-Only section of our website provides state-statute updates, informational videos, and APRO’s industry research and results.

Upcoming Events




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.