Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

RNR Gives Dedicated Dad VIP NASCAR Experience

L to R: Ocala RNR Store Manager Kyle Parman, Team Development Director Will Jackson, and giveaway winner Edward Ryan.

RNR Tire Express recently announced the winner of its annual Father’s Day giveaway, who will be experiencing the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at the Daytona International Speedway later this summer as few people get the chance to.

Edward Ryan of Ocala, Florida – who has been a diehard NASCAR fan since the age of four, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Daytona, Florida, for the VIP experience, which will include premium tickets, pit passes, a driver meet-and-greet, food, drinks, and accommodations. Ryan was nominated for the prize by his wife, Brooke.

“This experience is something he will cherish every part of,” said Brooke. “He is a hardworking dad, and does everything he can to make sure his son is taken care of and has all his wants and needs met. My husband is a great loving man, and I would be honored if he was chosen for this wonderful opportunity.”

Edward grew up watching NASCAR races every Sunday with his father, and has continued this tradition with his young son, who is now a racing fan in his own right.

“My childhood was consumed by my love for NASCAR, and it created a special bond between my father and me,” said Edward. “It’s been so rewarding to continue the traditions I had growing up with my own son now. I’m extremely grateful to the RNR team and my wife for creating what will be a lasting memory for our entire family.”

“Getting the chance to work with my son, Adam, every day at RNR is a constant reminder of just how special a father’s bond is with his family,” said RNR Founder and CEO Larry Sutton. “Our Father’s Day giveaway is a special opportunity to honor fathers across the country who go above and beyond for their families and communities. We received countless nominations of well-deserving fathers, each one with an incredible story of dedication and love, and we’re proud to celebrate all these remarkable individuals.”

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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.