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INRDA Annual Meeting Full of Insightful Discussions and Industry Updates

APRO CEO Charles Smitherman addresses attendees at INRDA’s 8th Annual Meeting.

The Iowa-Nebraska Rental Dealers Association (INRDA) held its eighth Annual Meeting earlier this month in Omaha, Nebraska, bringing together professionals from across the rent-to-own industry for a day filled with valuable insights and strategic discussions. The event, known for its comprehensive agenda and high-quality speakers, lived up to expectations, providing attendees with crucial updates on legislative and economic issues impacting the RTO sector.

The meeting began with a series of insightful presentations from this year’s lineup of speakers, who offered a diverse range of perspectives on the current and future state of the RTO industry. C&L Supply Sales Manager James Selby opened the session with an overview of industry trends and sales data, setting the stage for a day of deep dives into more complex topics.

APRO CEO Charles Smitherman followed with a comprehensive update on legislative issues affecting the RTO industry at the national level. His presentation emphasized the importance of proactive engagement with policymakers to safeguard the interests of RTO businesses.

Providing a local perspective, Iowa lobbyist Doug Struyk and Nebraska lobbyist Matt Schaefer discussed state-specific legislative developments. They focused on proposed regulations and potential changes that could impact RTO operations in Iowa and Nebraska, urging members to stay informed and involved in advocacy efforts.

Ashley Furniture Industries Vice President of Rental Sales Michael Kays discusses changing trends in furniture shopping.

National Account Systems of Omaha Owner Mark Kottke and Benefit Marketing Solutions Senior Vice President James MacAlpine addressed economic factors and business strategies for navigating uncertain times. Given the current economic climate, their insights into debt management and employee benefits were particularly relevant.

Closing the event, Ashley Furniture Industries Vice President of Rental Sales Michael Kays shared his perspective on the future outlook for the RTO industry. He highlighted emerging trends and consumer behaviors that could shape the market in the coming years.

The day concluded with the INRDA’s annual business meeting, where association leaders highlighted the organization’s achievements over the past year and outlined goals for the future. Members were encouraged to continue advocating for the industry, especially in light of evolving legislative challenges.

The entire Board of Directors was re-elected for another year. Congratulations to INRDA’s 2025 Board members:

  • President – Mike Shuler, S&P Rentals Inc. dba Premier Rental-Purchase
  • Vice President – Mike Voorhees, Ace Furniture & TV Inc. dba Ace Rent-To-Own
  • Secretary & Treasurer – Josh Luksetich, First State Financial Corporation
  • Tom Bernau, Arona Corporation dba Arona Home Essentials
  • Lance Beshore, Arona Home Essentials
  • Mark Connelly, Arona Home Essentials
  • Jason Kunz, Arona Home Essentials
  • Lyn Leach, Ace Rent-To-Own
  • Brian Luksetich, First State Financial Corporation
  • Frank Rotert, Ace Rent-To-Own
  • Cory Schwiesow, Ace Rent-To-Own

“The rent-to-own industry is at a pivotal moment,” said Smitherman. “Events like the INRDA Annual Meeting are essential for equipping our members with the tools and information they need to navigate this changing landscape. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving in a way that benefits both businesses and the communities they serve.”

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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.