Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

Fellows in Focus: Justin Burns

American Rental team members proudly representing at APRO’s Legislative Conference. (L to R) James David, Justin Burns, and Dennis Adams.

The APRO Legislative Fellows program debuted at this year’s Legislative Conference, where 11 event newcomers – sponsored by state rental dealer associations and Ashley Furniture Industries – were mentored by industry veterans to become advocates for rent-to-own.

Justin Burns, Director of Marketing at Full-O-Pep Appliances Inc. dba American Rental, was among this inaugural class of Fellows, and says the experience left him wide-eyed.

“Strolling through Capitol Hill alongside my esteemed colleagues – some of whom have been trailblazers in the RTO industry for more than four decades – was truly inspiring,” says Burns. “They definitely walked the walk!”

Burns came into rent-to-own under the guiding wing of his father-in-law, American Rental President David David, an RTO leader since 1981.

“His leadership and passion for rent-to-own have had a profound influence on me,” says Burns. “I have a strong interest in exploring all aspects of the business, and I feel fortunate to have David as a mentor.”

At the 2024 Legislative Conference, Burns says he learned a lot about building relationships as he and his team met with several legislative staff members from their home state (Indiana) representatives’ offices.

“What really stood out to me was how small, personal connections – like talking about a shared alma mater or a well-loved hometown pizzeria – could spark meaningful bonds with staffers,” says Burns. “These moments of relatability help build trust, making it more likely they’ll remember us and our industry whenever we reach out for support in the future.

Among Burns’ team members was American Rental District Manager and APRO Board Member Dennis Adams, who impressed Burns with his deep understanding of the workings of Capitol Hill.

“One key lesson I learned from Dennis was the importance of consistency – showing up at the conference every year to build meaningful connections,” Burns says. “He highlighted how crucial these relationships are, because when the time comes to advocate for our industry, it’s not about just knowing who to call – it’s about making sure they know who it is calling, too.”

Burns intends to attend the 2025 Legislative Conference, and is already preparing himself to help the incoming class of Legislative Fellows.

“With the recent elections, many states – including Indiana – have new representatives taking office,” says Burns. “So we’ll need to familiarize ourselves with new members, their priorities, and any new policies or decisions they bring with them. Staying informed about these transitions and building early relationships will be key to enhancing my advocacy skills.

“As for newcomers, I recommend observing and learning from your peers, while staying actively engaged in the process,” he concludes. “APRO puts on a top-notch conference – from event communications to well-organized meetings to a delightful dinner – and it’s a great opportunity to soak up industry knowledge and build confidence through participation.”


To learn more about the APRO Legislative Fellows Program and how it can enhance your career in rent-to-own, click here.

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.