Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

Finding Your “Why”: A Path to Lasting Endurance

By Charles Smitherman

At mile 18 of my first marathon, I tore my lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in my right knee. I still have nightmares about a hellscape section at the bottom of the Grand Canyon called “The Box” from when I ran the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim route. I remember the gas station parking lot in Louisville where I lost a stomach full of hydration and nutrition while on the run course of Ironman Kentucky. In these moments and in countless others, I wanted to quit. Sit down. Cry. Give up.

The open secret about executing any plan – whether it be a marathon, an ultra race, a New Year’s resolution, or just training in general, there comes a moment – sometimes many – when the idea of quitting gains a hold. The sidewalk looks like a welcoming place to lay down, Uber is a “call” away from taking you home, and the “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign is often on at Krispy Kreme to derail your diet. The best solution I have found when faced with these temptations is knowing your “Why.”

Knowing your “Why” at moments of physical weakness or mental exhaustion during a race or actively pursuing your goals reconnects you with your core motivation – the reason you started in the race or goal in the first place. Identifying and executing this deep-seated purpose on a personal level, the “Why” as Simon Sinek describes in his best-selling business motivation book, “Start With Why,” serves as a powerful catalyst for perseverance and achievement.

Identifying your “Why” involves introspection to uncover the fundamental beliefs and passions that drive you. This clarity not only fuels motivation but also provides a compass for decision-making and goal-setting. When your actions align with your core purpose, you’re more likely to stay committed and sustain progress, particularly when faced with challenges, adversity, lack of motivation, and physical or mental fatigue.

Once you have found and articulated your “Why,” you can transform your aspirations into actionable steps. In my recent articles (1) (2), I have emphasized making small, incremental changes to achieve significant results over time. By breaking down your larger goals into manageable tasks, you reduce the overwhelm that often accompanies ambitious objectives or looking too far down the road beyond the immediate and present now. This approach fosters consistency and builds momentum, making the journey toward your goals more sustainable and less daunting.

For example, if your “Why” is to lead a healthier lifestyle to set a positive example for your family, start by incorporating small habits such as a daily 10-minute walk or replacing sugary drinks with water. If you want to run a marathon, start with running one mile, then two, then onwards. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. These modest changes, rooted in your core purpose, can lead to substantial health improvements over time and fundamentally alter your trajectory to achieving your goals.

Your “Why” is deeply personal and may include multiple pieces – to be healthy, to model positive behavior, to inspire those around you – but taking the time to identify your “Why” is as important, if not more so, than setting the goals themselves. You will inevitably be faced with the question at some point in your journey as to “Why are you doing this?” – and having an answer to this question is a fundamental key to success.

I limped through my first marathon on one good knee, thanks to my girlfriend (now wife of seventeen years), who carried me over those last 8 miles. I escaped “The Box” in the Grand Canyon and managed to make the long climb back out – literally and figuratively. The gas station in Louisville wasn’t the last place I was sick that day, but I eventually crossed the finish at 4th Street Live.

Each time I’ve faced the question – “Why are you doing this?” – I’ve had an answer. That answer is what kept me moving forward. In “The Road Not Taken,” Robert Frost wrote that choosing the road less traveled makes all the difference. Knowing your “Why” is what allows you to take that road—and see where it leads.

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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.