Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

The 2025-2027 APRO Vendor Advisory Committee Candidates

An email was sent to your primary contact associated with your membership with access to an online ballot for the 2025-2027 APRO Vendor Advisory Committee from .

If you have not received the email, be sure to check your junk mail. Ballots may be submitted through this link no later than Thursday, July 31.

*(I) indicates an incumbent candidate.

Adam Ball

Director of National Sales
Esquire Advertising

Former Division 1 athlete and All-American at VCU, Adam spent seven years pursuing his dream on the PGA Tour before transitioning to sales, quickly rising to become the top rep at a leading home improvement company.

As the Director of National Sales at Esquire Advertising, Adam brings his results-driven mindset and unique consultative approach to help retailers diverse industries achieve growth – not only in marketing but in every facet of their business.

Adam Ball

Donna DiTrani

Account Executive 
High Touch Technologies

Donna DiTrani, Senior Account Executive of High Touch Technologies, has been working in the RTO client division for more than 21 years and brings more than 30 years of customer service in her career.

She is the primary contact for sales and account management along with Doug Funk for RTO at High Touch. Before joining High Touch, DiTrani spent seven years in the aircraft industry in Wichita, Kansas, and several years as a professional bowler.

She received Gold and Silver medals representing the USA in the World Bowling Championships and was inducted into the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the long-term relationships I’ve fostered over the years at High Touch and will most likely keep these relationships into my retirement years!” says DiTrani.

 

Donna DiTrani

Andrew Hajduk (I)

President
Vox-Pop-Uli, Inc.

Andrew Hajduk established Vox-Pop-Uli, Inc. in 1996, a complete marketing, design, production, and print company. He’s a graduate of Georgia State University J. Mack Robinson College of Business. He’s been in the business of finance, consulting, and marketing for 31 years. His goal is to support his customers with anything they need to help them grow in a timely and efficient manner. He develops relationships at every level in his client’s businesses, all the way from the Store Managers to Owners to other RTO suppliers.

He finds satisfaction in helping them grow and improve their businesses, making their lives easier wherever and however possible. In his free time, he loves trail runs, exploring new cities, and learning new things, like learning to play the guitar at 52 and becoming an expert grill master. Andrew’s helped raise three children he takes great pride in. He’s a man of faith that truly values a great relationship where a client is not only a customer but family.

Andrew Hajduk

Mike Kays (I)

Vice President of Rental Sales
Ashley Furniture Industries

As VP of Rental Sales for Ashley Furniture Industries, Mike spent the last 12 years working with RTO industry veterans helping to build Ashley into the largest RTO dealer/network supplier. In this new role, he is expanding this reach to support all suppliers to RTO to ensure everyone has a fair shake and decisions are made in our best interests.

Timing, access to the buyers, and visibility are core to the industry’s continued success and future growth. Michael can leverage a wide breadth of relationships and influence, intimate knowledge of trends in the market, 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 he’d like to leverage everything in his power to drive the continued growth of the RTO industry and all the suppliers.

Mike Kays

Brian Rosen (I)

National Sales Manager
Nektova

Brian Rosen joined Nektova in 2020 as the National Sales Manager, bringing with him a wealth of experience spanning over 12 years in the RTO industry. His background includes positions at Florida State Games and SED International, where he contributed to their success. Brian has been recognized for his outstanding performance and received prestigious RTO Awards including Vendor of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Executive Club, and the Soaring Eagle Award. All are a testament to his exceptional skills, expertise, and dedication to achieving remarkable results.

Brian holds a double major in Business Management and Marketing from Florida Atlantic University, showcasing his strong educational foundation and commitment to professional development. Currently residing in Wellington, FL, he enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his wife and son. With his extensive experience, proven track record of success, and passion for delivering exceptional results, Brian continues to make valuable contributions to Nektova.

Brian Rosen

Paula Steppe

Rental Sales Manager
GE Appliances, a Haier Company

With a dynamic background spanning law, finance, and sales, Paula Steppe brings over 18 years of experience at GE Appliances to her current role as Sales Manager of Rent-to-Own. Since stepping into this position in 2020, Paula has become a trusted liaison for more than 300 RTO clients, known for her responsiveness, integrity, and commitment to service after the sale.

Her deep understanding of operations—from logistics to customer support—has made her an invaluable resource to both small and large RTO businesses across the country. Outside of work, Paula enjoys life on her farm near Louisville, Kentucky, where she lives with her husband of 29 years. A passionate reader, proud mother of two, and dedicated professional, Paula is deeply committed to helping RTO dealers succeed.

Paula Steppe

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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.