Known within the industry as “The Reverend of RTO,” former APRO Board Member and RNR Tire Express CEO and Founder Larry Sutton is a foundational figure whose career spans the evolution of the rent-to-own (RTO) business from its retail roots to a national movement. His unique moniker was born from a Southern Baptist-style speaking delivery during his time on the APRO board, where he traveled to state associations to advocate for the industry and secure critical funding. Sutton credits his success to a “handshake” philosophy of business and a deep-seated commitment to sharing knowledge with his peers.
As part of APRO’s 45th anniversary celebration, the RTO Legends Podcast Series honors the pioneers who built the rent-to-own industry – founders, advocates, and innovators whose conviction, collaboration, and care transformed a business model into a movement. Produced by APRO and Wow Brands in partnership with Pete Shau from The RTO Show Podcast, the series preserves the voices that defined rent-to-own and continues their legacy for future generations.
From Delivery Trucks to Industry Training
Sutton’s journey began at age 15 in Tampa, Florida, after moving from Oklahoma City. He initially worked for his uncle, Norman “Slats” Slatton, in a retail appliance and television business. His early days were spent on delivery trucks and installing “window shaker” air conditioning units by cutting holes in walls.
This hands-on experience provided the foundation for his later role with Curtis Mathes, a television manufacturer. At Curtis Mathes, Sutton served as the Southeast Florida sales manager, where he was tasked with training retailers on how to manage accounts and run rent-to-own divisions.
Building the Legacy of RTO Legend Larry Sutton
While working for Curtis Mathes, Sutton identified a major opportunity in Lakeland, Florida. He partnered with Bill Ogle, a large Curtis Mathes dealer, in a 50/50 handshake agreement to open a new rental store. The partnership was built on such immense trust that they successfully operated five stores before ever signing formal paperwork.
This venture eventually grew into Champion Rent-to-Own, which expanded to over 150 stores across the Southeast. Sutton personally managed a group of 30 Champion locations, navigating high-interest rates and financial shifts by maintaining a conservative, debt-averse approach.
A Second Act with RNR Tire Express
In 1997, Sutton sold his group to a large corporate entity, but he soon discovered that “corporate America” was not the right fit for his entrepreneurial spirit. After a brief retirement spent on the golf course, he returned to the industry to solve a new challenge: providing quality tires and wheels to underserved consumers.
In 2000, he founded RNR Tire Express (originally Rent-n-Roll) in Tampa. By applying the proven rent-to-own model to the automotive sector, he revolutionized vehicle maintenance, adopting a “serve, not service” mentality that prioritizes the customer’s well-being.
Leadership and Industry Advocacy
Throughout his career, Sutton has remained actively involved in the RTO community. He served on the APRO board for four years and was recognized for his contributions to the industry with the Ernie Talley Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 and the President’s Award of Excellence in 1994.
He has consistently championed the “sharing” nature of the industry. He believes that even as a business grows to hundreds of locations, the core remains the same: building a culture where information flows from the frontline and leaders exist to support their teams. His legacy is defined by this servant leadership, transforming RNR Tire Express into a national leader while staying true to the handshake values that started it all.
Listen to the full episode of The RTO Legends Series – produced by APRO and Wow Brands in partnership with Pete Shau and The RTO Show Podcast – on Spotify or watch it on YouTube.
