Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO)

Buddy’s Home Furnishings Announces New Ownership

APRO member BHF Operating Company, LLC dba Buddy’s Home Furnishings, has entered a new ownership chapter following its acquisition by Skyline Investors. As part of the transaction, the company’s corporate name was changed from Buddy’s Newco, LLC to BHF Operating Company, LLC.

Buddy’s is the third-largest rent-to-own (RTO) franchisor in the United States, operating more than 220 locations across 18 states and Guam. The brand provides furniture, appliances, electronics, and home goods through rent-to-own and retail sales models, serving a resilient and underserved consumer segment.

“This is an exciting new chapter for Buddy’s,” said Buddy’s CEO Michael Bennett. “Skyline brings a collaborative mindset that our franchisees and customers will feel immediately. Their flexible approach and ability to move quickly allowed them to structure a solution that worked for us when others couldn’t. We’re not just changing ownership; we’re gaining committed partners who understand our business, value our franchise network, and are ready to invest in our collective success.”

Skyline Investors brings prior experience in the rent-to-own space and has indicated a long-term, collaborative approach focused on strengthening operations, supporting franchisees, and driving sustainable growth. The firm has emphasized franchise health and operational improvements as key priorities under its ownership.

The transaction was structured alongside Standard Communities Co-Founders and Principals Jeffrey Jaeger and Scott Alter, whose expertise in affordable housing development and capital formation complements Buddy’s mission of serving families across the United States.

Buddy’s CEO Michael Bennett

“Our collaboration with Skyline on this deal reflects our confidence in their creative approach to investing,” said Jaeger. “By working together, we’re able to bring flexible capital solutions to businesses that strengthen the communities they serve. We look forward to this next phase for Buddy’s and its franchisees.” 

Skyline’s leadership highlighted Buddy’s established brand and franchise network as key strengths, pointing to continued opportunities for expansion and operational enhancement.

“Buddy’s represents exactly the type of platform opportunity we’re built to support,” said Skyline Investors’ Founder and Managing Partner Kevin Tom. “With Buddy’s proven brand and strong franchise network, there’s a clear runway for growth. We’re excited to roll up our sleeves alongside the management team and franchisees to strengthen operations, support local owners with focus on their profitability, and invest in the next chapter of the business.”

Buddy’s was recently ranked among Entrepreneur’s Franchise Top 500 for 2025, marking its fifth consecutive appearance on the list. Under Skyline’s ownership, Buddy’s Home Furnishings will continue focusing on long-term growth, franchisee support, and service to communities nationwide.

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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.