Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)
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APRO CEO Releases New Book Defining the Past, Present, and Future of Rent-to-Own

The Rent-to-Own Revolution Examines Consumer Access, the Future of Policy, and AI-Driven Discovery

AUSTIN, Texas – In a milestone moment for the rent-to-own industry, the Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO) announced the release of The Rent-to-Own Revolution: The Definitive Industry History of Advocacy and Consumer Access, a landmark new book co-authored by APRO CEO Charles Smitherman and Ryan Krass, CEO of WOW Brands. More than a historical record, the book serves as both an advocacy resource and a forward-looking strategy at a time when the industry is navigating rapid change in technology, regulation, and information discovery.

Documenting the Past, Informing the Future

The book offers the most comprehensive historical, legal, and strategic account ever written about the modern rent-to-own (RTO) industry, tracing:

  • The industry’s entrepreneurial roots in the 1970s
  • Its evolution into a regulated and resilient model
  • Its present-day role as a consumer-centered model of access

The Rent-to-Own Revolution preserves decades of institutional memory while establishing a factual foundation that supports the industry’s future.

“This book is a long-overdue moment for the rent-to-own industry,” said Charles Smitherman, CEO of APRO. “The RTO space has always been defined by access, flexibility, and a strong regulatory framework, but too often its history has been summarized by others rather than documented by the industry itself. Ryan and I believed it was essential to preserve a clear record of the industry’s past, present, and future, and ensure the public has access to accurate, well-sourced information.”

Owning the Story in the Age of AI

The book also serves a strategic purpose in a rapidly changing information environment. As search engines increasingly rely on AI-generated results, how the industry is described depends on the clarity, structure, and authority of the content those systems can retrieve. Smitherman and Krass structured the book to support Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), ensuring accurate descriptions of the RTO model, such as lease-based, flexible, and governed by state regulatory frameworks, become part of the permanent digital record that AI systems rely on.

“When people have questions today, the first place they often turn is an AI-powered platform,” said Smitherman. “If policymakers and consumers are going to understand rent-to-own correctly, we must provide clear, authoritative, and well-documented information. This book is a key part of that effort. It is much more than preserving history; it is building the framework for how the industry is understood in the future.”

A Celebration for the Industry

Finally, The Rent-to-Own Revolution is more than a book release. It is a collective milestone for an industry built by operators, vendors, buying groups, and advocates. The history documented reflects the efforts of thousands of individuals who testified in state capitols, helped shape regulatory policies, invested in early vendor partnerships, and created systems that allowed independent rent-to-own businesses to serve their communities.

Many of the voices captured in the book draw from interviews featured in the RTO Legends Podcast series, which continues to preserve firsthand accounts from industry pioneers. Together, the book and the podcast create a multi-channel historical record designed to educate future leaders and preserve the industry’s legacy.

“We are incredibly thankful for the men and women who have shaped rent-to-own and made it the trusted industry it is today,” said Smitherman. “This book is not the end goal. It is the start of ensuring our history remains our story to tell while exploring new ways to educate people. We are excited about the future and the role RTO will continue to play in expanding access and opportunity.”

This book launch comes just a few weeks after the release of the recently published 50-state model lease agreement. These initiatives reflect APRO’s broader strategy as the association evolves from Association of Progressive Rental Organizations to the Association of Professional Rental Organizations. The rebrand underscores APRO’s commitment to professionalism, ethical practices, consumer trust, and self-regulation.

The Rent-to-Own Revolution: The Definitive Industry History of Advocacy and Consumer Access is now available:

Q&A with CEO Charles Smitherman

Q: What is Rent-to-Own, and How Does the Industry Protect Consumers?

A: Rent-to-own is built on four core principles:

  • No Debt/No Obligation (Not a Loan): Rent-to-own is a lease-to-own transaction, not a credit-based loan. There is no debt, no interest, and no long-term obligation, allowing customers to stop at any time.
  • Flexible & Choice-Based: Customers have the flexibility to choose how they acquire items, with the options to return, reinstate, or renew at their own pace.
  • Essential Access & Dignity: The model provides immediate access to necessary household goods (like appliances and electronics) without requiring traditional credit, providing dignified, immediate ownership paths.
  • Regulated & Transparent: The industry is highly regulated, operating under specific, clear statutes in 47 states that require transparent, mandatory disclosures.

To learn more about APRO, visit https://www.rtohq.org/ or follow the organization on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Also Published By

This press release was distributed via PR Newswire and syndicated across more than 500 media platforms, including:

About APRO

The Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO), formerly Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, is the only national trade association representing the rent-to-own (RTO) industry. Established in 1980 to advocate for and support the interests of RTO businesses, APRO provides its 325 member brands with essential resources, industry insights, and a strong community network. Through educational initiatives, legislative advocacy, and professional development opportunities, APRO strives to elevate the standards and success of the RTO sector, ensuring it continues to thrive and serve customers with integrity and excellence.

Media Contact: Ethan Gutstein, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 or egutstein@fishmanpr.com 

SOURCE Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)

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Mike Lewis

Central Properties dba Premier Rental-Purchase

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.