From the start, David P. David was shaped by work, responsibility, and an instinct for opportunity. Long before leading a multi-state rent-to-own (RTO) operation, he was driving trucks as a child, working in a family operation that included farming, retail, and seasonal businesses. That early exposure to hard work and problem-solving set the tone for a career defined by adaptability, growth, and leadership. Today, as President of Full-O-Pep Appliances Inc. dba American Rental, his story reflects both the grit and vision that helped build the modern RTO industry.
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.
Early Foundations Built on Work and Opportunity
For RTO Legend David P. David, entrepreneurship wasn’t a career choice – it was a way of life from the beginning. Growing up in a family that operated a restaurant, a 200-acre truck farm, a feed and tackle store, and a gas station, he was involved in the day-to-day work from a young age. That work included large seasonal operations, shipping thousands of Christmas trees each year and traveling to Florida to set up dozens of sales lots.
That mindset carried into his early adulthood, where he explored opportunities across industries – from selling cars in Florida to managing his roommate’s barbecue restaurant. Each role added another layer of experience, but it was an opportunity back in Indiana that ultimately changed his trajectory. When Jim Hale acquired a struggling appliance store in 1980, David saw potential not just in retail, but in something new: rent-to-own.
RTO Legend David P. David and the Rise of Rental
After attending a seminar on the rent-to-own model, they launched a small rental department within their appliance business. What started as a modest setup – a few core products in a limited space – quickly revealed its potential.
David made a decisive shift. Rather than continue in traditional retail, he focused entirely on rental. He opened a new store in Columbus, Indiana, and from there continued expanding the rental side of the company. Over time, the company expanded through both organic store openings and strategic acquisitions, building a network that stretched across multiple states.
As the business continued to grow, a defining moment came when Hale made an unexpected decision. He retired at the age of 40 and asked David to take over the company. With that responsibility came both uncertainty and opportunity, as David assumed leadership and continued building the business forward.
His approach to acquisitions was grounded in practicality and people. Many deals came from relationships within the industry, often involving owners ready to exit. Integration focused on support – sending teams into new stores, training employees, and aligning operations with company culture. That emphasis on people helped ensure consistency and long-term success.
Leadership, Advocacy, and Industry Impact
Beyond store growth, David played a significant role in shaping the broader RTO landscape. He served as president of the Rental-Purchase Dealers Association of Indiana for 15 years and was deeply involved in legislative efforts focused on helping lawmakers understand the rent-to-own model and how it serves customers.
Working alongside other leaders, he helped advocate for state laws that clarified rent-to-own as a distinct model – one that allows customers to return merchandise without penalty. He traveled to multiple states to support their efforts, using Indiana’s framework as a benchmark.
David served on the APRO Board of Directors for 32 years, including two terms as president. During those years, he remained actively engaged in the association’s work. He was involved in major industry challenges, including a legal issue where regulators argued that rent-to-own should be treated as a retail sale rather than a rental business. As the issue grew beyond a single state, he worked alongside APRO leadership, including Bill Keese, Ed Winn III, and Kevin Quinn, to address what had become a national concern.
Today, he continues serving the industry as a member of the TRIB Group Board of Directors.
Building Culture That Lasts
While growth and advocacy define much of his legacy, David consistently returns to one central idea: culture. From employee appreciation events to vendor expos and family gatherings, he built an environment where people feel valued and connected.
His annual events – bringing together employees, families, and vendors – combine product exposure with large-scale company gatherings. With more than 300 employees across the organization, these events often bring together 400 to 500 people, reflecting both the size of the company and the importance placed on connection. These gatherings give store teams the opportunity to see new products and spend time together, reinforcing relationships across the organization.
David also emphasizes a customer-first philosophy rooted in flexibility and understanding. Recognizing that many customers face financial challenges, he encourages working with them. He noted that every customer will face difficult moments – whether it’s illness, unexpected expenses, or life disruptions – and believes those moments call for flexibility rather than rigid enforcement.
His goal has always been ownership – helping customers who desire ownership ultimately acquire the products they need, rather than simply renting them temporarily. He describes the business as a cycle, where customers return over time for different needs – from furniture to appliances and beyond – building long-term relationships that can span years or even generations.
A Legacy Still in Motion
Even after decades in the business, David’s focus remains forward-looking. He sees continued demand for rent-to-own, especially as consumer needs evolve. While online business is growing, he still values the in-store experience and encourages customers to engage directly with products.
As David looks ahead to the future of the business, he points to his son and son-in-law stepping into leadership roles. That next generation is what excites him most about the future of rent-to-own.
“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.”
