Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)
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APRO Introduces New Consumer Best Practices to Strengthen Trust at RTO World 2026

New Guidelines Reinforce the Rent-to-Own Industry’s Commitment to
Transparency, Accountability and Responsible Business Practices

AUSTIN, Texas – The Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO) unveiled its new Consumer Best Practices Guidelines at RTO World 2026, reinforcing its continued leadership in advancing industry standards through initiatives designed to strengthen consumer protection, transparency and responsible business practices. Held August 24-27 in West Palm Beach, RTO World brings together rent-to-own professionals from across the country to discuss compliance, self-regulation and the future of the industry.

APRO’s newly introduced Consumer Best Practices Guidelines reflect the industry’s collective commitment to improving consumer experiences through transparent and responsible rent-to-own solutions. The guidelines establish general principles designed to encourage consistent business practices, support compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and help members better communicate with rent-to-own consumers.

The guidelines emphasize key areas that support consumer understanding and confidence, including:

  • Transparent and accurate advertising that clearly communicates rent-to-own solutions
  • Clear disclosure of material terms, including lease costs, ownership options, payment expectations and consumer rights
  • Responsible communication that accurately distinguishes rent-to-own transactions from credit or financing products
  • Clear explanations of early purchase options, renewal terms and termination rights
  • Providing consumers with appropriate opportunities to inspect merchandise and understand their agreements
  • Training employees and third-party personnel to ensure consumers receive accurate and consistent information

By voluntarily implementing these guidelines, APRO members demonstrate their dedication to responsible business practices and strengthening trust with the customers they serve.

“Consumers deserve clear information and confidence in the businesses they choose. That’s why APRO invests so heavily in education, ethical standards and professional development. Strong businesses and informed customers go hand in hand,” said Charles Smitherman, CEO of APRO. “Our new Consumer Best Practices Guidelines build on APRO’s longstanding commitment to helping member businesses better serve their customers while upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability and ethical business practices.”

In addition to the new Consumer Best Practices, APRO provides member businesses with a Code of Ethics, educational programming and professional development opportunities to help them better serve consumers while strengthening confidence in the rent-to-own industry.  “As the industry continues to evolve, collaboration and education will remain critical to our collective success,” Smitherman said. “By sharing knowledge, embracing innovation and championing responsible best practices, we’re helping ensure our member businesses and the industry as a whole are well positioned to meet the changing needs of customers”

APRO’s commitment to education and industry advancement also extends beyond its annual RTO World event. Now entering its third year, APRO’s Legal Summit brings together attorneys, compliance professionals and industry leaders to discuss emerging legal issues, regulatory developments and best practices impacting the rent-to-own industry.

Through events like the Legal Summit and RTO World, APRO serves as a central resource for businesses seeking insights, education and tools to strengthen operations and better serve consumers.

APRO’s efforts to strengthen the rent-to-own industry were recently recognized as the organization was named a 2026 Power of Associations Awards recipient by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the 2026 Association Impact Award recipient by the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE). These awards honor associations that unite professionals, strengthen industries and demonstrate the value of purpose-driven organizations that serve their members and communities.

To learn more about APRO, visit www.rtohq.org or follow the organization on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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 330 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.

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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.