For Kelly Martin, advocacy has been part of the rent-to-own world since she was a child, when trips to the Illinois State Capitol introduced her to the importance of showing up, building relationships, and making sure the industry’s story was heard.
That tradition continues today through Martin’s leadership as President of the Illinois Rental Dealers Association (IRDA), recipient of the 2026 Ed Winn Legislative Advocacy Award.
Incoming APRO President Trent Agin presented the award during the APRO Awards Luncheon & Business Meeting at RTO World 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. With Martin unable to attend, Agin accepted the award on behalf of the association.
Introduced in 2024, the Ed Winn Legislative Advocacy Award honors APRO’s longtime general counsel and industry advocate Ed Winn. The award recognizes a state rental dealer association that proactively advocates for the rent-to-own industry and educates others about its role in the economy.
For IRDA, that work has been built over generations.
Martin recalled being introduced to state advocacy at an early age, joining industry leaders at the Capitol and watching them build relationships with those representing Illinois.
“I can remember from a tiny, tiny age meeting up with these guys at the state Capitol and just taking our message and making sure that it’s always shared,” Martin said in a recorded message for the event.
Today, Martin and the IRDA continue that work through annual legislative days in Springfield and ongoing engagement at the state level.
Martin was quick to credit the industry leaders who established that foundation before her.
She recognized Dan Cole, Casey Pristou, Gopal Reddy, and her father, Larry Carrico, among those who “set the pace” for her and helped build Illinois’ longstanding approach to advocacy.
The work has also depended on professional advocacy support. Martin specifically recognized Illinois lobbyist Mike Houlihan for his work on behalf of the association.
“We would be nothing without our lobbyist, Mike Houlihan,” Martin said. “He has done amazing work for us in the state of Illinois.”
Martin’s own connection to the industry spans both family and career. She grew up around SKC Enterprises Inc. dba Rent One and has held positions across training, operations, marketing, corporate strategy, and culture before becoming Chief Operating Officer of Rent One. In 2024, APRO recognized her with its Emerging Leader Award.
Her involvement in Illinois advocacy represents another part of that leadership.
While presenting the award, Agin highlighted Martin and the association’s commitment to returning to Springfield year after year to educate others about rent-to-own and maintain the relationships that support the industry’s voice in the state.
For Martin, however, the 2026 recognition belongs to more than one person.
“You guys set huge bars,” Martin said of the advocates who came before her and those working in other states. “I’m honored to receive this.”
The 2026 Ed Winn Legislative Advocacy Award recognizes the Illinois Rental Dealers Association for continuing a longstanding tradition of involvement and for carrying forward the work of the advocates who understood that effective representation begins with relationships, consistency, and showing up.
Watch the Acceptance Video on YouTube
About the Illinois Rental Dealers Association (IRDA).
The Illinois Rental Dealers Association (IRDA) operates under clear state laws that require transparent disclosures and consumer protections. Illinois’s Rental-Purchase Agreement Act has successfully governed rent-to-own transactions in the state since 1988.
