Since 2008, the APRO Charitable Foundation has annually provided scholarships to rent-to-own professionals and their families. Through generous contributions from APRO members, the APRO Scholarship Fund has awarded 611 scholarships totaling more than $1.3 million to date, empowering students connected with RTO to pursue college degrees, technical credentials, and successful futures.
Brett Toombs of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is one of the 42 deserving 2026 APRO Scholarship recipients. A junior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Brett says much of what she’s learned about leadership and professionalism has come from witnessing her mother’s rent-to-own (RTO) career.
“My mom, Johnna Toombs, has worked with PMB Rentals LLC dba RTO Rentals for 16 years, as both Assistant Controller and Executive Assistant to the owner,” Brett states. “She has been an excellent example of commitment to both her work and our family. Even on her days off, she’s making sure the business runs smoothly. Watching the way my mom approaches her own responsibilities has taught me how I should approach mine – in a way that serves not only myself but also those around me.”
Johnna’s dual role means she does everything from financial analysis and cash management to business development and pest control. Brett says her mom’s hard work and dedication have made her a pillar of the company.
“My mother’s job isn’t simply about running numbers or managing sales,” affirms Brett. “It’s about putting her time and energy into a company that values her. Her career has shown me that a job doesn’t have to be about just income; it can become an opportunity to support others through your own commitment.”
Finding Her Own Path to Leadership
Brett’s inclination to help other people has found an outlet in college through active participation in her sorority, Chi Omega. Through the group’s volunteer opportunities, she has helped others while developing her own leadership skills.
“I came to college thinking I had all the skills needed for life, but I was wrong!” Brett laughs. “I realized almost immediately that I lacked the necessary skills for the adult world, and that the way to attain them was through practice and mentorship.”
Brett was chosen to assist the sorority’s director of marketing – a challenge she initially found daunting.
“The position is wildly out of my comfort zone,” explains Brett. “But I’m grateful our chapter leaders saw my potential and were willing to take a chance on me. Being part of something larger than myself has shown me I’m fully capable of being a leader and using the skills I’ve gained to make a difference.”
In addition to her sorority activities, Brett works part-time as a float teacher at The Stanley School early childhood education center, helps with her church’s Sunday school program, and mentors youth through a church camp.
“I love working with younger people at my church,” Brett says. “It’s such a fun experience getting to pour into a place that once poured into me, and seeing kids grow within their faith.”
Focusing on Healthcare Equity for All
Brett expects to graduate in December 2027 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Sciences, with a minor in Public Health – another natural extension of her desire to help others, stemming from her upbringing in a small town.
“I’ve got a strong passion to ensure all populations have access to adequate healthcare,” she effuses. “Growing up in a rural community, I’ve seen firsthand how health equity is not a top priority, and I want to remedy that through health education, prevention, and resources.”
“Ultimately, I want a health-management program position where I organize and oversee health initiatives,” concludes Brett. “I’ve seen how many gaps there are within some populations, and I want to find ways to bring accessible healthcare to even the smallest of towns. Everyone deserves longer, healthier lives.”
Brett’s story is one of the dozens made possible each year by generous donations from the RTO community. Click here to learn more and contribute to this invaluable industry effort.
About PMB Rentals LLC dba RTO Rentals
PMB Rentals LLC dba RTO Rentals is a family-owned rent-to-own company based in Paris, Tennessee. Operating in the rent-to-own industry since 1996, the company partners with independent dealers across the United States to provide flexible rent-to-own options for storage buildings and trailers, serving customers in 21 states. PMB Rentals LLC, dba RTO Rentals, has been an APRO member since 2002.
