Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)

Career RTO Pro David Stephens Celebrates Retirement 

After more than 40 years of being a problem-solver, David Stephens has earned his retirement. 

David Stephens, Regional Manager with SKC Enterprises Inc. dba Rent One, recently celebrated his birthday – September 18th – by moving into retirement following more than four decades in rent-to-own (RTO). 

An RTO pro since 1984, Stephens’ remarkable career – regardless of the company or position – was marked by his commitment to excellence, his dedication to his industry, and a passion for helping others succeed. 

“David has done it all,” noted Rent One Director of Communications Dusty Ray. “From developing successful team members to building lasting customer relationships to advocating for the RTO industry through state association and legislative efforts, David’s dedication has supported and inspired everyone he worked with.” 

“What a remarkable career Dave built – and, more importantly, the impact he had on so many people along the way,” said Rent One Owners Larry and Sharron Carrico. “Dave helped countless team members grow, develop confidence, and build successful careers of their own.” 

After approximately 20 years in the rent-to-own industry, Stephens began what would become more than 20 years of service with National Rent To Own and Rent One. When the Carricos purchased National seven years ago from longtime owners Dan and Terry Cole, Stephens remained with the company, with his years of service at National carried forward under Rent One. 

A sendoff celebration from the Decatur, Illinois Rent One team. 

As a Regional Manager, Stephens became well-known for his steady leadership, active participation with his team, and community-minded spirit. 

“Dave was quiet in many ways, but his leadership was always unmistakable,” the Carricos continued. “He led by example, set a high standard through his actions, and had a unique ability to bring out the very best in the people around him.” 

“Thank you for your dedication, your steady leadership, and the lasting difference you made for your team and the rent-to-own industry,” they said. “Wishing you all the best as you celebrate a truly outstanding career. Great luck as you continue your journey, and we know you will always remain at the top of all you do!” 

“David’s career is a testament to his long-term commitment, hard work, and passion for service,” Ray added. “For decades, he has contributed heartily to the success of the RTO industry and has left a lasting impact on the many coworkers and customers who had the pleasure and privilege of working with him. Congratulations, David, on an incredible career!” 


About Rent One 

SKC Enterprises Inc. dba Rent One is a regional rent-to-own company with more than 100 locations across eight states. Founded in 1985, the company offers furniture, appliances, electronics, mattresses, and other home essentials through flexible rental-purchase options. SKC Enterprises Inc. dba Rent One has been an APRO member since 1990.

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Mike Lewis

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.