Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)
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PrimeTime Nashville Promotes Power of Connection

A man in chinos and a blue jacket stands up on stage presenting to a large crowd. A big screen behind him reads “The Best is Yet to Come | 2026-2027.”
Nationwide CEO Tom Hickman talked with PrimeTime participants during his mainstage welcome about the importance of memorable experiences.

Nationwide Marketing Group – parent organization to APRO Member Nationwide RentDirect – brought rent-to-own dealers and vendors together in Nashville, Tennessee, in late August for the company’s biannual PrimeTime member conference and tradeshow.

More than 110 exhibitors and 3,000 attendees gathered at Music City Center for four PrimeTime days focused on The Power of Connection, delivered through one-on-one conversations, peer-to-peer roundtables, Q&A sessions, vendor trainings, and more.

“This show emphasized the value of building meaningful connection points with customers, and that goes for our team as well,” said Melissa Stenson, Nationwide Vice President of Member Experience. “Collectively, our goal is to create an unforgettable experience every time we bring our entire network together.”

Info & Insights for RentDirect

The RentDirect member meeting highlighted rent-to-own (RTO) industry updates, APRO Industry Survey results, a Rent-A-Center financial review, and the introduction of OneShop’s new RTO-focused website template, now available to RentDirect members.

PrimeTime also featured sessions specific to RTO, such as AI and economic insights, human resources education, product training, and service operations training. Additionally, RentDirect members received a HotShow CashBack incentive available to only attending rental dealers.

“Beyond the savings, the education sessions and peer-to-peer interaction are some of the most rewarding moments at PrimeTime, every time,” said Nationwide Director of Appliances and RentDirect John Laing. “And the Palooza HotShow is unique for two reasons: 1) any vendor can participate as long as they’re offering better savings than normal; and 2) members are exposed to a broader selection of products versus other shows.”

The next PrimeTime will be held in San Antonio, Texas, on February 20-23, 2027, so be sure to save the dates!

A man in dark gray pants and jacket stands up on an expansive stage presenting to a large audience. Two big screens behind him read “Unreasonable Hospitality.”
Keynote speaker Will Guidara, the bestselling author of “Unreasonable Hospitality,” urged his audience to challenge their thinking about creating unforgettable customer experiences.
A stream of people walk along a blue carpet smiling as others applaud and high-five them from the sides.
As ever, PrimeTime participants delighted in the high-energy welcome they received entering the event at Music City Center.
A stream of people walk along a blue carpet smiling as others applaud and high-five them from the sides.
At the PrimeTime Palooza, limited-time deals offered exclusive savings opportunities, while CashBack earnings for attendees totaled over $7 million.

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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.