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NSRA Annual Conference Urges Members to ‘Become’

An NSRA Annual Conference speaker addresses attendees in Knoxville, Tennessee, where the theme “Becoming: Curious. Courageous. Clear.” inspired fresh perspectives and meaningful conversations.

The National Shed Rental Association (NSRA) recently held its annual convention in Knoxville, Tennessee, under the theme of Becoming: Curious. Courageous. Clear.

“The bigger idea behind the theme was that none of us are finished products – we’re all becoming something,” said NSRA Director of Operations Justin Russell. “We wanted attendees to leave Knoxville asking themselves some real questions: ‘Am I curious enough to listen and learn? Am I courageous enough to have the conversations I’ve been avoiding? Am I clear about what matters and where I’m going?’”

Fresh Perspectives, RTO Focus

The convention featured keynotes to address the trio of sub-themes. Author and podcaster Carlos Whittaker challenged his audience to stay curious, to see people differently, and to be present. Ramsey Solutions Chief Technology Officer Brendan Wovchko offered a practical message about the courage behind uncomfortable conversations. And celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart urged participants to slow down, focus, and consider what happens when clarity comes.

The event included several rent-to-own (RTO)-specific breakout sessions, such as launching an RTO company, winning RTO business, RTO profitability and reporting, and how RTO companies can better serve their partners. Rent-to-own software developers RTO Suite (the Event Sponsor), RTO Smart, and Ownly also participated at the convention, sharing their business stories.

Additionally, former NSRA Chair Philip Rudolph of Watson Barn Rentals LLC, received the Cornerstone Award in recognition of his steadfast vision and leadership, which helped lay the foundation upon which NSRA was built.

Ramsey Solutions Chief Technology Officer Brendan Wovchko discusses the courage needed to navigate uncomfortable conversations during the NSRA Annual Conference.
Familiar faces from the rent-to-own industry reconnect at the NSRA Annual Conference: (L to R) Joe Hickey of Audit Advantage, Marcus Marter of wowbrands, and Pete Shau of The RTO Show Podcast.

Becoming Put into Practice

“For me, what really captured the spirit of the convention happened in-between sessions,” noted Russell. “People didn’t just disappear when a session ended. They were asking another question, meeting someone new, continuing a conversation, or sitting down with someone they might normally consider a competitor. That’s what ‘Becoming’ was really about. The speakers gave us the framework, and the attendees made it real.”

Breakout sessions at the NSRA Annual Conference brought industry professionals together to share insights, discuss rent-to-own business strategies, and learn from one another.
 

The next NSRA event is scheduled for February 23, 2027, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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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.