Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)
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RNR Tire Express and Buddy’s Earn Spots on Franchise Times Top 400 

Two APRO member rent-to-own (RTO) companies have earned national recognition, securing spots on the 2026 Franchise Times Top 400, an annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global sales. RNR Tire Express and BHF Operating Company LLC dba Buddy’s Home Furnishings ranked among the nation’s franchise giants, reporting more than $529 million in combined systemwide sales. 

RNR Tire Express climbed two spots to No. 174, reporting nearly $354 million in systemwide sales, a 1.8% increase over the previous year. Founded in 2000 by RTO industry veteran Larry Sutton, the Tampa-based tire and wheel retailer operates 207 locations nationwide, including 183 franchised stores. The company also launched DX3 Brands, its new multi-brand franchisor platform, in 2026. 

Buddy’s Home Furnishings secured the No. 267 position, with approximately $175.5 million in systemwide sales across 217 locations, including 184 franchised stores. Founded in Tampa in 1961 by Normal “Slats” Slatton, Sr., Buddy’s has grown into a national RTO brand specializing in furniture, appliances, and electronics. The Orlando-based company was acquired by private equity firm Skyline Investors in February 2026. 

Published September 30, the Franchise Times Top 400 ranks franchise systems across industries based on their previous year’s global systemwide sales. The annual ranking draws on company-reported information, franchise disclosure documents, and other publicly available financial data. 

Together, RNR Tire Express and Buddy’s represent the rent-to-own industry’s presence among some of the nation’s largest franchise brands. 

Congratulations to both companies on earning a place among the Franchise Times Top 400! 

About RNR Tire Express

Founded in 2000 in Tampa, Florida, RNR Tire Express is a national rent-to-own tire-and-wheel dealer and franchise system offering tires, custom wheels, and related automotive services through flexible rental-purchase options. The company has grown to more than 200 locations across 31 states. RNR Tire Express has been an APRO member since 2001.

About Buddy’s Home Furnishings

BHF Operating Company LLC dba Buddy’s Home Furnishings is a rent-to-own company founded in 1961 that offers furniture, appliances, electronics, and related home products through its network of franchise and corporate stores. Buddy’s Home Furnishings has been an APRO member since 1982.

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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.