Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)

Vendor Ambassador Program Reunites Old Friends

Two men pose shoulder-to-shoulder, smiling, in front of a tradeshow booth.
APRO Vendor Advisory Committee member Brian Rosen (R) makes a new friend and colleague in Kamran Hayempour (L) through the Vendor Ambassador Program.

Brian Rosen, Director of Domestic Sales for APRO Associate Member TekFeed, has served as a member of APRO’s Vendor Advisory Committee (VAC) for the past four years – suggesting improvements, voicing concerns, and bringing new ideas forward for the rent-to-own (RTO) industry.

One such idea was the APRO Vendor Ambassador Program, which pairs new and established Associate Members during RTO World each year.

“RTO vendors understand that success in this industry takes time, trust, and above all, relationships,” Rosen said. “So we created a simple, welcoming resource to help new vendors learn what to expect at RTO shows and how to network, and to have someone they can turn to with questions or concerns. It also offers opportunities for vendors to learn from each other, discover products and services beyond their own, and develop a better understanding of the industry as a whole. The collaboration it fosters can lead to some great ideas and partnerships!”

Old Friendship, New Connections

When TekFeed was matched with newcomer dreamGEAR for RTO World 2026, Brian’s dad, Denis Rosen – who also works for TekFeed – realized he already knew dreamGEAR Vice Presidents of Sales Moris Mirzadeh and Kamran Hayempour.

“They met over 30 years ago when they were involved in one of the U.S.’ earliest video-game distributors,” said Rosen. “Denis was a buyer for Jamesway, while Mirzadeh and Hayempour were his suppliers. As Denis transitioned into distribution, their relationship continued.”

When dreamGEAR joined APRO, the VAC sent a welcome email, introducing the Ambassador Program and explaining how it helps new vendors navigate RTO World, make industry connections, and have a familiar contact throughout the show. Because of their prior work together, Brian added a personal note to Mirzadeh and Hayempour, letting them know Denis would be at RTO World. Mirzadeh couldn’t attend, but Hayempour and the Rosens planned to reconnect in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Together Again, Building Opportunities

Two men smile with their arms around each other at a tradeshow.
Denis Rosen (R) and Kamran Hayempour (L) share a warm embrace at RTO World 2026, reconnecting after more than three decades.

“On setup day, I brought Denis to the booth so he could visit with some vendors and other familiar faces,” Brian said. “Kamran was just a few booths away, and once they spotted one another, they immediately embraced.”

The Rosens and Hayempour spent a lot of time together throughout the show, at scheduled events and beyond. They introduced him to many rental dealers and fellow vendors, making sure he felt comfortable, welcomed, and positioned for success.

“For me, what began as an introduction via APRO has grown into a personal friendship and the beginning of what I believe will be a great business partnership,” said Brian. “We’re currently exploring ways to partner, bringing our respective brands together to create value and new opportunities.”

“I urge my fellow vendors to get involved in APRO, be active, and make your voice heard,” he concluded. “Consider running for the VAC – your involvement can make a difference, not only for your own business, but also for the whole RTO industry. I believe the more we contribute to this industry, the stronger it becomes for all of us!”


About TekFeed

TekFeed is a global independent distributor of premium consumer electronics with real inventory, worldwide fulfillment, and the infrastructure to move product across markets. TekFeed has been an APRO Associate Member since 2020.

About dreamGEAR

dreamGEAR is a manufacturer and distributor of high-quality video game accessories and consumer electronics. The company provides leading-edge video game accessories for all major video game platforms. dreamGEAR became an APRO Associate Member in 2026.

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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.