Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)
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RTO World™ | Silent Auction

The only fundraising you’ll hear about at RTO World… will be very quiet. In fact—silent. We’re hosting a Next Generation Silent Auction to support APRO’s Scholarship Fund. Thanks to your support, we’ve awarded 570 scholarships totaling more than $1.2 million, and demand continues to grow each year. This is your opportunity to directly impact the next generation.

Here’s the ask (simple, we promise):
  • Donate an item
  • Bid on items during the auction

That’s it. (Okay, maybe a little friendly bidding war too.)

All donors and items will be featured in APRO communications, highlighting why education matters to you and how it connects to your organization’s mission. Your brand and logo will also be prominently showcased throughout the event and auction platform. In addition, donors are recognized in the conference program, on screen during the event, and across APRO’s social media channels.

What Should You Donate?

Think beyond the “thing”—lean into the experience. If you’d be excited to bid on it, you’re on the right track.

Popular ideas include:

  • The latest tech or must-have gadgets
  • Exclusive experiences (golf outings, event sponsorships, VIP access)
  • Sports tickets or memorabilia
  • Gift cards or curated gift baskets
  • Jewelry or watches
  • Getaways, hotels, or vacation homes
  • Fine dining experiences
  • Unique, one-of-a-kind items
How Does it Work?

We’re using a live, mobile bidding platform from Expo Auctions to make participation easier and more engaging:

  • Bid from anywhere (right on your phone)
  • Real-time alerts when you’ve been outbid
  • Enhanced auction item listings showcasing your brand and your “why”
Participation Expectations
  • Each member company is encouraged to donate at least one item
  • All donors will be recognized within the auction and online
  • Your logo and brand will be featured alongside your donation
 
If you believe in the power of education (and we know you do),
this is an easy, meaningful way to give back — and have a little fun doing it.
Donate to the RTO World Silent Auction

Additional Silent Auction Details

Important Dates & Logistics

  • Donation Deadline: August 3, 2026*

*This ensures your item is included and promoted in the platform

Delivery Options:

  • Bring your item to the event (preferred)
  • Ship it in advance (details in the form)
  • Transfer electronically (for tickets, digital items, etc.)

At the Event

  • Items will be promoted before and during the conference
  • Bidding is open 24/7 and closes Thursday, August 27 at 10:00 AM
  • Items will be displayed starting Monday, August 24 at noon in the registration area
  • Yes—you can bid on your own item (and we fully expect you to!)

Winners & Checkout

  • Winners will be notified instantly via text
  • Items must be picked up by Thursday, August 27 at noon
  • Shipping can be arranged onsite if needed

Payment options:

  • Credit card (required to register and preferred)
  • Check
  • Other arrangements are available with an onsite auction representative

Upcoming Events

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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.