Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

RNR Tire Express and Custom Wheel Franchise Owners Open Second Location In Gladstone, Missouri

rnrWhen Jason & Howard Barton began looking for a Franchise Opportunity back in 2014, they stumbled upon the RNR Tire Express and Custom Wheels franchise because of their enthusiasm for automobiles. What had always been an avocation has since turned into a new career for Jason, as the father and son team has opened a second RNR location in Gladstone, Missouri.

“We had always planned on opening multiple locations in and around the Kansas City market—but we had not expected to open store number two this quickly.” Said Jason Barton, VP for the family owned entity. “ The new location is beautiful and we would expect for it to be just as successful as our first location.” The Barton’s opened their first store in June of 2015.

“Jason and Howard are terrific franchisees and we are excited to have them open their second location in the Kansas City market.” Said Larry Sutton, President and CEO of RNR Tires Franchising. “Kansas City has really embraced the brand and we know that Jason and Howard have big plans over the next few years for expand RNR into quite a few local communities.”

RNR sells a larger selection of tires and wheels through both retail and rent-to-own options. Customers have multiple payment options depending on their budget. “The buying experience that we provide affords our customers with options to purchase new tires and wheels and not used tires that could become a safety issue for families.” Added Jason Barton. “We are confident that the Gladstone location will be very well received from a entirely new group of customers.”

The new location is now open and is located at 5828 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, Missouri. You can reach the store at 816.318.5400.

The RNR Experience RNR customers are provided a program that allows them to pay for tires they need or the custom wheels that they want with easy weekly, bi-weekly or monthly installments with no credit hassles. In addition, customers are offered the lowest cash prices on wheels or tires and have a huge selection of both new and previously rented merchandise. RNR carries just about every major brand in the custom wheel and tire industry, including: Dub, KMC, Lexani, Michelin, Goodyear and many more. For Information on RNR, contact our Corporate Offices at 813.977.9800.

About RNR Franchise Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, RNR Tire Express and Custom Wheels operates tires and wheels stores in 22 states and has become a dominant force in the wheel and tire industry by offering retail, rent-to-own and other payment options to those who need quality tires and or custom wheels on an easy payment program designed to fit their budget. Our innovative approach combines 40+ years of rent-to-own experience with extensive knowledge of the wheel and tire industry. RNR currently operates franchise locations in 21 states and has eight affiliate stores in Tampa, Florida. For additional information on franchising, contact John Armatas at 800-318-1879 or visit our franchise website at http://www.rnrfranchise.com.

Source: http://www.prweb.com/

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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.