Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

Lake Ozark Gears Up for 13th Annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show

MRDA is calling all dealers in Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Missouri and invites you to the 13th Annual Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar at The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri! This year proves to be a memorable one as MRDA is celebrating their 30 year anniversary! The event is also open to dealers around the world and any interested parties who would like to attend. Download the full brochure and registration form here. The three-day trade show and seminar will be held on Tuesday, June 27th through Thursday, June 29th. The MRDA Board of Directors would like to give a special thanks to the vendors who have signed up to exhibit at this show.

Highlights

Trade Show You will have the opportunity to meet factory representatives and talk to your local and regional distributors at 70 exhibitor booths. The trade show will kick off with a Vendor Showcase Reception on Tuesday evening followed by the opening of the exhibit hall the following day. Keep an eye out for special offers and discounts offered for purchases made exclusively at the Heartland of America Regional Trade Show. Keynote Presentations Spencer Conley has discovered his calling. Spencer is a former professional athlete and a top 100 motivational speaker. His life’s journey consists of experience in organized sports, coaching, ministry, and mentoring. Spencer is a motivator that conveys a life altering experience that always leaves the audience ready to to believe and better themselves! 4-Man Golf Scramble The 4-man golf scramble will be held at “The Cove” golf course onsite at The Lodge of Four Seasons Resort on Wednesday, June 28, starting time is 8:00 a.m. Cost is $75 per participant. Lunch will be provided for players. Bass Fishing Tournament Interested in catching that big bass? Then consider entering the bass fishing tournament at 7:00 a.m. on June 28th at the Resort Boat Dock. Requirements:
  • A valid fishing license
  • Access to a boat
If you don’t have a boat, consider hiring a guide. More information will be sent out for those who sign up. Lodging Participants should make their own hotel arrangements. If you think you might be coming, we suggest you call and make your lodging reservations ASAP. The Lodge of Four Seasons Resort 888/265-5500 or 573/365-3000 You can make your reservations online by, clicking here. Registration and Fee Advance registration is requested and suggested to help avoid unnecessary delays upon arrival. Fees may be paid by check or by using your VISA, MASTER CARD, DISCOVER or AMERICAN EXPRESS. If paying by check, make check payable to MISSOURI RENTAL DEALERS ASSOCIATION. You may also register by calling (573) 489-0622 (cell) or scan and email your registration form to steineraa@aol.com and charging the registration fee to any of the above-mentioned credit cards. Each dealer member company of their state’s RTO Association will be given a free registration for one (1) dealer. Dealers must be a member of their state’s RTO Association to also receive the registration discount fee. Those dealers that just want to attend the Vendor Showcase on Wednesday, may do so for FREE. Meal tickets for the other functions may be purchased individually. You may also indicate and pay for a specific number of dealers and guests, but submit their names by June 9, 2017. In addition, MRDA is offering to first time member companies and/or member companies that have not been in attendance at the MRDA trade show within the past 2 years, one free hotel room night per company.

Upcoming Events




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.