Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

RNR Tire Express Comes in First on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 List

Following the close of a record-breaking year including its 100th store opening, RNR Tire Express, a leader in rent-to-own custom wheels, recently was named to Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list. Recognized for outstanding performance in unit growth, financial strength and stability, RNR ranked first in the wheel and tire category and 202 overall, entering the year primed for further brand power. For the first time in 25 years, more than 1,000 companies applied to be a part of the annual ranking making it one of the most competitive standings Entrepreneur has ever seen. Known as the world’s first and primary research measure of comprehensive franchise ranking, the Franchise 500® is a highly sought-after honor in the industry. The concepts that rose to the top reveal the top franchise opportunities backed by proven systems and results. “We are truly honored to be ranked in the Franchise 500, and to top our category further validates the successful evolution of our brand and established franchise model,” states RNR Tire Express Founder Larry Sutton. “RNR has made tremendous strides as a company by working closely with our franchise partners to influence important brand decisions, leading to our significant growth over the past fifteen years.” The growing demand for flexible pay-as-you-go concepts has been seen through RNR’s impressive 26 percent YTD increase for same-store installations, defined by the brand’s 44 percent increase in store openings. As a leading provider of rent-to-own tires and custom wheels, the franchise seeks qualified multi-unit franchisees to fuel continuous growth with projections to open 35 new stores in 2018, on pace to reach its 300-unit milestone by 2024. Alongside its recognition as a top franchise opportunity, the brand was ranked 29 on Franchise Gator’s annual list of the Top 100 Fastest Growing franchise concepts. Founded in 2000, RNR has since grown to more than 110 locations in 21 states. The brand has experienced significant organic growth with just 24 franchisees operating across the nation. For more information about RNR and its franchise opportunities, visit www.rnrfranchise.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.