Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

RNR Tire Express Named One of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies by Inc. Magazine

Following a year of significant growth, Inc. magazine ranked RNR Tire Express (RNR) number 3,514 on its 37th annual Inc. 5000 list. Long recognized as the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s top 5000 fastest-growing private companies, the Inc. 5000 list represents a comprehensive look at a highly-competitive crop of distinguished companies driving the American economy’s most dynamic sector – independent and midsized businesses. RNR Tire Express continues to outdrive the competition, making the list for the fourth consecutive year and boasting 107 percent growth rate over the last three years. Distinguished companies are ranked according to the growth percentage of annual revenue over a three-year period. To be featured on the list, applicants must have proven their company’s strategies to be successful, demonstrating increased growth, revenue and reputation. Only the elite private, employee-based firms are recognized and awarded, which is known as the gold standard of entrepreneurial success. “We are honored to be recognized by Inc. magazine for the fourth year in a row and are humbled to be ranked among some of the most influential brands in the nation,” says Founder and President of RNR Tire Express Larry Sutton. “RNR has seen tremendous growth and development this year as a direct result of our entire system’s passion and diligence in providing high-quality products, services and experiences to each and every one of our customers.” Over the last year, RNR has experienced momentous growth across the board, from inking a 16-unit franchise agreement with seasoned entrepreneurial veterans in order to expand the brand’s deep southeastern roots to debuting locations in brand new markets including Colorado and Nevada. Further solidifying the brand’s success, in addition to national recognition for the brand’s growth, RNR has also recently been named one of its home-region’s Top 500 Companies by the Florida Business Observer. Looking ahead, the brand is looking to continue this growth through strategic franchising with qualified prospective franchise partners. For the full Inc. 5000 ranking, click here. visit . For more information regarding the RNR franchise opportunity, click here.

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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.