The Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO) is the national trade association representing the rent-to-own (RTO) industry in the United States. APRO supports thousands of businesses nationwide through legislative advocacy, education, compliance resources, industry research, and professional development initiatives that promote responsible business practices and consumer access to household goods.
Established in 1980, APRO serves as the unified voice of the RTO industry, helping members navigate a changing regulatory landscape while advancing professionalism, ethical standards, and long-term industry growth. Through collaboration, advocacy, and industry leadership, APRO works to strengthen the businesses and communities served by the rent-to-own industry.
As America’s only national trade association dedicated exclusively to the RTO industry, APRO is committed to supporting the success of its members while fostering innovation, transparency, and accountability across the industry.
Why The Rent-to-Own Industry Matters
The rent-to-own industry provides millions of consumers with flexible access to essential household products through lease ownership programs designed to meet a wide range of financial needs and life circumstances. From furnishing homes and replacing critical appliances to helping families recover after unexpected hardship, the industry plays an important role in expanding access, supporting local businesses, and driving economic activity in communities across the country.
Today, the industry includes thousands of retail locations nationwide, supports tens of thousands of jobs, and serves millions of U.S. households annually.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote the success of the rent-to-own industry.
Our Vision
We are the rising tide that elevates the rent-to-own industry through advocacy and education to better serve our customers.
Our Values
- PRO Customers
We improve the lives of our customers by renting products they want and need. - PRO Advocacy
We advocate for the benefits of rent-to own for our customers and the communities we serve. - PRO Members
We meet the current and future needs of our members. - PRO Dialogue
We facilitate dialogue across the industry to ensure we represent the collective voice.
What is Rent-to-Own?
Rent-to-own is a lease transaction that allows customers to obtain durable, household goods without taking on debt. There is no interest, no long-term obligation, and customers can return the product at any time.
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Advocacy & Industry Leadership
APRO advocates for responsible public policy and works with lawmakers, regulators, industry leaders, and strategic partners to support fair business practices, consumer choice, and the long-term health of the rent-to-own industry.
Through legislative engagement, compliance education, industry research, and member collaboration, APRO helps businesses navigate evolving regulatory and economic challenges while promoting professionalism and accountability throughout the industry.
The association also serves as a trusted resource for media, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking accurate information and informed perspectives on the rent-to-own industry.
Meet Our CEO
Before joining the association, Charles Smitherman served as COO and General Counsel for PTS Financial Services where he played an active role in RTO representing his company with APRO member dealers through PTS’s club program offering.
Charles has twenty years of experience being an attorney in various 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 from the University of Oxford in England. Charles is credentialed as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) with the International Franchise Association and as a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
Understanding APRO
The following links will help those interested to understand more about APRO.
