Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)
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APRO Announces 2026–2027 Vendor Advisory Committee

APRO’s 2026-2027 Vendor Advisory Committee at RTO World 2026. (Not pictured: Paula Steppe)

The Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO) welcomes its 2026–2027 Vendor Advisory Committee (VAC), bringing together new and returning APRO associate members committed to strengthening connections between vendors and rental dealers, supporting industry education, and helping shape the future of RTO World.

The 12-member committee includes representatives from companies offering products and services across the rent-to-own (RTO) industry. Six members were elected to new two-year terms, while six continue their service in the second year of existing terms.

Three New Members Join the VAC

Three industry professionals were newly elected to the committee for the 2026–2027 term:

  • Craig Grzech of Whirlpool
  • Marcus Marter of wowbrands
  • Chase Pitman of Ashley Furniture Industries

They join three returning VAC members reelected to serve another two-year term:

  • Monica Bean of RTO Reinsurance Concepts
  • James MacAlpine of Benefit Marketing Solutions
  • Jimmy Taylor of 3Z Brands/Southerland Mattress

Six additional members continue their service in the second year of their existing terms:

  • Adam Ball of Esquire Advertising
  • Donna DiTrani of High Touch Technologies
  • Andrew Hajduk of Vox-Pop-Uli
  • Michael Kays of Wonder
  • Brian Rosen of Nektova
  • Paula Steppe of GE Appliances, a Haier Company

Like APRO’s Board of Directors, the VAC operates on staggered two-year terms, with half of its positions up for election annually. This structure brings fresh ideas to the committee while maintaining the experience and continuity needed to advance its ongoing initiatives.

Connecting Vendors and Rental Dealers

The VAC serves as an important link between APRO’s vendor community and the rental dealers they support. Beyond representing vendor interests, committee members help guide the direction and planning of RTO World, APRO’s annual industry convention and trade show, and contribute ideas that strengthen education, engagement, and collaboration throughout the RTO industry.

The committee’s work extends into several key areas, including identifying opportunities to increase vendor visibility, supporting industry advocacy, expanding educational resources, and encouraging stronger connections between rental dealers and the companies that serve them.

Two VAC members also serve as liaisons to the APRO Board of Directors. Andrew Hajduk joins the board in this capacity for 2026–2027, while James MacAlpine continues his service as a board liaison. Together, they help ensure the vendor community’s perspectives are represented in APRO’s broader leadership discussions.

Looking Ahead to Another Year of Collaboration

The committee meets twice annually, including a meeting at the conclusion of RTO World and another during APRO’s fall board meeting. Throughout the year, members also collaborate on initiatives designed to strengthen industry relationships and support APRO’s goals.

As the 2026–2027 VAC begins its work, APRO thanks its newly elected, reelected, and continuing members for volunteering their time, experience, and expertise. The association also extends its appreciation to outgoing committee members for their contributions to APRO and the rent-to-own industry.

Meet APRO’s Vendor Advisory Committee and learn more about the industry professionals helping connect vendors and rental dealers.

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Mike Lewis

Central Properties dba Premier Rental-Purchase

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.