Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

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2025 New Year, New Commitment to Using AI Webinar

February 20, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm CST
Step into the future and discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the business landscape in 2025.

Our collection of speakers will walk through the latest AI technologies (some golden oldies and some newbies!) and their practical application from automating routine tasks to revolutionizing customer experiences. Whether you’re a small business owner or a corporate executive, you’ll walk away with an understanding of some useful tools and tips to help integrate AI tools into your operations.

Speaker Bios:

Miguel Guhlin, Texas Computer Education Association
Miguel Guhlin is an accomplished educator committed to transforming K–12 and adult learning through strategic technology integration. Drawing on his experience as a former technology director, Miguel has developed and co-developed numerous courses—including Assessment-Based Feedback, Chromebook Educator, Data Guardian: CyberSecurity for Educators, Google Classroom, Claude AI, and ChatGPT for Educators—to help adult learners leverage digital tools effectively. He also explores how AI-driven applications, such as chatbots and custom GPTs, can enhance our work, a topic he regularly covers on his blogs (blog.tcea.org, mglead.org/mglead2.org, and mglink.org). A recognized edtech leader, Miguel provides practical insights and resources that empower learners to innovate in their practice.

Jason Sexton, Titan Tech Dynamics
Jason, CEO and CAIO of Titan Tech Dynamics, combines creativity with technical expertise to drive AI-powered business success. With over 100 hours of AI training and 21 years as a Creative Director in the RTO tire industry, he brings a wealth of experience in marketing, technology, and innovation. A seasoned entrepreneur, Jason has led ventures in tech, marketing, and print production, always seeking the next big opportunity. Passionate about helping businesses grow, he stays ahead of AI and marketing trends to transform ideas into reality.

Enjoli “JiJi” Sexton
Enjoli “JiJi” Sexton, Director of Operations at Titan Tech Dynamics, is the driving force behind seamless efficiency and growth. With 15+ years in office management, operations, and HR, she excels at identifying client needs and delivering results. A master of organization and multitasking, JiJi ensures everything runs smoothly.

Please join us on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 2:00-3:00 PM (Central Time).
Click here to Register Now!

This webinar is FREE for APRO members. Non-members can register for $99.

Not a member yet? You’re missing out on exclusive resources, free monthly webinars, and more! Learn about our member benefits and join now to unlock everything APRO has to offer!

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.