As the 2024 APRO Legislative Conference convened on Capitol Hill, a new generation of RTO champions began a climb of its own
As a new APRO staff member and first-time event attendee, stepping into the 2024 APRO Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., was a moment of pure admiration for me. The magnificence of the capital city’s architecture, steeped in history and beauty, sparked a new sense of appreciation within me. While I had briefly visited D.C. as a youth, this time I had the chance to soak in the meaning of what lay ahead for the next few days.
Having been part of the rent-to-own industry for seven years, I’ve often marveled at the unique bond among competitors within our industry. This bond, akin to a camaraderie, is palpable not only during our industry’s tradeshows, but also in the advocacy setting of the Legislative Conference. Here, individual brands take a backseat to representing RTO as a whole, reinforcing the strength found in unity.
The event’s theme of unity resonated deeply, especially as the APRO Board of Directors approved its new vision statement during its D.C. meeting: We are the rising tide that elevates the rent-to-own industry through advocacy and education to better serve our members. This vision encapsulates the essence of why we gather annually at the Legislative Conference – to come together and collectively elevate our industry.
The inspiring stories and initiatives shared by rent-to-own leaders from across the country reaffirmed the spirit of accord and shared progress within RTO. This experience – my first Legislative Conference – not only strengthened my belief in our industry’s commitment to giving back and fostering meaningful relationships, but also highlighted the invaluable role that events like this play in uniting and empowering our business as a whole.
The 2024 Legislative Conference kicked off on a late April afternoon with 77 attendees gathered for registration and the Welcome Reception, sponsored by APRO associate member Benefit Marketing Solutions and held at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill Hotel. With stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the U.S. Capitol grounds, the venue set a tone of grandeur and significance for the event.
As participants collected their conference materials, the air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres flowed, fostering lively conversations and strategic planning among attendees and their assigned teams.
A notably unique blend of perspectives emerged as our inaugural class of Legislative Fellows, sponsored by state rental dealer associations and APRO associate member Ashley Furniture Industries, mingled with veteran participants. These 11 fellows were mentored to become advocates for our industry, adding a dynamic new dimension to the conference. (See sidebar article “RTO’s NextGen Champions.”)
The evening’s highlight was the welcome address from APRO CEO Charles Smitherman. He welcomed everyone warmly and expressed appreciation for their commitment to representing the rent-to-own industry at this pivotal event.
“On behalf of the APRO Board and staff, we’re grateful for your willingness to invest your time and efforts into this cornerstone event for APRO’s mission to safeguard the RTO industry and secure our transaction,” stated Smitherman. “As the trade association and voice of the RTO industry, our strength and capacity to protect your business derives from the unity you are displaying by being here – vires in unitate (strength in unity)!”
The next day began bright and early with a hearty breakfast, sponsored by APRO associate member TRIB Group, and a keynote address by Charlie Keller, Chief of Staff for U.S. Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO). Keller’s insights were invaluable, emphasizing the importance of consistent representation and relationship- building with legislative staffers – especially the young professionals who are the future leaders in key legislative roles. He highlighted the fluid nature of staff positions, noting that while faces might change, relationships built today can endure across different offices and positions. This foresight is crucial, particularly when unexpected issues arise, as these tenable connections can facilitate constructive dialogue and advocacy.
Following the informative session, conference-goers walked up to Capitol Hill for a meticulously planned series of meetings with 33 Senators’ offices and 87 Representatives’ offices. Attendees were organized into 15 teams based upon location and representing 25 states. Team leaders with prior Legislative Conference experience ensured smooth transitions between meetings and maximum effectiveness within each encounter.
During the day’s meetings, what stood out most for me was the eagerness of legislative staff to learn about the rent-to-own industry. Many were young and had no prior knowledge of the business, but they took copious notes and posed thoughtful questions. Their readiness to understand our industry’s nuances and challenges was encouraging, and spotlighted the importance of personal interactions in creating mutual understanding and cooperation.
The diversity of companies and roles represented at the conference was instrumental in showcasing the industry’s unity and sharing a broad spectrum of impactful stories. From CEOs to store managers, vendors, and APRO staff, every perspective highlighted how RTO positively affects its employees, customers, and communities. This varied representation demonstrated our industry’s common objectives and the collective impact we have on the people and places we call home.
At day’s end, the event transitioned with a memorable group photo upon the steps of the U.S. Capitol, sponsored by APRO associate member Hudson Cook LLP, followed by a Debrief Dinner sponsored by Ashley and hosted at the stately National Headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
That evening, Smitherman recognized the APRO Board of Directors as the heart and leadership of the organization, and honored 21 attendees for their longtime dedication to the Legislative Conference – including five members who have participated for 20 or more years. Smitherman stressed the importance of consistent participation and the invaluable contribution of these individuals devoted to our industry’s continuing growth and success.
The floor was then opened up to attendees to share their day’s experiences. APRO board member Jonathan Rose – who also serves as President of the Virginia Rental Dealers Association and as Chief Operations Officer for RNR of Virginia LLC dba RNR Tire Express – began, offering his insights as a Legislative Conference veteran.
“I’ve been coming to this for 16 years,” he noted. “The first time I came, I was intimidated as all get-out, but you find out the people sitting across from you are just like us. When you get to tell your story and talk about the lives you’ve helped change over the years, it’s really something special.”
First-time attendee Pete Shau – host of the RTO Show Podcast and Regional Manager for Buddy Mac Holdings LLC dba Buddy’s Home Furnishings – expressed how thrilled he was to have been part of a transformative industry event.
“Walking these hallowed halls with you all, with the legends in this room today, has been an amazing experience for me,” Shau effused. “There are a lot of new people here, too – the new blood is coming in – and APRO is doing a great job of fostering that.”
“Having a chance to walk those halls was really a dream come true,” echoed Legislative Fellow Phil Hamer, Director of Operations at Buddy’s Home Furnishings. “We were able to make an impact on a national level and be a part of possible change. I’m looking forward to building some long-term relationships by coming back in future years.”
“Coming back to this event every year and developing these relationships is incredibly important,” followed up Baber Strunk Enterprises Owner Shannon Strunk; he and Owner Cynthia Baber-Strunk have both attended the APRO Legislative Conference for over 20 years. “Consistency and coming back year after year after year really matters.”
APRO board member and Vendor Advisory Committee Liaison Mike Helton of Rivero, Gordimer & Company P.A. recounted a touching encounter with a legislative aide who had personally experienced the benefits of the rent-toown business.
“In the last group we met with, we began telling the legislative aide about RTO,” Helton recalled. “And she said, ‘You don’t need to tell me any more. When I was 10 years old, my family needed your transaction, and I remember walking in and picking out my first bedroom set – and it’s still with my family today, 15 years later.’”
TRIB Group Executive Director Dennis Shields voiced his optimism about the future of the conference, reiterating the essential meaningfulness of continued face-to-face engagement with our elected officials and their staffs.
“I’m already looking forward to next year,” enthused Shields. “We had almost a 100-percent increase in participation from last year – let’s have another 100-percent increase for next year’s event!”
Smitherman closed the evening with deep gratitude for this year’s participants, and similar excitement for APRO Legislative Conferences ahead.
“Thank you all so much for being here,” said Smitherman. “It’s been awesome to see a group like this, that cares enough about the future of rent-to-own to take the time and come be our industry’s champions. We look forward to doing it again next year, and for many years to come.”
Amberlee Maya is APRO’s Director of Marketing & Communications.
