Get ready for an action-packed RTO World™ filled with learning and networking opportunities!
This year’s education sessions feature an exciting lineup of industry experts and thought leaders. Explore the sessions below to start planning your experience, and don’t miss our keynote and super session speakers.
Monday, August 24 | 1:00 PM
1:00-3:00 PM | Protecting the Transaction Legal Summit
Now in its third year, the Protecting the Transaction Legal Summit returns to RTO World as the industry’s premier gathering for legal and compliance professionals across the full spectrum of rent-to-own — traditional RTO dealers, virtual operators, and businesses leveraging the lease-purchase statute. This year’s summit takes a deliberate step forward, expanding beyond legal updates into the harder and more consequential conversation: what the industry owes itself in the form of best practices and self-regulation, and what it looks like to build those standards with intention rather than wait for them to be imposed from outside.
Attendees will hear from leading legal and compliance voices on recent developments across the regulatory landscape, but the summit is designed equally as a working forum — a space where owners, operators, inside and outside legal counsel, and compliance specialists can engage directly in shaping the norms and practices the industry needs to carry forward. The underlying conviction driving this year’s program is the same one that has animated the summit from the beginning: that an industry capable of governing itself well earns the credibility to defend itself effectively, and that the time to build that architecture is now.
Read Facilitator Bio
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, he 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. He 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, he earned a Master of Legal Studies and PhD in Law from the University of Oxford in England.
A recognized thought leader in the industry, Charles is the co-author of The Rent-to-Own Revolution: A Definitive History of Advocacy and Consumer Access and the author of Reclaiming Authority: How Institutions Teach Truth in the Age of AI.
He 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, Charles brings a collaborative, member-focused approach to association leadership, emphasizing transparency, advocacy, and value creation. Outside of work, he is an active ultra runner and open water swimmer.
Read Speaker Bios
Justin Hosie
Hudson Cook LLP
Justin Hosie is a partner at Hudson Cook, and chair of their Small Dollar and Alternative Financial Services Practice Group. He counsels fintech, consumer credit, buy-now-pay-later, wage advance, and rent-to-own clients on compliance with consumer protection laws.
Justin frequently serves as a presenter at industry conferences, addressing consumer protections, the CFPB, innovation, and ethics. He also co-presents Hudson Cook’s monthly CFPB Bites of the Month webinar series with Eric Johnson. Hosie is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America©2024 for Financial Services Regulation Law, and is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell.
Dailey Wilson
Dailey Wilson is a trusted advisor to financial services providers, specifically in the fields of federal and state regulatory compliance. As a partner in the Tennessee office, she assists lease-purchase providers and other financial institutions with:
- Drafting consumer-facing documentation, including applications, lease-purchase agreements, loan agreements, and servicing and collection notices.
- Developing internal policies and procedures addressing compliance with both state and federal consumer protection laws for a variety of industries.
- Conducting compliance audits and due diligence reviews for state and federal law adherence in the lease-purchase and alternative consumer financial services space.
Dailey also advises clients on compliance with other consumer privacy and protection issues, including data security laws, data breach laws, and laws regarding consumer reporting. She works closely with clients to develop comprehensive data security strategies, covering risk assessments, information security programs, written incident response plans, vendor management, and due diligence as well as assisting clients with responses to data breaches.
Her commitment to professional and community involvement includes serving on the Alumnae Council for Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, TN.
3:15-5:45 PM | Women in RTO
A Journey of Growth
An engaging panel discussion featuring RTO women who took ownership of their career path and now lead with greater impact — with time for open roundtable conversation on career growth and leadership development.
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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. She also serves as a board member for the TRIB Group.
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!).
Panelists
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Ashley Emerson
The Premier Companies
Ashley Emerson began her career with Premier in 2007 in a generalist role supporting administrative projects. After returning in 2019, she joined The Premier Companies as Franchise Liaison and Corporate Office Manager, where she oversaw documentation management, the Premier Help Desk, and staff operations.
In 2022, Ashley was promoted to Executive Director, managing most business operations and day-to-day activities. She now serves as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for overseeing the company’s daily operations, corporate office functions, and all affiliate companies. Additionally, she is Vice President of Financial Resolution Services, providing debt collection services to Premier franchisees nationwide.
A native of Williamsburg, VA, Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a Master of Public Health (Global Health concentration). She is engaged to her fiancé, Tommie, and together they share two children—Emmett (9) and Addison (6). Outside of work, she enjoys family time with her three dogs, Piper, Jameson, and Loki, and embraces each day to its fullest.
Teresa French
Precision Appliance Leasing
Teresa French is the CEO of Precision Appliance Leasing, headquartered in the Dallas – Fort Worth area with locations serving the DFW and Houston markets. She has led the company since February 1, 2017, guiding growth and operational excellence across both regions.
Before joining Precision, Teresa founded Solvere, Inc., a consulting firm dedicated to building strong workplace cultures and helping companies retain and recruit key talent. From 1987 to 2002 she served as President and COO of Bestway Rental, Inc., and she remains an owner in the business. For the past seven years she has served on the board of directors for the Choose to Soar ministry, supporting its mission and outreach.
Something few people know about Teresa is that she’s delightfully goofy and occasionally clumsy, yet surprisingly athletic. She treasures her family and grandchildren, is active in her church, loves exercising and traveling, and is excited about her new marriage and the future.
Candice Hill
Rental Concepts West LLC, dba RNR Tire Express
Candice Hill is a Director at RNR Tire Express, a national franchise retailer specializing in quality tires and custom wheels with affordable payment options. She has over 15 years of experience in the automotive parts and retail sectors, with a career spanning multiple roles and companies.
Tuesday, August 25 | 9:00 AM
9:00-10:00 AM | Keynote
Unstoppable
In the rent-to-own business, every day is about people—earning trust, overcoming objections, and delivering value in moments that matter. In this high-energy session, Alex Weber—American Ninja Warrior, award-winning speaker, and author of Unstoppable—shares how to build resilience, stay motivated under pressure, and show up at your best for every customer interaction. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to boost performance, strengthen customer relationships, and bring unstoppable energy to the sales floor.
Read Keynote Speaker Bio
Alex Weber
Keynote Speaker
With his contagious energy and actionable System, Alex Weber immediately impacts audiences and ignites record-breaking achievements! Alex is an Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, Champion Coach, Acclaimed Author, TV Host for NBC, and competitor on American Ninja Warrior. Alex is also the only person ever to Host and Compete on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior! Alex helps you lead beyond changes, overcome challenges, and unlock new levels of achievement!
Alex connects so well with audiences because of his genuine openness about the challenges, self-doubt, and uncertainty that we all face — and how you can overcome it! As a professional entertainer, US Lacrosse Coach of the Year, and acclaimed Author, Alex is highly sought after for his unique ability to engage, empower, and transform audiences. Alex has positively inspired over 5.5 million people worldwide, and worked with major companies like Xerox, Apple, Fidelity, Amazon, Under Armor, LinkedIn, RE/MAX, The Los Angeles Lakers, Stanford Business and many more!
With his inspiring stories, captivating energy, and actionable takeaways, Alex empowers you to lead beyond changes and conquer challenges, so you can accomplish your biggest goals in your career, your relationships, and your life! Now is the time to unlock The Unstoppable You™!
Tuesday, August 25 | 10:30 AM
10:30-11:15 AM | Breakout Session
Be the Answer: How to Show Up When Customers Ask AI Where to Go
- A clear understanding of how AI selects and recommends RTO businesses
- A checklist of actions you can implement immediately
- A framework for improving your RTO store’s digital presence and reputation
- Practical ways to align your website, reviews, and content for AI visibility”
Read Speaker Bios
Ryan Krass
WOW Brands
Ryan Krass is the CEO of WOW Brands, bringing 20 years of marketing expertise and over a decade of experience in the rent-to-own (RTO) industry. Currently pursuing a PhD in media psychology, he blends deep consumer insights with hands-on strategy to help businesses adapt and thrive. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys staying up on emerging tech trends and honing his skills in media research.
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, he 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. He 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, he earned a Master of Legal Studies and PhD in Law from the University of Oxford in England.
A recognized thought leader in the industry, Charles is the co-author of The Rent-to-Own Revolution: A Definitive History of Advocacy and Consumer Access and the author of Reclaiming Authority: How Institutions Teach Truth in the Age of AI.
He 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, Charles brings a collaborative, member-focused approach to association leadership, emphasizing transparency, advocacy, and value creation. Outside of work, he is an active ultra runner and open water swimmer.
10:30-11:15 AM | Breakout Session
Power Panel: Mastering Multi-Unit Leadership in Today’s RTO Environment
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Chris Kale Jr.
Happy’s Home Centers Inc.
Chris Kale Jr. and his family operate 10 Happy’s locations in the Tampa Bay area. An alumnus of the University of Florida, Chris has built a reputation not only for business success but also for leadership and generosity within the industry.
Currently serving as President of the Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA) and a board member of TRIB Group, Kale is a tireless advocate for the RTO industry. He is also a beloved industry speaker who generously shares his expertise, mentoring colleagues, and offering insights to anyone who asks.
His success is rooted in kindness, respect, and a deep commitment to lifting those around him. Beyond his professional contributions, Kale enjoys spending weekends with his wife, Katey, and their three children: Caroline, Charlotte, and James.
10:30 AM-11:15 | Breakout Session
Firm, Fair, and Paid: Support Customers, Protect the Portfolio, and Keep Renewals on Track
Collections is where good intentions meet real pressure — and where culture gets tested. This session provides a clear framework for keeping control without losing professionalism. Attendees will learn what to say, when to escalate, and how to resolve accounts decisively while protecting revenue, assets, and reputation. If your team knows what to do but struggles with how to do it under stress, this session is for you.
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Trent Agin
SKC Enterprises Inc., dba Rent One
Trent Agin has been part of Rent One for 37 years, helping grow the St. Louis-based company from just five stores to more than 100 locations across eight states. “Trent leads not by standing in the spotlight,” says Rent One CEO Larry Carrico, “but by shining it on others – encouraging, honoring, and empowering us to grow. His steady guidance and belief in his people have allowed our team, and so many within the APRO community, to thrive.”
Throughout his career, Trent has held leadership positions in various state rental dealer associations, contributed his expertise through TRIB Group committees, and currently serves on APRO’s Executive Committee.
10:30-11:15 AM | Breakout Session
Big A$$ Store: Growing the Business
Top-performing RTO store managers pull back the curtain on what it really takes to run a big a$$ store. This session dives into the daily decisions, long-term strategies, and leadership mindset behind strong operations—from smart inventory management to building reliable teams and creating standout customer experiences. Whether you’re leading a store now or aiming for the next level, you’ll walk away with practical insights to start operating like a high-level leader today — not someday.
Read Facilitator Bio
Mark Connelly
Tuesday, August 25 | 1:00 PM
1:00-1:45 PM | Breakout Session
Stop Playing Around — Start Selling Gaming PCs
Read Speaker Bio
Jake Dillon
Arona Home Essentials
Jake Dillon is the Director of Training & Development at Arona Home Essentials, where he leads training strategy focused on employee development at all stages and levels, from new hires to seasoned veterans. Known for a friendly but professional approach, Jake is passionate about creating training content that is practical, memorable, and engaging enough to drive behavior change without feeling like traditional “check-the-box” training. His training philosophy centers on the belief that leaders have a responsibility to equip their teams with the tools and education needed to succeed, and that with the right development and support, any employee has the potential to become a top performer and future leader within their organization.
Jake began his career in the rent-to-own industry as a delivery driver in 2007, building a firsthand understanding of operations and customer needs while working his way up through the organization. He served as a General Manager for 10 years before being promoted to Regional Manager in 2021, where he led multi-store performance, talent development, and execution standards. His journey is a core part of his leadership philosophy, giving him the rare perspective of a training leader who has lived the day-to-day realities of the roles he supports, allowing him to design development programs that are both credible and immediately relevant to frontline teams and leaders alike.
1:00-1:45 PM | Breakout Session
Developing Talent Who Drive Operational Results
Backwards design starts with the goal and builds the path to get there. We don’t just train for knowledge; we train for performance. Clear expectations. Real application. Measurable standards. We then use data to coach, adjust, and improve—every day.
Read Speaker Bios
Ben Leach
Ace Furniture & TV Inc., dba Ace Rent-To-Own
Ben Leach is the CEO and President of Ace Rent-to-Own, leading operations across 24 locations in Nebraska and Iowa. A second-generation operator, he specializes in training, leadership development, and building systems that drive performance and accountability.
Ryan Boege
Ace Furniture & TV Inc., dba Ace Rent-To-Own
Ryan Boege is the Director of Education at Ace Rent-to-Own. Leveraging over a decade of experience as a leader in public education, Ryan fosters employee growth through training, accountability, and feedback.
1:00-1:45 PM | Breakout Session
Culture: The Invisible Force Driving Everything
The Invisible Force Driving Everything explores how the beliefs, behaviors, and values within an organization quietly shape every outcome — from employee engagement to customer experience and financial performance. It challenges leaders to recognize that culture is always at work, whether intentionally built or unintentionally allowed. This presentation equips leaders with practical strategies to intentionally design, lead, and sustain a culture that aligns with purpose and drives lasting success.
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Teresa French
Precision Appliance Leasing
Teresa French is the CEO of Precision Appliance Leasing, headquartered in the Dallas – Fort Worth area with locations serving the DFW and Houston markets. She has led the company since February 1, 2017, guiding growth and operational excellence across both regions.
Before joining Precision, Teresa founded Solvere, Inc., a consulting firm dedicated to building strong workplace cultures and helping companies retain and recruit key talent. From 1987 to 2002 she served as President and COO of Bestway Rental, Inc., and she remains an owner in the business. For the past seven years she has served on the board of directors for the Choose to Soar ministry, supporting its mission and outreach.
Something few people know about Teresa is that she’s delightfully goofy and occasionally clumsy, yet surprisingly athletic. She treasures her family and grandchildren, is active in her church, loves exercising and traveling, and is excited about her new marriage and the future.
1:00-1:45 PM | Breakout Session
From Cleats to Clipboard
From Cleats to Clipboards is a powerful leadership session focused on one of the most challenging transitions in any organization: moving from high performer to effective leader. Many individuals are promoted because of their ability to execute, but success in leadership requires an entirely different mindset.
This session breaks down the key differences between performing and leading. Attendees will learn how to let go of the “doer” mentality and embrace the responsibility of developing others. The result is stronger leadership, better retention, and a more engaged, high-performing culture.
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Will Jackson
RNR Tire Express
Will Jackson is a dynamic speaker, seasoned trainer, and trusted coach with over 15 years of experience helping leaders grow their impact. Known for his engaging style and clear, practical insights, Will is passionate about making leadership simple, authentic, and fun. As the Team Development Director at RNR Tire Express, he travels the country equipping franchise leaders to build elite teams and create stronger workplace cultures. Whether on stage or in a small group, Will’s mission is the same: to help leaders lead better—on purpose and with purpose.
Tuesday, August 25 | 2:00 PM
2:00-2:45 PM | Breakout Session
AI Without the Tech Talk: A Beginner’s Guide for RTO Professionals
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Amberlee Maya
APRO
Amberlee Maya is the Director of Marketing and Communications at APRO, where she focuses on sharing the story of the rent-to-own industry and supporting members through clear, thoughtful communication. She’s passionate about highlighting the value of the industry and making sure members have the tools and resources they need to succeed, while also exploring how AI is changing the way customers search and discover businesses.
She’s an everyday user of AI in her work, using it to streamline content creation, support campaigns, and make the day-to-day a little more efficient. She’s especially interested in how these tools can be applied in practical, real-world ways across the industry.
Outside of work, she’s an avid board gamer (don’t let the smile fool you – she’s absolutely here for the victory points 😄), loves to cruise whenever she can, and is happiest spending quality time with family and friends.
Mark Williams
SKC Enterprises Inc., dba Rent One
Mark has worked in the Rent-to-Own industry for more than 30 years. His career at Rent One began in 1994, when the company operated just 16 locations. “I started working there when I was still in college. I found success early and stayed.”
Before becoming an executive in 2005, Mark worked his way up from a part-time delivery position to store management and then into middle management. Today, he serves as Rent One’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, where he oversees advertising strategy and also plays a key role as the company’s buyer.
In recent years, Mark has embraced emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance marketing effectiveness, improve customer engagement, and drive smarter business decisions. As he puts it, “AI is just a tool—but it’s one that helps us turn data into results and move faster than we ever have before.” He is focused on leveraging AI to modernize the customer experience and position Rent One for continued growth in an evolving retail landscape.
Mark’s dedication and work ethic have been instrumental in Rent One’s expansion and success. From early on to now leading sales, marketing, and buying decisions, he has helped drive the company’s growth and position in the Rent-to-Own industry.
Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and 10 grandchildren. He is also active in his community and has a passion for cooking.
2:00-2:45 PM | Breakout Session
Stop Guessing: Reduce Hiring Misses & Hire “A” Players
Hiring great people shouldn’t depend on gut feeling or luck, but for most teams, it still does. In this session, we’ll break down a simple, repeatable approach to hiring A players. You’ll learn how to present your company to attract the right candidates, build a clear Scorecard that defines what success actually looks like, and avoid the 6 most common “voodoo” interviewing habits that lead to bad hires. We’ll cover specific questions for your next interview, a simple scorecard template, and how to quickly spot red flags before you make a costly mistake. You’ll walk away with a structured process you can use immediately to make better hiring decisions.
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Adam Stark
Happy’s Home Centers Inc.
2:00-2:45 PM | Breakout Session
Round Table Discussion: Sales, Collections, People
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Dan Fisher
Blue Ocean Brands, LLC
Check back later for bio. Coming soon!
2:00-2:45 PM | Breakout Session
Get Out of Your Own Way
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Paul Metivier
Impact RTO Holdings, dba Rent-A-Center
Started entry-level on the box truck and now I’m here. My advantage is having knowledge of every position in RTO and how to not only navigate, but thrive. Proud leader of Rent a Center’s largest franchise operation (76 locations and counting). 300% revenue growth in 10 years. Advocating for our industry at a state and national level since 2008. I define my success through the relationships I build with my coworkers, my friends, my faith, myself, and my family. Fun fact about me is that I love gardening and getting my hands in the dirt. Not limited to plants and vegetables, I also farm monarch butterflies.
Kevin Silvers
King of Promotions and New Generations Diamond & Jewelry Company
Kevin Silvers has been part of the RTO industry for over 30 years, seeing it thrive and learning that relationships are everything. Some of the best insights I’ve gained came from unexpected places, like the delivery specialist loading the truck. I treasure my family and friends. And yes, you’ll always find me in a bow tie. Wouldn’t even know where to start with a regular tie!
Wednesday, August 26 | 10:00 AM
10:00-10:45 AM | Tissot Talk
TBD
More information coming soon!
Read Speaker Bio
Mike Tissot
Countryside Rentals Inc. dba Rent-2-Own
Mike Tissot grew up in the rent-to-own business under the tutelage of his father, former APRO President and RTO legend Darrell Tissot.
Mike’s innovative thought leadership over the past almost-quarter-century has helped grow the family business to over 40 stores throughout Ohio and Kentucky, and guide the industry as a whole.
He has served as President of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association for years, served as an APRO board member and Treasurer, served on the TRIB board as Treasurer and President, and has received the APRO President’s Award of Excellence and been named APRO Rental Dealer of the Year.
When he is not renting, collecting, or innovating in RTO, Mike enjoys any time he can get with his girlfriend Angela Strong McCool at their lake house or in Orange Beach, Alabama. He is an avid Reds fan and watches or listens to as many games as he can with his parents. He also uses any excuse possible to get to Arizona to see his daughter, who is currently attending Arizona State University.
