Adam Sutton is the CEO of RNR Tire Express, the nation's leading franchise retailer for tires and custom wheels, with over 200 locations nationwide. After joining his family's business in 2017, Sutton brought fresh perspectives from his background in digital marketing and event technology, having previously served as Chief Experience Officer at one of the world's top live and digital creative agencies — producing iconic projects for Microsoft, Disney, Oprah, and Under Armour. 

Promoted to CEO in 2024, Sutton leads RNR with a people-first philosophy, championing a culture where team members — never "employees" — are valued partners in a shared mission. An APRO board member, he was also named APRO's 2022 Rental Dealer of the Year. Outside of RTO, he is a passionate advocate for the communities RNR serves, with franchisees donating more than $3 million to charitable initiatives in 2025 alone.

Amberlee Maya is the Director of Marketing & Communications at APRO (Association of Professional Rental Organizations), the national trade association for the rent-to-own industry, based in Valrico, Florida.

Before joining APRO, Amberlee served as Director of Marketing at Rent King, where she oversaw marketing strategies across multiple store locations, led campaign planning and digital content creation, and launched a Loyalty Rewards Program. Her broader background also includes spearheading the identification, launch, and management of CRM systems, video content creation for social media, and email and SMS marketing initiatives. 

At APRO, she serves as the voice and creative force behind the association's member communications, digital presence, and industry outreach — helping connect the RTO community with the resources and advocacy that matter most.

A highly influential leader in the rent-to-own (RTO) industry with more than three decades of experience in legal advocacy, legislative development, and business leadership. He currently serves as CEO of Benefit Marketing Solutions (BMS), where he supports dealers through innovative programs and ongoing industry engagement. Denison began his RTO career in 1991 as an attorney with Rent-A-Center during a pivotal time when the industry faced significant legal and regulatory challenges. 

Throughout his career, he played a key role in shaping rent-to-own legislation across the United States, working closely with the Association of Professional Rental Organizations and serving as chairman of its government relations committee.  His efforts helped establish the legal framework that supports the industry today. Recognized for his impact, Denison received APRO’s Lifetime Achievement Award and continues to be a respected advocate, educator, and leader within RTO.

Brandon Jin is the VP of Sales at Living Essentials Corp., a family-owned furniture company headquartered in Diamond Bar, California. With over 22 years in the furniture industry, Living Essentials has built strong partnerships with major importers and distributors to serve local markets, rent-to-own companies, and the e-commerce space. The company is known for its innovative "Unfold & Lock" furniture collections and product features like USB ports in headboards and integrated soundbars in fireplace TV consoles. 

Deeply engaged in the RTO community, Brandon has participated in APRO's legislative advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. and appeared on The RTO Show Podcast to discuss product innovation and market trends in the rent-to-own space.

Charles Smitherman, JD, PhD, CAE, is the CEO of APRO (Association of Professional Rental Organizations), the only national trade association for the rent-to-own industry. Smitherman became APRO's sixth CEO in 2023, coming from PTS Financial Services where he served as General Counsel, COO, and Vice President over 8.5 years.

An attorney with two decades of experience across RTO, consumer financial services, antitrust, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, franchise law, and privacy law, he earned his law degree from the University of Georgia and a Master of Legal Studies and PhD from the University of Oxford. He is also a co-author of The Rent-to-Own Revolution, the definitive history of the RTO industry. 

Outside of work, Charles is a former Ironman competitor, an avid ultra runner, and reads more than a book a week.

Dan Fisher is a respected leader in the rent-to-own (RTO) industry with more than four decades of experience built on entrepreneurship, innovation, and customer-focused service. He serves as President of the Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO) Board of Directors, helping guide the industry’s strategy, advocacy, and leadership development. Fisher is best known for growing Majik Rent-To-Own from a small family video rental store into a successful multi-location operation.

Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for collaboration, mentorship, and active industry involvement, contributing to committees, legislative initiatives, and education programs. His leadership philosophy centers on people—employees, customers, and community—emphasizing service, culture, and long-term relationships. Fisher’s continued influence helps shape the future of the RTO industry.

Daniel Hajduk is Manager of Client Development at Vox-Pop-Uli, an Atlanta-area marketing production company founded in 1996 by his father, Andrew Hajduk. Vox-Pop-Uli specializes in custom printing, embroidery, and laser engraving, helping businesses create impactful branding. Before joining the family business, Daniel served as an Information Systems Technician in the United States Navy.
A familiar voice in the RTO space, Daniel has appeared on The RTO Show Podcast as part of a six-part mini-series on AI in the rent-to-own industry, covering everything from inventory management to customer growth strategy. Vox-Pop-Uli serves several prominent RTO brands and is a platinum sponsor of The RTO Show Podcast.

David P. David is the President of Full-O-Pep Appliances Inc., dba American Rental Home Furnishings, one of Indiana's premier independent rent-to-own companies. American Rental first opened in 1981 in Bloomington, Indiana, co-founded by David P. David and Jim Hammond, and has since grown to more than 55 locations throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. 

A longtime APRO leader, David has served on the APRO Board of Directors and as First Vice President, and is a former APRO President. He was instrumental in launching the first RPDA regional trade show in Indiana, inspired by the educational programming he experienced at APRO conventions — an event that has raised close to $400,000 for Riley Children's Hospital over the years. David was featured in the RTO Legends Podcast Series produced by APRO and WOW Brands in partnership with The RTO Show Podcast.

 Ed Winn III is a foundational figure in the rent-to-own (RTO) industry and has served for more than four decades as General Counsel for the Association of Professional Rental Organizations. A founding member of APRO in 1980, Winn played a pivotal role in shaping the organization by drafting its original bylaws and serving as its first executive director. Over his distinguished career, he has been deeply involved in legislative advocacy, regulatory analysis, and industry education, monitoring legal developments nationwide and advising rental dealers on compliance and best practices. Winn is also a prolific writer and thought leader, contributing extensively to RTOHQ: The Magazine and authoring hundreds of articles on legal and operational issues impacting the industry. Known for his insight, candor, and unwavering commitment, he has been instrumental in strengthening the credibility, stability, and long-term success of the rent-to-own industry. Retire date 12/31/2024

Enos Barger is a partner at Revo POS and a 30-year veteran of the rent-to-own industry. Revo is a ground-breaking point-of-sale system that reimagines how RTO businesses operate — seamlessly integrating inventory management, customer data, quoting, digital agreements, and even phone systems into one platform. Built on a modern SQL backend hosted in Azure, the system emerged from RNR Tire Express's needs but was designed with flexibility for the entire industry. 

Before Revo, Enos served as VP of Operations at Ideal Software Services, where he spent five years supporting the industry's growth. He also previously served as Director of Internal Operations at First Choice Lease or Own and held the role of President & COO at Centric Technology Solutions. 

Enos appeared on The RTO Show Podcast to discuss how Revo is transforming RTO operations. He can be reached at RevoPOS.com.

Gary Ferriman is a pioneering leader in the rent-to-own (RTO) industry with a distinguished career spanning more than four decades. As Founder of Showplace Inc., he grew the business from selling televisions out of his home in 1981 into a successful multi-location operation known for its customer-focused approach and strong family foundation. 

Ferriman has also played a significant role in shaping the RTO industry through leadership and advocacy. He served two terms as President of the Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO) from 2014 to 2016 and contributed extensively to legislative efforts, including helping establish Ohio’s rent-to-own laws. 

A respected mentor and speaker, Ferriman has influenced countless industry professionals through education, leadership, and collaboration. His contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including APRO’s Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Heath Perkins is an experienced sales leader in the rent-to-own (RTO) industry, serving as a representative and sales manager for Dalyn Rug Company. With more than two decades in the floor covering business, Perkins has played a key role in expanding Dalyn’s presence within the RTO sector, helping transform rugs from a basic add-on into a strategic showroom category. 

Known for his consultative approach, Perkins works closely with rental dealers across the country to improve merchandising, increase ticket value, and enhance overall store presentation. He has been instrumental in educating operators on the importance of quality, design, and durability in accessories, including the introduction of washable and fashion-forward rug options tailored to the rental environment. 

Perkins is widely recognized for his industry knowledge, hands-on support, and commitment to helping RTO businesses drive sales through better product presentation and customer experience.

Jason Shuey is the Corporate Service Manager and Shop Trainer for RNR Tire Express, operating within the RIMS USA franchise group — one of RNR's largest franchisee organizations, based in the Carolinas. Shuey brings hands-on experience from previous roles at Rim Tyme and Martino Tire Company, giving him a deep operational background in the tire and wheel industry before moving into his training and corporate service role. 

Based in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton-Marion area of North Carolina, Jason focuses on developing shop-level talent and ensuring operational consistency across RIMS USA's RNR locations.

Jason Winters is an accomplished leader in the rent-to-own (RTO) industry with more than two decades of hands-on experience in operations, sales, and team development. He serves as a Regional Manager for Impact RTO Holdings, one of the largest franchise groups in the Rent-A-Center network. Winters has built a reputation for driving store performance, developing high-impact leaders, and consistently delivering strong revenue growth across his region. 

Known for his practical, real-world approach, Winters is a sought-after speaker and educator within the industry, sharing insights on profitability, customer experience, and operational execution. He has presented at major industry events and emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and doing the right thing as core leadership principles. 

Winters is widely respected for his ability to translate experience into actionable strategies that help teams succeed and grow within the RTO business.

Jeff Smith is a seasoned leader in the rent-to-own industry with more than two decades of experience spanning operations, technology, and business ownership. He currently serves as Owner of Your Hometown Rent To Own Inc., where he has led the company’s expansion from a single location to multiple stores since acquiring the business in 2021. Smith began his career in 2000 as an account manager with House of Television Rentals, steadily advancing into management and IT leadership roles. His diverse background also includes experience in retail management and systems administration, providing him with a well-rounded operational perspective. A member of the Board of Directors for APRO (Association of Professional Rental Organizations), Smith is committed to advancing the industry through advocacy, education, and relationship-building. He is widely recognized for his focus on people, leadership development, and strengthening the rent-to-own community. 

Jeraud Norman is the owner and founder of Jeraud Marketing Group, a Virginia Beach-based digital marketing firm specializing in helping businesses turn strangers into customers through paid social media advertising. Founded in 2017, the company grew out of personal adversity — following a severe accident and years of hardship as a single father, Jeraud sold his car to invest in marketing coaching, a decision that proved transformative. Since then, Jeraud Marketing Group has driven clients worldwide to over $50 million in revenue.

A recognized voice in the RTO space, Jeraud has appeared on The RTO Show Podcast to share how Facebook's interruption-based marketing creates customer acquisition opportunities that other channels simply can't match. Jeraud Norman Marketing is also a sponsor of The RTO Show Podcast. Learn more at jeraudmarketing.com

John Cleek Jr. is the President of Cleek's Home Furnishings/Rentals & Sales, a family-owned RTO institution in mid-Missouri with roots stretching back to 1956. John Jr. joined Cleek's full-time after graduating from the University of Missouri in 1993, working side-by-side with his father — RTO legend "Tiger" John Cleek Sr. — overseeing operations across all locations. 

A leader in his own right, John serves as President of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association, which was named APRO's 2025 State Association of the Year for its strong member engagement and excellence in legislative and educational initiatives. He is also an APRO board member and a passionate advocate for community service throughout Missouri. Under his leadership, Cleek's earned the Missouri Broadcasters Association Award for Best Small-Market Television Commercial Series. 

Joseph Kopser is a decorated U.S. Army veteran, technology entrepreneur, and public servant from Austin, Texas. A West Point graduate with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and a master's from the Harvard Kennedy School, Kopser served 20 years in the U.S. Army, earning the Bronze Star for his leadership in Iraq.

After retiring from the military, he co-founded RideScout, a mobile platform acquired by Mercedes-Benz, and was recognized as a White House Champion of Change for his contributions to transportation technology. He has taught Leadership and Strategy at UT Austin and West Point, and serves as a special advisor for military and veteran affairs at the University of Texas.

In 2025, Kopser was named a Future Texas Business Legend by the Texas Business Hall of Fame. He ran for the Texas House of Representatives District 47 in 2026, campaigning on his lifelong priorities: creating jobs, improving education, and building a stronger future for Texas families.

 An accomplished entrepreneur and owner-operator of three Great Rooms franchise locations, bringing over a decade of industry experience to the rent-to-own sector. Currently serves on the board of the Florida Rental Dealers Association (FRDA), contributing leadership and expertise to shape industry standards and practices. 

Kathy Windsor is co-founder of National TV Sales & Rental, Lebanon, Missouri's premier rent-to-own company. In June 1986, Kathy and her late husband Mark opened their first store with just $30,000 cash and a $150,000 credit line, growing the business through discipline and integrity into a 19-store operation across Missouri.

A longtime APRO member, Kathy and Mark won the APRO Rental Dealer of the Year Award in 2013 — the same year Kathy was inducted into the APRO Hall of Honor. Beyond business, she led community service initiatives including volunteering with Convoy of Hope and co-founding New Found Hope, a nonprofit providing furniture to women's shelters and fire-displaced families.

Featured in the RTO Legends Podcast Series, Kathy's 39-year journey is one of family, resilience, and quiet determination. Her philosophy says it all: "We just bought a little at a time — and it worked."

Ken Butler is one of the most consequential figures in the history of the rent-to-own industry. In January 1974, Butler joined Aaron's as a Manager Trainee — the youngest store manager in the company's history — and spent 39 years helping transform Aaron's from a modest operation into a nationally recognized brand with more than 2,000 locations. 

He developed the Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership model, which revolutionized the industry with larger stores, more selection, and lower prices, and championed the shift from weekly to monthly payments — a move that reshaped how the entire industry operates. He retired as Chief Operating Officer in 2013. 

In 2012, APRO honored Butler with the Ernie Tally Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his nearly four-decade career and the revolutionary thinking he brought to rent-to-own. His story was featured in the inaugural episode of The RTO Show Podcast's Legends Series

Larry Carrico is the CEO of SKC Enterprises Inc., operating as Rent One and RNR Midwest dba RNR Tire Express — one of America's largest independently owned rent-to-own companies. Carrico began in the industry in 1981 as a $4-an-hour manager-in-training for Crista Rentals, and by 1985, launched his own business alongside his wife Sharon. What started as a single store has grown into a multi-state operation spanning over 100 locations across eight states. 

A former APRO President and longtime board member, Carrico has played a key role in cultivating relationships between rental dealers and elected officials, spearheading legislative days in Illinois and ensuring IRDA member participation at APRO's annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. He and Sharon also co-authored a memoir, Own Your Life, chronicling their four decades of building a family and a business together. 

Larry Sutton earned his nickname not from preaching, but from a Southern Baptist cadence and an uncanny ability to rally a room—skills that would define a career built on value, trust, and relentless execution. After building Champion on a handshake deal and navigating Berg-Warner's exit from the industry, Larry sold at a premium and retired. 

A tip about rent-to-own tires revealed exploding demand for custom wheels—and a deeper mission: safer commutes, reliable transportation, and dignity for working families. Larry launched Rent-N-Roll in Tampa, but discovered a fatal flaw: the name screamed "rims," leaving tire buyers at the door. A franchisee's experiment separating products unlocked hidden demand, sparking a rebrand to RNR Tire Express—premium retail with lease-to-own flexibility.

From LinkedIn Bio:

I am not a sit on the sidelines kind of player, and I'm completely unapologetic about it.
I am a thinker, creator, and problem solver.
I am passionate about building customer relationships.
I thrive on seeing my customers grow and be successful.

When I was little I wanted to be a stage actress.  I loved the thrill of an audience, craved it actually.  There is something so intoxicating to me about laughter and applause.  Under those lights I could create something, do something and get an immediate reaction.  I think that is what initially drew me into the marketing field.

Not much competes with the feeling of a standing ovation- but helping a client increase their business, lower their costs or just have a successful event comes pretty close.

See my full digital resume at http://www.laurentalicska.com

 Mike Costa is VP of Operations at AMPTAB, Inc. He joined AMPTAB in 2018, working his way up through Customer Support Manager, Director of Customer Success, and VP of Continuous Improvement before reaching his current role. He's responsible for AMP's tools — which evolved from digital catalogs into B2B order writing tools for manufacturers. He holds a Bachelor's in Multimedia from Cal State East Bay and previously worked at Apple and Best Buy. 

VP of Rental Operations for Ashley Furniture.

Mike Tissot is the Owner and President of Countryside Rentals Inc., dba Rent-2-Own, an Ohio-based rent-to-own company with more than 40 locations across Ohio and Kentucky. Founded in 1985 by his father, RTO legend and former APRO President Darrell Tissot, the company was built on a "slow and steady" philosophy of organic growth — roughly one new store per year. 

Mike 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 is a passionate Cincinnati Reds fan and enjoys time at the lake or in Orange Beach, Alabama.

 A seasoned rent-to-own industry leader with 23 years of experience, serving as Vice President of RTO Impact Holdings, overseeing operations of more than 80 Rent A Center locations across multiple states. Former President of FRDA (Florida Rental Dealers Association), bringing extensive expertise in retail operations and industry leadership. 

Stephen Stough is the founder of EssToo Creative, LLC, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business specializing in creative and strategic marketing support, offering web design, photography, video production, graphic design, brand development, content creation, and communications strategy. 
A veteran-turned-creative director, Stephen blends military-grade problem solving with story-led marketing that moves the needle for rent-to-own businesses — helping stores stop the scroll and drive real foot traffic through compelling, authentic video content. 

Stephen appeared on The RTO Show Podcast to share his framework for making effective videos on any budget, breaking down what makes a promo memorable and why commitment on camera beats fancy gear every time. 

 Thomas Murphy is the Managing Member of Capital Concierges LLC, a nationwide financing platform serving the rent-to-own industry. With extensive experience in the RTO space, Murphy's background includes time at Champion Rent to Own, where he served as both a store manager and corporate merchandise buyer. He later worked as an RTO vendor before launching Capital Concierges. 

Through a network of 50–60 financial institutions, Capital Concierges helps RTO businesses secure the capital they need — whether for inventory, new locations, or partner buyouts — with a particular focus on supporting small dealers navigating challenging economic conditions. 

Murphy appeared on The RTO Show Podcast to discuss financing strategies for RTO operators and is an APRO associate member. More at capitalconcierges.com.

Will Jackson is the People & Experience Director at RNR Tire Express, the Tampa-based rent-to-own tire and wheel franchise with over 150 locations across 26 states. Jackson joined RNR's expanded leadership team as the company reached over $350 million in systemwide revenue and launched DX3 Brands, its new multi-brand franchisor platform. 

In his role, Will focuses on the people side of RNR's rapidly growing franchise operation — building culture, supporting franchisees, and shaping the employee experience as the brand scales. RNR is an active APRO member and a cornerstone of the rent-to-own industry's tire and wheel segment.