The RTO Show "Let's talk Rent to Own"

Send us Fan MailToo many logins. Too many catalogs. Too many “where is that spec” moments when a customer is standing right in front of you. We wanted to know what actually changes when RTO dealers and vendors stop treating sourcing like a scavenger hunt and start running it like a modern retail workflow, so we brought on Michael Costa from AMP Tablet Solutions, better known across the industry as AmTab.Michael walks us through how AMP started by replacing paper catalogs with an iPad app, then expanded into a connected platform where product photography, dimensions, videos, pricing, and inventory can live in one place. We talk about the real reason vendors shouldn’t fear being shown next to competitors, and why better data, faster updates, and simpler buying often win the deal. If you care about rent-to-own purchasing, furniture sourcing, and reducing order errors, this conversation is packed with practical details.We also get into the tools RTO teams ask about most: AMP Shop for B2B ordering, curated catalogs that mix vendors into one branded experience, kiosk-style browsing with AMP Avenue, and guardrails like approval steps and budget tracking so stores can move quickly without creating messy POs. Michael explains integration options too, from simple Excel-based workflows to deeper ERP connections like QuickBooks and NetSuite, plus where AI could help in the future with smarter search and better product descriptions.If you’re trying to buy smarter, sell faster, and keep your team aligned, hit play, share this with an operator who lives in vendor portals all day, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. After you listen, what’s the one workflow change you’d make tomorrow?Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailFor a lot of people in this industry, Washington DC exists somewhere in the background — a place where policy gets made while operators focus on customers, staff, and the day-to-day grind of running a business. But spend a few days at LegCon and that changes. Pete Shau sits down with Lauren Talicska, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Arona Home Essentials, right after she returned from LegCon 2026, and the energy she brought back says everything.Lauren walks through what APRO-led advocacy actually looks like up close — and why the experience is more accessible than most people assume. It's not reserved for attorneys, executives, or political insiders. Through the fellowship program, store managers, marketers, and operators are getting in front of legislators and telling the rent-to-own story in their own words. Lauren explains how the days are structured, how teams find their rhythm in those meetings, and how keeping the message focused — sometimes down to a single economic impact sheet — makes all the difference.What stands out most is the power of a customer's own words. Lauren describes using Google reviews as a form of written testimony — reviews where customers talk about a rent-to-own purchase being the first furniture they've ever owned. The conversation also gets into what the alternatives actually look like for someone with limited or damaged credit: the uncertainty of marketplace transactions, the long shadow of credit card debt, and how rent-to-own provides a level of service and protection those options simply don't offer.The episode rounds out with a broader look at leadership development, the women's forum, mentorship inside the industry, and why the relationships built in this space tend to outlast everything else.Subscribe, pass this episode along to someone on your team who could use a reminder of the bigger picture, and leave a review to help more operators find it. What part of the rent-to-own story do you think deserves more attention?Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailPete Shau sits down with Amberlee Maya and Charles Smitherman to recap LegCon 2026, APRO’s legislative conference in Washington, D.C. They discuss the power of industry advocacy, the growth of first-time attendees, the importance of building relationships with lawmakers and staffers, and why the rent-to-own industry must continue telling its own story with one clear voice.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA tire shop can sell rubber all day and still lose the customer the moment service feels cold, slow, or unsafe. We bring on Jason Shuey from RNR Tire Express to explain how a fast-growing rent-to-own automotive franchise builds loyalty with training, systems, and real customer care that feels personal the second you walk through the door.  We talk about Jason’s path from Sears Auto Center into leadership, why ASE certification can matter, and why hands-on coaching beats “read the book and take a test” training when real cars and real families are on the line. Jason breaks down the service manager role his group is rolling out across stores, how an MIT program rotates future leaders through the shop and accounts, and why account management is where you truly learn the RTO transaction and earn long-term trust.  Then we get practical on operations: what RNR Tire Express includes for customers, how the business expands beyond wheels into alignments, brakes, suspension, and lift kits, and how digital workflow tools like Shopmonkey help balance speed, quality, and safety in high-volume locations. We also look ahead at tire and wheel industry trends like AI-enabled tools, electric vehicle lift-point risks, and the next wave of Bluetooth TPMS sensors.  If you care about customer retention, technician training, safety culture, and scalable processes in the rent-to-own industry, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a leader in your shop, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailSome people leave a company behind. Others leave an industry stronger than they found it. We’re closing the first RTO Legends series with a tribute to Ernie Lewallen, a rent-to-own leader whose influence reached far beyond the stores he operated and into the standards, relationships, and advocacy that protect RTO for the next generation.We walk through Ernie’s story, from entering the rent-to-own industry in 1986 to building a decades-long reputation for showing up, doing the work, and doing it with integrity. His service record speaks volumes: years on the APRO Board of Directors, time on the executive committee, a term as APRO president, and consistent presence at legislative conferences in Washington to help lawmakers understand what rent-to-own really is and why it matters to customers.Then we step back and let the people who knew him best fill in what a resume can’t. You’ll hear stories of a larger-than-life presence, a firm point of view, and a surprising tenderness underneath it all. Colleagues describe how he welcomed newcomers, mentored leaders, and pushed for decisions that were right for the industry even when they were hard. Along the way, we share the personal details that kept him grounded: family first, a love of travel and road trips, and the Beatles turned up loud.If you care about rent-to-own leadership, industry advocacy, or the RTO Industry History Project, this tribute is a reminder that the best legacies are carried forward. Subscribe for more stories that preserve RTO history, share this with someone who worked alongside Ernie, and leave a review to help others find the series—what lesson about leadership are you taking from his example?Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailIn this Legend Series episode of The RTO Show, Pete Shau sits down with David Paul David of Ful-Pep, one of the most influential operators and advocates the rent-to-own industry has ever seen.From working the family farm as a child to scaling a multi-state operation, David shares how discipline, people-first leadership, and relentless consistency shaped Ful-Pep’s growth. The conversation explores early store expansion, acquisitions, culture building, association leadership, and decades of advocacy through state and national organizations.This episode highlights what separates longevity from short-term success—and why investing in employees, community, and industry leadership continues to pay dividends. For operators, leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of rent-to-own, this is a masterclass in doing business the right way.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailThis Legend Series episode of The RTO Show features John Cleek Jr. of Cleek's RTO, reflecting on the life, leadership, and lasting industry impact of his father, John “Tiger” Cleek.From the early days of a family appliance business to decades of service through state and national associations, this conversation highlights what it means to lead with conviction, integrity, and heart. John shares how his father’s commitment to community, advocacy, and people-first leadership helped shape not only Cleek's RTO, but the rent-to-own industry as a whole.This episode is a powerful reminder that true leadership isn’t measured by store count or titles—but by the lives you touch, the standards you set, and the legacy you leave behind.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The RTO Show, Pete Shau sits down with Kevin Silvers to trace a career built on relationships, adaptability, and a genuine love for people. Kevin shares stories from his early days around golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Michael Jordan, his transition into the jewelry business, his deep involvement in rent-to-own, and the path that led to King of Promotions. Along the way, he talks about training, leadership, vendor longevity, and why knowing people matters more than making the pitch. This is a conversation about staying curious, showing up, and building a reputation that lasts.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA rent-to-own business doesn’t last 40 years by accident and it definitely doesn’t start with perfect funding. I’m joined by Mike Tissett to tell the story behind Daryl Tissett’s legacy, from a small-town Ohio beginning to a blueprint that helped shape the rent-to-own industry and a company built on trust, service, and steady growth. If you’ve ever wondered what really creates long-term customers in RTO, this conversation gets specific fast. We talk through the real mechanics: early financing challenges, why collections discipline matters when cash is tight, and why Daryl’s “months to recover” metric still influences how Mike thinks about inventory, pricing, and reinvestment. We also dig into leadership principles that scale, especially the idea that the best decisions happen close to the customer. Empowerment at the store level, strong training, and clear standards beat motivational posters every time. From there, we zoom out to strategy and innovation: why small towns and county seats can be the perfect fit for rent-to-own, how free delivery and setup create loyalty, and why trying new products early (furniture, computers, gaming) can separate leaders from followers. Mike also shares how technology, CRM, online leads, and even AI are becoming practical tools for modern rent-to-own retail without losing the relationship-based foundation that makes the model work. We close with Daryl’s industry impact through APRO, TRIB, Ohio advocacy, and the Midwest Expo, plus a powerful reminder that legacy is people, not trophies. Subscribe for more Legends stories, share this with someone building a customer-first business, and leave a review with the one principle you’re taking into next week.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailForty-four years ago, Mike Strong opened a rent-to-own store in Hutchinson, Kansas with a pickup, good credit, and a willingness to outwork the problem. Today, Mike’s Rent To Own has grown into 14 locations, and I got to sit down with Mike and his kids to hear the full family story, the rough edges included. We talk about the leap from an Army medic during the Vietnam era to corporate life at Chrysler, and why entrepreneurship felt like the only path where the future wasn’t capped by someone else’s plan.Then we get into the real mechanics of building an RTO business that lasts: financing inventory when rates are brutal, doing deliveries after closing, and even the early days of running accounts on payment cards before rent-to-own software and modern systems changed everything. Mike shares the moment Curtis Mathis collapsed and how that forced a pivot into new vendors, furniture, appliances, and the constant question every RTO dealer faces, what do customers actually want right now? From VCRs and movie clubs to laptops, gaming systems, and Apple devices, the throughline is listening hard and finding a way to say yes.We also dig into why small towns and rural markets can be a strength, not a limitation, and why relationship-based retail still wins. We talk community giving like Stuff The Trucks food drives, and the advocacy side through APRO, TRIB, and the Kansas Rental Dealers Association, including what it means to lead and give back in a misunderstood industry.If you want more Legends conversations like this, subscribe, share this with another rent-to-own operator, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhat if a $10-a-week TV could spark a company built on trust? We sit down with industry legend Gary to unpack how Showplace grew from a two-paragraph agreement on a legal pad to a respected rent-to-own brand known for clear buyouts, smart growth, and customer-first service. From early days of index cards and recipe boxes to Ideal, HiTouch, and VersaRent, Gary explains the systems and mindsets that kept operations nimble and transparent.We explore the turning points that defined the path: adding appliances and furniture without overextending, learning from mentors who pushed better ideas, and doing the slow work of advocacy that helped lock fair practices into state law. When lenders blacklisted rent-to-own in the ’90s, Gary didn’t fold. He rallied the team, educated a local banker, and rebuilt a flexible credit line—proof that relationships can save a business when markets panic. Along the way, Showplace doubled down on what set it apart: every receipt lists the early purchase option, making ownership a feature, not a footnote. That simple promise became a magnet for loyal customers.You’ll also hear the product stories few saw coming, like riding mowers and zero-turns thriving in rural markets, plus seasonal hold programs that convert churn into steady buyouts. The throughline is clear: lead with transparency, manage debt with humility, and build culture around long-term wins. Whether you’re new to RTO or scaling a regional brand, these lessons on cash discipline, software evolution, customer care, and advocacy will sharpen your playbook. If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague who needs a refresh, and leave a quick review so more people can find stories that move the industry forward.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA legend’s journey rarely starts with a grand plan. Trooper Earl just needed a job, stumbled into ColorTyme, and within two years was opening stores, learning fast, and confronting the realities of scale without modern systems. That sprint led to 16 locations, a gutsy bank-backed buyout, and a pivotal moment when financing partners pulled back. Instead of folding, he reset—and that’s where the real story begins.We walk through how Premier Rental Purchase took shape around a simple, powerful idea: build a franchise for operators, not just investors. Trooper breaks down how he helps managers become owners with bank-ready projections, SBA 7(a) funding, and a clear picture of real costs—roughly $650K for a well-capitalized store, a 5–6K sq ft footprint, and rent targets aligned to projected revenue. He shares why reading financial statements beats watching a bank balance, how to spot trouble in trends, and what it takes to keep rent factors and labor in check.The 2008 financial crisis tested everything. Premier exited side bets in wheels and cash services and doubled down on its core. That crucible led to Premier University—a rigorous, multi-year training build that standardized front-line execution, leadership practices, and warehouse management. Add a live national training center perched above a once-bankrupt Texas store and a corporate house where late-night conversations flip the switch from “know it” to “own it,” and you get a culture that changes businesses from the inside out.We also explore Premier’s data backbone and mobile app strategy. By centralizing SQL-based data and syncing real-time inventory, pricing, loyalty, service, and delivery tracking, Premier meets customers where they are—on their phones—without losing the personal touch that anchors rent-to-own. Trooper’s candid on leadership transition, why he still mentors and funds deals, and how “JFO—just figure it out” became a way of life.Curious how to go from operator to owner, survive a credit squeeze, and build a system that lasts? Hit play, then share your biggest takeaway. If this story resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it to someone who’s ready to build.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailPaul Adamson from Clover joins Pete Shau to explain what “certified refurbished” really means—and why it matters for rent-to-own dealers. They break down how returned products move through the reverse supply chain, what Clover’s testing and grading process looks like, where the biggest savings typically show up, and how the new partnership with L2 is designed to simplify ordering and support. They also cover smart product categories to lean into (and a few to avoid), plus how dealer feedback can strengthen quality and reliability over time.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to go from a delivery truck to the corner office without losing the human touch that built the business? We sit down with Michael Bennett, CEO of Buddy’s Home Furnishings and three-time APRO president, to unpack the playbook he’s refined across Rent-A-Center, Rentway, and Aaron’s: start with people, sharpen systems, and win the last mile with speed and service.Michael shares how a childhood of hustles and a stint in healthcare collections shaped his approach to empathy, accountability, and durable cash flow. He breaks down the Rent-A-Center and Renter’s Choice years—why simple, focused assortments and clear strategy scale—and explains how to blend entrepreneurial judgment with standardized process. We follow him into a rough region at Rentway, where bottom-quartile performance flipped by whiteboarding pain points, inviting frontline ideas, and proving that titles don’t fix stores—teams do.From there, we dig into the Aaron’s franchise turnaround: immersive training, alignment to corporate purchasing and marketing, and the power of consistent execution to lift store averages past six figures. Michael is candid about setbacks, the Great Recession, and a forced year on the sidelines that clarified his north star: never justify and blame, write the hard truths down, and recruit ideas from every seat. Finally, we look ahead. He sees virtual rent-to-own and buy now pay later expanding awareness, while brick-and-mortar keeps its moat with white-glove delivery, rapid approvals, and human relationships. Expect consolidation, tighter household budgets, and a premium on technology that shortens the path from click to couch.If you care about operational leadership, culture, and growth in rent-to-own, retail, or consumer finance, this conversation delivers hard-won tactics and clear direction. Subscribe, share with a teammate who owns the last mile, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so we can keep raising the bar.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when an industry’s past isn’t properly recorded online? It gets rewritten by shallow links, old studies, and algorithms that don’t know better. We sat down with APRO CEO Charles Smitherman and WoW Brands CEO/CTO Ryan Krass to share why we built a definitive, 400-page history of rent-to-own—and why publishing it widely is essential for policy makers, journalists, customers, and the AI systems shaping tomorrow’s answers.We trace RTO’s lineage from Victorian hire purchase and the Singer sewing machine to modern living rooms and checkout flows, showing how access and use value have always driven demand. Charles opens the archives—APRO minutes, magazines, research—and explains the advocacy playbook that led to 47 state statutes. Ryan breaks down the tech reality: AI is a prediction engine that repeats whatever dominates the dataset. If credible sources don’t exist, weak narratives win. Our fix is simple but hard—collect primary sources, cite everything, and put it everywhere. The legends series becomes the heartbeat, preserving first-person accounts from pioneers who fought regulatory headwinds, scaled stores, and kept communities supplied through good times and crises.We also challenge myths with data, including high customer satisfaction findings that contradict familiar stigma. This isn’t a profit play; royalties fund APRO scholarships to support families in the industry. By releasing the book online and distributing free copies, we make the record discoverable across search and future AI models. The deeper takeaway is human: RTO is about dignity, flexibility, and the right to return—meeting people where they are so they can sleep, work, and live well.If you care about consumer access, policy clarity, and how AI learns our story, this conversation will change how you see rent-to-own and the information ecosystem around it. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and tell us what myth you want us to tackle next.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to turn a scattered, misunderstood trade into a recognized industry with real rules, clear disclosures, and political staying power? We sit down with Ed Wynn, APRO’s longtime legal counsel, to trace rent-to-own’s rise from yellow-pages meetups to model legislation and major wins in statehouses across the country. Ed walks us through the early federal gambit that sailed through the Senate but died in the House, and the pivotal realization that a state-by-state strategy was the only practical path forward.You’ll hear how Michigan’s late‑1983 breakthrough set the tone with price controls tied to early purchase options, and how APRO leveraged the Council on State Governments’ 1987 model law to bring coherence to a patchwork of statutes. Ed breaks down the toughest battlegrounds—Wisconsin’s stalemate, Minnesota’s costly dual‑regulation trap, New Jersey’s class action hammer—and why California took a decade to land. He also explains North Carolina’s unusual balloon purchase rule and the lessons it taught the industry about precision and compliance.Beyond the politics, we explore the cultural shift that made rent-to-own sustainable: transparency over secrecy. APRO pushed for honest, readable agreements, total cost visibility, and modern practices—even when some dealers feared customers would walk away. Ed recalls the 1998 FTC study that became an unexpected asset, the careful positioning during Dodd‑Frank that protected short‑term rentals from CFPB reach, and the rise and fade of state associations once laws were on the books. We close with a look at APRO’s evolving mission under forward‑looking leadership: staying vigilant, improving standards, and using new tools—yes, AI included—to create value well beyond legislative defense.If you care about how industries legitimize, scale, and earn trust, this story delivers strategy, scars, and a clear blueprint. Subscribe, share with a colleague who loves policy and business history, and leave a review with your biggest question for Ed—we may feature it in a future episode.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA budget shortfall, a hostile hearing, and a tax threat big enough to sink an industry—this conversation with APRO legend Bill Keese reveals how Rent-To-Own survived and matured. We open with Bill’s unlikely path from state legislator to executive director and move straight into the fiscal triage that rebuilt APRO’s foundation: cutting costs, rethinking staff, and—crucially—resetting dues so the largest chains paid their share. That quiet, early fix powered a bold advocacy playbook when the IRS and Congress turned up the heat.Bill walks us through the two-track strategy that changed everything: choosing a dealer with pristine records to fight in tax court while running a coordinated push for legislative clarity. The team hired a firm anchored by the former chief judge of the U.S. Tax Court and mobilized dealers for high-impact, face-to-face meetings on the Hill. The payoff was decisive—a Revenue Procedure confirming lease treatment for tax purposes, preserving cash flow, jobs, and customer access. Alongside policy, we dig into perception: how a single comment about an “image problem” sparked a PR overhaul, national-quality ads for small dealers, and smarter media choices that stopped bad narratives before they spread.From there, we map the steady climb of state RTO laws, the tension between federal uniformity and local control, and the realities of consolidation—keeping one-store operators and national chains equally invested in the association’s mission. Bill shares candid stories about congressional skirmishes, unlikely allies, and the grassroots stamina that still anchors the industry. He closes with field-tested advice for owners and operators: reinvent every five years, stay visible in your community, and treat advocacy like essential maintenance. Subscribe, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a review with the one lesson you’ll act on this quarter.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA chance glance at a rent-to-own storefront changed everything. We sit down with industry legend Bill French to unpack five decades of progress: from selling RCA TVs to shaping vendor programs, joining APRO’s earliest meetings, and helping O’Rourke scale into a top RTO supplier. Bill walks us through the early hurdles—manufacturers confused about ownership, banks wary of the model, and warranty battles that forced creative solutions like starting coverage at first rental. Those frictions ultimately forged a clearer playbook and a more resilient industry.We dig into why APRO became essential: not as a lobby for favors, but as a consistent educator of lawmakers and staff who often don’t know how rent-to-own works. Bill explains why state statutes beat sweeping federal rules, and how buying groups like TRIB gave small dealers big leverage with pricing, rebates, and programs. He shares how vendor advisory committees improved conventions and how listening to dealers led O’Rourke to tailor channel-specific assortments, support, and forecasting that actually fit store realities.Then the product story takes center stage. RTO has leapt from 19-inch black-and-white TVs to 100-inch screens, Family Hub fridges, and a surge in gaming towers and consoles that deliver standout keep rates. Bill breaks down how global supply chains changed planning, why wants can outperform needs, and how trust-based relationships—clear commitments, honest help, and mutual wins—turn vendors into partners and customers into loyal renters. If you care about the future of rent-to-own, this is a masterclass in advocacy, assortment, and the human side of growth.If this conversation resonated, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review—what trend do you think will define RTO next year?Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailStrong teams don’t happen by accident—they’re built by leaders who put people first and still demand performance. We sit down with regional leader Sean Knupp to unpack the playbook behind consistent growth in rent-to-own: GMs who operate like owners, rolling P&Ls that drive clear choices, and a culture that treats customers and employees like family. Sean shares how early work ethic and years of union leadership shaped his approach to conflict, fairness, and accountability, and why embracing smart risk beat his old obsession with perfect collections.We dig into the weekly rhythm that keeps stores moving: Monday lead sprints from the weekend’s online traffic, daily targets for sales and accounts, and bite-size course corrections that protect compounding revenue. Sean explains how to coach a team through tough months—especially January—by holding the line rather than burning bridges, and how to create buy-in by letting managers build the plan. Ethics stay non-negotiable, but flexibility and trust power execution.The conversation also tackles the digital shift defining modern RTO. Customers shop from the couch and expect Amazon-speed delivery, so Sean widened sourcing to 24–48 hours and leaned into e-signatures, automation, and frictionless payments. He calls it a classic “who moved my cheese” moment: adapt or get left behind. Along the way, we talk servant leadership, the value of dissenting voices, and the constant work of developing your replacement so the team scales with you.If you lead a store or a region—or want to—this is your field guide to people-first performance, smarter risk, and operational cadence that wins. Listen, share with your team, and tell us: what’s one leadership habit you’ll change this week? And if you enjoy the show, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it on to a fellow operator who needs a spark.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA small, scrappy industry took on courts, Congress, and headlines—and won. Chris Korst, longtime Rent-A-Center executive and counsel, joins us to unpack how rent-to-own went from “wild west” storefronts to a regulated, transparent option for millions of consumers who need flexibility without credit.We retrace the late-80s strategy that changed everything: build balanced model legislation, center the right to terminate and return, and carry that framework state by state with local merchants at the mic. With APRO’s support and the Council of State Governments’ Suggested State Legislation as a force multiplier, the coalition moved from four state laws to roughly forty-five by the late 90s. Chris shares the scars and the wins—Pennsylvania’s shutdown, Minnesota and Wisconsin deadlocks, and the Wall Street Journal blowback—and how the industry’s answer was better disclosures, respectful collections, and real compliance training. Along the way, we dig into the federal fight to keep RTO out of Truth in Lending, the tax code victory that affirmed depreciation, and the later carve-out that kept the CFPB from redefining the model.Fast forward to today: buy now, pay later and virtual leasing are reshaping expectations at checkout. Chris explains why innovation must not obscure the core safeguard that persuaded policymakers decades ago—the true right to terminate. When lease-like products erase the off-ramp, regulators see credit by another name, risking overreach that harms consumers and compliant operators alike. We close with pragmatic advice for APRO members and RDAs: collaborate relentlessly, lead with customer care, bring satisfied customers to testify, and keep the narrative grounded in transparency and choice.If this deep dive gave you a new lens on rent-to-own, share it with a colleague, subscribe for more Legends conversations, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Your feedback helps more industry pros find the show.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailLaw can feel abstract until it touches a living room. We sit down with Brad, former general counsel turned vendor advocate, to unpack how rent-to-own won its legal identity as a lease—not credit—and why that nuance still shapes access to appliances, furniture, and electronics across America. From class actions to bankruptcy fights, he walks us through the “obligation” test that swayed courts, the model legislation that spread to 47 states, and the trench-level tactics that moved skeptical lawmakers with real stories from customers and even music dealers.The tour hits the hot spots: Minnesota’s chilling court ruling despite a statute, Wisconsin’s near‑victory blocked at the governor’s desk, and California’s hard compromises that traded flexibility for formal recognition. We talk candidly about why stricter rules can shrink access without lowering costs, how Better Business Bureau data contradicted old narratives, and why a happy renter is the best regulator. Brad credits APRO and strong state associations for decades of steady, unglamorous work—relationship‑building, code‑of‑conduct norms, and ongoing education in D.C.—that kept the industry stable and consumers informed.Switching to the vendor view, Brad details how Benefit Marketing Solutions strengthens the safety net: unemployment payment waivers, restoration after fire or theft, accidental damage coverage, and telemedicine that saves time and money. These benefits protect families when life hits hard and help stores reduce churn by preserving progress toward ownership. The throughline is clear: when statutes are clear, service is ethical, and vendors add real protections, rent‑to‑own delivers what it promises—flexibility, transparency, and practical access. If this conversation sparked new questions or shifted your view, share it with a colleague, subscribe for more candid industry stories, and leave a review to tell us what you want next.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailIn this special episode of The RTO Show, Pete Shau welcomes Ray Muncy of Buddies Home Furnishings and Dave Deep, founder of Wake for Warriors. Together, they explore how a shared love of water and community turned into a nationwide movement supporting veterans through adaptive water sports. Hear inspiring stories, learn about Wake for Warriors' life-changing events, and find out how business leaders and volunteers can get involved.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA 24-year-old franchisee walks into a brand-new industry and ends up helping to save it. That’s the arc of Kevin Quinn, who went from learning how to rent a $499 VCR to leading APRO through a political and tax storm that could have erased rent-to-own from the map.We trace Kevin’s start in 1982, the scrappy early days of rack stereos and weekly payments, and the hard truths about why banks and premium vendors kept their distance. He shares the operational and cultural shift he learned from APRO mentors—structure, standards, and a shared philosophy—and how a small group of franchisees formed Quality Rentals, cross‑guaranteeing each other to build credibility and buying power. The story accelerates when Kevin steps into APRO leadership just as Chairman Henry B. Gonzalez launches hearings against RTO and the IRS tries to reclassify the model as a disguised credit sale. That change would have crippled cash flow and buried operators.Behind the scenes, we unpack the strategy: a three-front campaign across public relations, federal lobbying, and tax litigation with heavyweight counsel. You’ll hear how dealer funding, customer petitions, and smart allies in Congress led to a pivotal IRS ruling recognizing RTO as a lease with depreciation, later improved to a three-year schedule. Those wins didn’t just quiet critics—they unlocked vendor relationships, steadied lenders, and legitimized rent-to-own as a consumer access model. Along the way, Kevin reflects on the role of his wife, the friendships forged under pressure, and the pride of seeing his daughters revive an RR wheel-and-tire store and earn Women of the Year honors.If you care about how industries are built—through policy, persistence, and people—this story delivers the blueprint. Subscribe, share this episode with a colleague who loves retail history or public policy, and leave a review with the one lesson you think today’s operators can’t afford to ignore.APROAssociation of Progressive Rental OrganizationsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailTwo stores, a fire that melted the backups, and a decision that transformed an operator into a multi-state force: keep the people, codify the playbook, and own the ground you stand on. We sit down with Larry Carrico of Rent One to unpack how acquisitions, training, and real estate leverage shaped four decades of growth without going public.Larry explains why he buys underperforming locations and keeps local teams, then turns culture into a system. From Zig Ziglar’s “train the trainer” to DISC assessments and data-driven coaching, he shows how to match talent to roles, reward frontline excellence with driver rodeos, and make service the brand. He also reframes the RTO offer—don’t sell appliances and furniture, sell cold milk, clean clothes, and a great night’s sleep. That mindset powers sales, retention, and even legislative advocacy.We dig into the hardest chapter: a devastating store fire that destroyed data and forced a paper-by-paper rebuild. Out of that crisis came a real estate strategy—secure options to buy, then build equity that funds expansion and remodels across eight states. Larry also shares why he stayed private: fewer compliance constraints, more room to invest in coworker-centric culture, and faster moves on programs that matter.Looking forward, Larry is chasing the next generation of customers with gaming. Partnering with influencer networks, he’s structuring good-better-best PC offerings that speak to both men and women—because 45% of gamers are women—and positioning RTO’s advantage around service and zero-hiccup coverage that fintech copycats can’t match. He closes with advice for new operators: grow at the speed of your bench, buy property when you can, and lead with outcomes, not objects. And then a reminder worth writing down—work hard, but take time to smell the roses.If this conversation sparked ideas, follow and share the show, leave a review, and tell us: what’s the next product category RTO should add?Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailHealth benefits shouldn’t feel like a second job. We sat down with Marshall Darr, CEO of StretchDollar, to unpack a simpler model for small teams: employers set a monthly budget and employees pick and own the plans that fit their lives. Instead of wrestling with group plans built for big HR departments, you move funding to the individual ACA market where coverage is guaranteed, networks are local, and the choices actually match real needs.Marshall explains why small-group plans have become so pricey—healthy companies leaving the risk pool, fewer carriers in the space—and how ICHRA (Individual Coverage HRA) flips the script. The result is practical: a team in different cities can each choose the right plan from carriers like Blue Cross, Aetna, or Kaiser while the owner controls cost with pre-tax dollars. With licensed brokers acting as fiduciaries, employees aren’t left to fend for themselves; they get clear, human guidance to avoid pitfalls like ultra-high deductibles or uncovered medications.We share tangible wins, including a type 1 diabetic whose weekly insulin costs dropped from $1,300 out of pocket to a $30 copay by switching to an individual plan that actually covered her meds. We also dig into the nuts and bolts—how setup takes minutes, why admin time can shrink by 100 hours a year, and when it makes sense to stick with a good group renewal. If you’re growing toward 50 employees, we cover options for transitioning without losing momentum.If you’re a one to fifty-employee business in the rent-to-own world or beyond, and you’ve felt stuck between “too expensive” and “not enough,” this conversation offers a clear path forward: cash, choice, and coverage that works. Subscribe, share with a fellow owner, and leave a review to help more small teams find a better way to do benefits.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA nickname born from a Southern Baptist speaking style and a talent for rallying a room might sound like a fun story, but “The Reverend of RTO” is really about substance: value, trust, and relentless follow-through. Larry Sutton joins us to chart an uncommon path from family retail roots to building Champion on a 50-50 handshake, navigating funding shocks when Berg-Warner exited the space, and ultimately selling at a premium before discovering that retirement by golf isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.What pulled him back was the same customer he never stopped rooting for. A tip about rent-to-own “tires” led him to discover an exploding demand for custom wheels—and a bigger mission hiding in plain sight: safer commutes, reliable family travel, and dignity at the point of sale. Larry launched Rent-N-Roll in Tampa and watched lines form. Then came the pivotal insight: the brand shouted “rims,” so tire buyers never walked in. A franchisee’s experiment separating tires from wheels unlocked demand and sparked a smart rebrand to RNR Tire Express—stores that look and feel like top-tier retail, with the flexibility of lease-to-own.We dig into the operational backbone that makes the value real: lifetime rotation and balance, nitrogen to stabilize pressure and extend tread life, and deep training through TIA and ASE certifications. Larry explains why bringing alignments in-house wasn’t just a margin play, but a safety commitment. He shares the leadership rules that scale—hire people smarter than you, love hard work, and lead from the front—and why the rent-to-own community’s culture of sharing is a competitive advantage most industries don’t understand.If you care about customer value, brand identity, and finding the right niche at the right time, this story delivers a practical blueprint. Subscribe, share with a builder in your life, and leave a review with the one lesson you’re taking into your next pivot. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWant customers to stop scrolling and start walking into your store? We sat down with Stephen Stough of EssToo Creative, a veteran-turned-creative director who blends military-grade problem solving with story-led marketing that actually moves the needle for rent-to-own. From the origin of EssToo to the infamous “two guys in a bed” hook, we break down what makes a promo memorable, how to match concepts to real store talent, and why commitment on camera beats fancy gear every time.Stephen shares a battle-tested framework for making videos on any budget. Audio is king, lighting is simple but crucial, and a tight script with a clear purpose will outperform long rambling reads. We talk through casting choices, embracing authentic flubs, and building a content library that balances humor, heart, and seasonal offers. You’ll hear how a few early RTO videos found serious traction, why “be brief, be brilliant, be gone” still works, and how to turn a scroll-stopping visual into a clean, compelling call to action.If your team is DIY-ing with phones, you’ll get practical tips: invest in a lav mic from Rode or DJI, diffuse your lights, remove background clutter, and film at least three takes. If you’re ready to level up, consider buying creative time to map a month of concepts your staff can execute in-house. We also cover why cutting marketing and training is the fastest way to shrink foot traffic, and how small, consistent investments can make your store the standout brand when budgets are tight.Subscribe for more creative playbooks tailored to rent-to-own, share this with a teammate who appears in your videos, and leave a review with your best hook that stopped the scroll. Your next great ad might be one brave idea and three clean takes away.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA legend in rent-to-own doesn’t happen by accident. John Blair takes us from a teenage crossroads to the Marines to the front lines of building TRIB into a credible, member-led powerhouse. His story is packed with hard-won tactics and clear principles: keep it simple, reward commitment, and use unity as leverage. We dive into the early days—17 members, tiny shows, skeptical vendors—and how committees, transparent programs, and consistent follow-through built trust that lasted.John breaks down the rebate era with unflinching clarity. When a vendor tried to withhold a rebate after the group barely missed a target, TRIB responded with quiet solidarity, walking past the booth as one—and the deal came back. He reveals how anticipating member volume unlocked better tiers with Ashley and why not every product belongs in RTO. The formula that worked then still works now: tight assortments, honest pricing, and customer-first bundles that move. From big CRTs and boomboxes to flat screens and laptops, he maps the technology shifts that changed demand and why laptops became the biggest catalyst for growth.We also explore how TRIB and APRIL evolved from tension to alignment, giving dealers both purchasing power and a policy backbone in Washington. John’s journey after TRIB—jewelry at its peak, tax services built for RTO seasonality, then a harrowing health battle—adds perspective and gratitude. Through it all, the theme is steady: camaraderie isn’t just culture; it’s strategy. If you care about vendor relationships, rebates that truly pay, and building a stronger rent-to-own business, this conversation is a masterclass straight from someone who helped shape the playbook.Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, share it with your team, and leave a quick review with your biggest takeaway. Your support helps more RTO pros find these stories and put them to work. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA small team launched six stores in a month, refused bargain-bin products, and built a public company that outperformed the category—by betting everything on culture, quality, and customer dignity. Pete sits down with industry legend Wayland Russell to unpack how Rainbow Rentals rewired supply chains, pioneered bundled PCs with Dell, and turned account management into a customer success engine long before that term existed.We get into the hard decisions behind “more, better, different”: walking High Point for years until a manufacturer agreed to weekly, multi-location delivery; insisting on midline-and-up TVs and appliances; and designing software that enabled seamless vendor ordering and just-in-time fulfillment. Wayland explains why computers—dismissed by competitors as “doorstops”—became a double-digit revenue stream, and how intuitive, icon-based bundles helped families cross the digital divide. His philosophy is clear: be the advantage to the disadvantaged, and let operational excellence make premium accessible.There’s grit here too: brutal early financing, loans called twice, and the courage to walk away from payday lending margins that clashed with core values. We explore APRO’s pivotal advocacy, the ethics of pricing versus credit-card debt, and the decision to sell while rewarding associates and investing in the community. Along the way, Wayland shares candid leadership lessons—hire for passion, make everyone a partner, celebrate managers on the front line, and act like the conductor who helps others shine.If you care about building durable culture, rethinking logistics, and serving customers with respect, this story will stay with you. Listen, share with a colleague, and leave a review telling us the boldest idea you’re taking into your business. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA handful of dealers pooled their leverage in 1983 and changed rent-to-own forever. That spark became TRIB, a buying group that now unites 198 member companies and negotiates real-world programs with the brands that power our showrooms. We sit down with executive director Dennis Shields to explore how the group won better warranties, moved policy start dates to first rental, and built distributor partnerships that keep product flowing when direct channels won’t.Dennis walks us through the shifts that matter: why appliance warranties became a defining battleground, how TVs evolved from fragile tubes to reliable 4K panels that flipped service economics, and where smartphones quietly reset consumer expectations for everything from fridges to washers. We break down the post-pandemic container puzzle—unreliable lead times, futures pricing, and planning risk—and why many operators now pay a bit more to buy through distributors for speed and certainty. We also dig into the rise of gaming PCs, where spec-savvy consumers demand true performance and stores need vendors who can deliver GPUs, fast storage, and high-refresh displays on schedule.Along the way, Dennis shares the habits that compound: pick vendors intentionally, communicate early, and guard your credit like an asset because it guards you back. We talk Meeting of the Minds, how small-room idea swaps grew into a flagship event, and why more vendors now show up in DC to advocate for the industry that fuels their own growth. If you’re building a smarter buying strategy, refining vendor relationships, or navigating the leap from store management to ownership, this conversation maps the playbook—and the pitfalls—of modern RTO.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review so more RTO pros can find it. Got questions for TRIB or ideas for part two? Email Pete at the RTO Show Podcast.com and join the conversation. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a second-generation leader takes the mic and the wheel? We sit with Ace Rent to Own COO Ben Leach to unpack how a family legacy becomes a modern operating system built on people, service, and smart use of technology. Ben shares how growing up in the stores, spending a decade in software and high-growth environments, and returning with fresh eyes shaped his approach: empower employees, obsess over client outcomes, and let data quietly guide the path.We dig into the heart of rent-to-own—why it’s more than payments and products. Ben explains the real advantage: free delivery, flexible swaps, step-down options during tough times, and hands-on service that keeps essentials in homes when life hits hard. He talks through the changing customer journey as foot traffic fades and online leads rise, and how Ace meets clients where they are with responsive phone, text, and digital agreements. The result is a faster, smarter sales process that still feels like white-glove care.Holiday strategy takes center stage with a meaningful pivot: seven months same-as-cash all November and a true Black Friday hook—a 65-inch TV priced below Amazon’s sale, Friday and Saturday only. Ben shares why loss leaders can create long-term value, how stores win with outbound calls and flexible down payments, and why special ordering toys or unique items helps families stretch budgets. We also get an inside look at Ace’s community impact and employee traditions—from local sponsorships and a holiday wish list to a Christmas party complete with The Price Is Right and tenure gifts employees actually choose.If you care about leadership, customer experience, and making retail work in a mobile, on-demand world, this conversation delivers practical ideas and a shot of heart. Subscribe, share with a teammate, and tell us: what’s one people-first change you’ll make this season?Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA family video store with 400 movies. A heavy VCR lugged home for the weekend. An $800 camcorder bought on a personal credit card so a loyal customer wouldn’t be let down. That’s where Dan Fisher’s rent-to-own story begins—and how a small experiment grew into a durable, customer-first brand with a culture people talk about.We walk through the inflection points that define real growth: discovering APRO after years of improvising, moving from Sam’s Club buys to vendor partnerships like GE Appliances, and opening the first standalone rent-to-own store that proved the model. Dan is candid about the messy parts too—how a fourth location in a tough market stretched his capacity, how a rapid jump to thirteen stores exposed leadership gaps, and why a two-day off-site in 2017 became the moment everything clicked. The takeaway is practical: choose systems that let you lead, build habits that keep plans alive, and return to the family values that made customers trust you.We also unpack the rent-to-own model in plain language for skeptics and supporters alike. Flexibility matters: cancel anytime, no pickup fees, free delivery and setup, repairs covered, and lifetime reinstatement that honors every payment. That’s why multigenerational customers keep coming back. Dan’s mentors—industry mainstays like Shannon Strunk, Gary Ferriman, Mike Tissott, and Lyn Leach—helped him step into advocacy, where he found that most offices simply need the facts. When people hear how RTO expands access with dignity and options, the conversation changes.If you care about building a resilient business, leading through growing pains, and serving customers with respect, this story delivers the playbook—and the heart behind it. Subscribe, share with a teammate who needs a nudge, and leave a review telling us your biggest leadership turning point. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA customer says, “I’ll never own the laundromat,” and everything changes. That moment turned rent-to-own from a product on a shelf into a service with purpose for Shannon and Cynthia Baber Strunk—two industry legends who built, defended, and evolved RTO over four decades. We trace their path from Firestone showrooms to 50 stores, the hard lessons of a tire-and-wheel experiment, and the surprise breakthrough of early cell phones, starting with bag phones in the 90s.We open up about the years when regulation threatened the model and how advocacy became the strategy. Shannon and Cynthia helped shape state laws, led within APRO, and visited Washington more than twenty times to educate lawmakers on how the RTO transaction actually works and why constituents choose it. You’ll hear candid insights on the state-vs-federal balance, why complacency is dangerous, and what message resonates in today’s DC: clear explanation over alarm, customer outcomes over abstractions.Behind the scenes, technology was the quiet multiplier. Moving from posting cards to modern software transformed reporting, policy decisions, and forecasting. That data discipline now powers their RNR Tire Express focus, where six-month same-as-cash and purchase options require both operational savvy and regulatory awareness. They also share the blueprint for succession done right: start your next leaders at the bottom, insist on real accountability, and set bold forecasts you actually believe your people can hit.If you care about rent-to-own growth, small-market strategy, industry advocacy, or succession planning, this story is a masterclass in building something durable without losing the customer-first soul. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs the spark, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—what should RTO teach lawmakers next? Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA family credit line, a few sturdy appliances, and a belief that people deserve dignity—that’s where our conversation with Kathy Windsor begins. From Texas beginnings to a Missouri legacy, we trace how National TV Sales and Rental grew on discipline, low collections, and vendor trust rather than bank debt or shortcuts.Kathy takes us inside the early days of rent-to-own when financing was scarce and selection was thin—three living room SKUs, coil stoves, and refrigerators you could count on. Then came the VCR boom, a moment that reshaped demand and taught the team to keep scanning for the next category that could transform the floor. We talk about advocacy and the day policy nearly sank the industry: when the IRS pushed three-year depreciation on products that typically turned in 18 months. Mark Windsor’s direct work with lawmakers helped protect a business model and countless livelihoods, a reminder that relationships and straight talk still move mountains.The hardest chapter hits like a siren: a 13-alarm fire leveled their warehouse the night before a managers’ meeting, wiping out premium inventory. What saved them? Years of paying vendors on time and treating every partner like a stakeholder. Whirlpool and furniture suppliers answered with emergency deliveries, warehouse pricing, and generous dating that kept stores open and teams working. Kathy also shares the human side: a collections culture rooted in fairness, a habit of anonymous giving, and Operation Fresh Start, which furnishes homes for families starting over. Three generations of customers later, loyalty looks like a client choosing to buy a Nintendo through them instead of a big-box store—because loyalty earned the sale.We round out with succession and purpose. Aaron’s journey from routes to president modernized culture while guarding the Windsor non-negotiables: low charge-offs, quality goods, and steady growth. Kathy’s next act—farm-to-table beef—carries the same rigor: non-GMO feed, no antibiotics or growth hormones, and direct sales that reward trust. We look ahead to real headwinds—tariffs, inflation, shifting labor expectations—and explain why staying debt-light, vendor-connected, and essential-first will win the next decade.If this story sparked ideas or gave you courage to lead with conviction, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Then email your questions to Pete@theRTOShow Podcast.com and we’ll keep the conversation going. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA flip chart, a promise to a father, and a tiny Omaha storefront lit the fuse for a 24-store rent-to-own legacy grounded in dignity and service. We sit down with industry legend Lyn Leach to unpack how a consumer-first mindset—friendly collections, honest agreements, and real return options—can turn a risky startup into a reliable community anchor. From vacuum tubes and rooftop antennas to Atari consoles, VCRs, and modern gaming rigs, this story tracks how products evolved while one mission stayed constant: improve quality of life and help customers reach ownership.Lyn takes us behind the scenes of vendor battles and breakthrough moments—when a few believers extended those first fragile credit lines and proved relationships still power retail. He shares the mentors who simplified collections, the nuts-and-bolts of compliance that APRO made accessible, and the role of loss damage waivers in protecting both customers and stores. We also dig into policy trenches: statehouse wins, near-miss federal legislation, and why inviting lawmakers into stores flips the script on outdated stereotypes.The conversation turns to today’s fault line: virtual rent-to-own models that advertise flexibility without physical service or true return paths. Lyn lays out how brick-and-mortar operators can compete by upgrading websites, tightening lead management, and creating unforgettable in-store events—from cultural celebrations to community food truck nights—that transform shopping into connection. If you care about customer trust, transparent pricing, and the future of rental-purchase, this is a masterclass in doing the right thing, the right way, for the long haul.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more people discover these stories. Your feedback shapes what we explore next. APROAssociation of Progressive Rental OrganizationsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailReady to turn views into visits? We sat down with Jeraud Norman of Jeraud Marketing to get brutally practical about what actually drives people into a rent‑to‑own store: short videos with real humans, clear invitations to try products in person, and simple tracking that proves ROI without fancy software. If you’ve been posting product photos and praying for reach, this conversation shows how to swap static for story and clicks for customers.We start with the basics most teams skip: fix your audio with a cheap mic, add captions for silent scrollers, and use tight 20–30 second scripts so every second serves a purpose. Jeraud breaks down why personality beats polish, how jump cuts and angle changes keep attention, and why celebrating on‑time payers, deliveries, birthdays, and staff quirks builds trust faster than any discount. The goal isn’t viral; it’s familiar. When viewers walk in asking for the person from the video, closing gets easy.We also tackle the “pay to play” reality on Facebook and how even $1 a day to your followers can keep your content visible. Jeraud shares real‑world spend patterns around $300 per store and explains why many sales won’t show up as leads but appear as walk‑ins—if you’re asking every visitor how they found you. Tie a simple check‑box sheet to agreement numbers and review gross sales later to see true returns. To speed creative, we outline AI prompts that generate fresh scripts, hooks, and even fun perspectives like a $10 bill or delivery truck telling the story.If you sell what people sit on, touch, and test, your edge is your front door. Put faces on camera, invite folks to try the sofa, and make it easy for them to meet you by name. Want a jumpstart? Gerard offers a free 30‑second script: email [email protected], or book at fastRTOdeliveries.com. If this helped, subscribe, share it with your team, and leave a quick review so more local dealers can turn social views into steady foot traffic. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhat if your business is worth less (or more) than you think—because buyers don’t pay for sentiment, they pay for cash flow? We sit down with CPA Mike Helton and senior tax manager Alicia Holloway from RG & Co. to decode the “big, beautiful bill,” revive your understanding of EBITDA and multiples, and lay out a simple, disciplined operating system for a cash‑intensive RTO model.We get practical fast. You’ll hear why 100% bonus depreciation (effective January 19, 2025) can be a gift or a trap depending on whether you fund inventory with cash or debt. We explain the interest limitation reset from EBIT to EBITDA and how that shift can unlock deductions for leveraged operators. There’s also a timely win for teams: an overtime premium exclusion that puts real money back in employees’ pockets. Along the way, Mike and Alicia translate the tax code into store reality—inventory that comes back, cost of goods through depreciation, and the constant need to reconcile cash and tie your POS to the balance sheet so the P&L can be trusted.If you’re thinking about valuation, this is your blueprint. We walk through normalizing earnings, converting EBITDA to free cash flow, and how risk—customer stability, management depth, documentation, bankability—drives your multiple. You’ll learn what quality-of-earnings reviews test, why clean books raise price and speed deals, and how today’s buyer universe (private equity, family offices, operators) approaches RTO cash flows. For builders and new owners, we share the first tools to buy: a reliable POS, QuickBooks Online, and daily cash reconciliation. For everyone, we emphasize KPIs, margins, and a balanced buy/collect rhythm that keeps growth funded without starving cash.Stick around for candid talk on advocacy with APRO and FRDA, the role vendors play in keeping the industry strong, and why RTO remains resilient through economic cycles. Subscribe, share this with your team, and leave a review with the one KPI you check every day—what would you like us to unpack next? Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA shy new hire walks into rent-to-own, gets labeled “the mute girl,” and ends up becoming a trusted salesperson customers ask for by name. That arc—uneasy beginnings to confident service—is the heartbeat of our conversation with Angelica Felix Damas, and it’s a powerful look at how mentorship, product fluency, and creativity can rewrite what sales success looks like in RTO.We get honest about hiring myths and generational habits. Do you really need extroverts to sell? Angelica shows how knowledge-based selling, empathy, and simple rituals—like greeting customers by name and listening for what a family truly values—can outperform volume tactics. We dig into training that works for quieter reps: safe role-plays, product deep dives, and small wins that build momentum. She shares why trade shows like MRDA and RTO World changed her trajectory, from seeing modern vanities and smart TVs to capturing class notes, summarizing with AI, and teaching teammates what’s next.We also explore how to make social media worth watching. Forget stale promos—lean into human, light humor and practical micro-demos that match mobile-first attention. Angelica breaks down how AI can help non-editors draft captions, trim clips, and turn learnings into posts your community actually uses. For owners and managers, we map a clear path: hire for drive and care, coach for product mastery, and build a creative culture that experiments in public. The result is stronger sales, better collections, and customers who feel seen.If you’re rethinking how to spot potential, train for confidence, and turn your floor into a learning engine, you’ll walk away with concrete steps and renewed energy. Subscribe, share this with a manager who hires, and leave a review with the one thing you’ll try this week—we’ll feature our favorite takeaways on a future show. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhen high-performing employees become leaders without proper training, everyone suffers – the promoted employee, their team, and ultimately the customer experience. Will Jackson, Team Development Director at RNR Tire Express, knows this reality firsthand, having made the painful transition from what he describes as a "toxic" leader to someone dedicated to helping others avoid the same pitfalls.In this candid conversation, Will reveals how his personal leadership failures became the foundation for RNR's innovative "Cleats to Clipboards" leadership development program. The metaphor perfectly captures the essential mindset shift required when moving from star player to effective coach – learning that your job is no longer to do the work yourself but to guide and develop others who do the work.What sets RNR's approach apart is their proactive identification of leadership potential. Rather than waiting until positions need filling, they identify and train promising team members before they're thrust into management roles. This creates a leadership bench ready to step up when opportunities arise, dramatically reducing the turmoil of leadership transitions and improving business outcomes.Will shares powerful insights about feedback (the "F-word" in leadership), the danger of echo chambers, and why authenticity trumps perfection. He openly discusses his continuing leadership journey with refreshing honesty that makes leadership principles accessible to everyone. Whether you're a seasoned RTO veteran or new to leadership, Will's story demonstrates how intentional leadership development creates stronger teams, better customer experiences, and sustainable business growth.Ready to transform your approach to leadership development? This episode offers practical strategies for identifying, training, and supporting the next generation of leaders in your organization. The leadership principles shared apply across all roles in rent-to-own, not just management positions. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhat separates successful business owners from those who struggle despite their technical expertise? John Preston tackles this question head-on in this eye-opening conversation with Pete Chow on the RTO Show, introducing his unconventional business guide "40 Flushes to Grow Your Business."Preston shares a fundamental truth that many entrepreneurs aren't ready to hear: your skill level has surprisingly little correlation with business success. "A bad plumber who knows how to run a business is going to be much more successful than a great plumber who doesn't," he explains, challenging listeners to shift their focus from technical expertise to business acumen.The conversation explores five critical metrics that determine business profitability: lead generation, conversion rate, frequency of use, revenue per transaction, and profit margin. Preston emphasizes that pursuing volume (more customers) rather than profitability is a common mistake that can sink a business as quickly as having too few customers. He provides practical frameworks for understanding which of these metrics needs attention in your specific business situation.Perhaps most valuable is Preston's insight on separating personal finances from business finances—creating what he visualizes as a brick wall between two piggy banks. This separation not only leads to better business decisions but also provides emotional stability at home. "Your personal expenses should not dictate your business decisions," he warns, explaining how "lifestyle creep" during good times creates vulnerability when inevitable business fluctuations occur.The discussion takes a surprising turn when Preston reveals that internal struggles—self-doubt, fear, and decision paralysis—often prove more challenging than external business obstacles. His simple experiment with random alarms throughout the workday reveals how much time is spent thinking about work rather than doing productive work that moves the business forward.Ready to transform your approach to business? Visit 40flushes.com to get Preston's book, or check out his free course on handling customer objections at ihateobjectionscom. Subscribe to the RTO Show for more insights that will help you keep collections low and sales high. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a data analytics expert decides the rent-to-own industry deserves better software? You get Revo POS—a ground-breaking point-of-sale system that's completely reimagining how RTO businesses operate.From the moment you experience Revo's interface, you know it's different. While traditional RTO software cobbles together multiple disconnected systems, Revo seamlessly integrates everything: inventory management, customer data, quoting, digital agreements, even your phone system. The result? A streamlined operation where your team never needs calculators, paper forms disappear, and pre-leased inventory turns 30% faster.Enos Barger, Revo partner and 30-year RTO veteran, takes us behind the curtain to reveal how this software emerged from R&R Tire Express's needs but was designed with flexibility for the entire industry. "We're not writing software for one way of operating," Barger explains. "For every pricing model, there are a hundred variants. We had to customize for that reality."The system's innovations are striking: completely paperless transactions with digital signatures, a VoIP integration that identifies customers when they call, mobile capability for field operations, and an intelligent quoting system that prioritizes inventory you already own. Perhaps most impressive is how the system handles RTO's complexity while remaining intuitive for store staff.Built on modern technology (SQL backend hosted in Azure), Revo's approach represents a fundamental shift in industry thinking. Rather than building everything in-house, they focus exclusively on exceptional RTO functionality while integrating with best-in-class partners for complementary services like texting and review management.Ready to see what next-generation RTO technology looks like? Visit RevoPOS.com or contact Enos directly at [email protected] to learn how this software could transform your operation. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhen Charles Smitherman accidentally booked the wrong hotel for a Nebraska meeting, he stumbled upon what would become one of the most celebrated RTO World venues in recent memory. Omaha surprised everyone with its vibrant downtown, beautiful riverfront, and perfect convention facilities—proving that sometimes the best discoveries happen by chance.This year's event brought together over 700 industry professionals and 100 vendors for what many described as the strongest educational lineup ever assembled. From standing-room-only sessions with industry veterans like Mike Tissot to fresh perspectives from outside speakers including former Nebraska football player Aaron Davis, the educational offerings created genuine value that participants could immediately apply to their businesses.What makes the rent-to-own industry truly special—and what was on full display in Omaha—is the remarkable willingness of successful operators to share their knowledge openly. Unlike other financial sectors where competitive secrecy reigns, RTO professionals actively help each other succeed. This collaborative spirit creates an environment where, as one first-time attendee told Charles, "I came in feeling like I had a job, but after seeing all this, I know I have a career."The conference featured several significant moments, including Dan Fisher's installation as APRO president and Charles Smitherman receiving the President's Award in a genuinely emotional surprise. Looking ahead, West Palm Beach will host RTO World 2026, while the crucial Legislative Conference in Washington DC (April 15-17) represents the industry's next major gathering. The Legislative Fellows program aims to bring 20 first-timers to experience advocacy firsthand—because if we don't tell our industry's story in Washington, someone else will.Whether you're a veteran operator or considering your first industry event, these gatherings transform individual stores into a connected community with shared purpose. Check out the recorded sessions coming soon, and make plans to join us in DC this spring and West Palm Beach in 2026. Your business isn't just a job—it's part of an industry with deep roots and an exciting future. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to succeed in the rent-to-own franchise world? Mitchell Lee, Senior Director of Franchise Sales at Buddy's Home Furnishings, pulls back the curtain on this profitable but often misunderstood business model.The conversation begins with a candid look at current market conditions. "When you see trends in real estate, you typically see trends with franchising too," Mitchell explains, noting how the industry cycle follows a 2-3 year pattern from boom to valley and back again. With rising interest rates and economic uncertainty creating challenges, Mitchell reveals how Buddy's has pivoted to focus on acquisitions alongside new store development.One fascinating revelation is the financial commitment required – between $500,000 to $800,000 all-in to launch a successful store – and what drives that investment. "We're not like Chick-fil-A where we open the door day one and have lines out the door," Mitchell candidly shares. Instead, the business builds gradually, with mature stores averaging $1 million in annual revenue and an impressive 20% net profit margin. For comparison, Mitchell notes food franchises often operate at just 8% margins.The most compelling insights come when discussing what separates franchise success from failure. Mitchell reveals that 86% of Buddy's franchisees own multiple units (averaging 8-12 stores each), suggesting the model works extraordinarily well for those who master it. However, the approval process is rigorous – a committee of four executives scrutinizes each candidate's financial position and operational plans before granting franchise rights.Perhaps most valuable is Mitchell's straightforward assessment of who should consider this business model. "If you want to be the quarterback of one team, go be the quarterback," he advises. "If you want to be the head coach or general manager, that's a different conversation." This distinction between hands-on operators versus multi-unit developers perfectly frames the strategic decision potential owners must make.Ready to explore franchise opportunities? Connect with Mitchell at BuddysFranchising.com or call 813-321-0401 to learn if this business model might be your path to entrepreneurial success. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailStep into the heart of the rent-to-own industry as we broadcast live from RTO World 2025, surrounded by the energy and innovation of the biggest gathering in the sector. This episode brings together key industry leaders to discuss the transformative forces reshaping how rent-to-own businesses operate, advocate, and market themselves.Michael Wall, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at Aaron's, shares how their recent acquisition by IQ Ventures has freed the company to focus on long-term growth rather than quarterly earnings. He explains how Aaron's modernized store design creates a more dignified shopping experience while highlighting the critical importance of industry advocacy at both federal and state levels.The conversation takes a serious turn as Jeff Smith, President of the New York Rental Dealers Association, details the legislative battle unfolding in Albany. Proposed legislation threatens to fundamentally mischaracterize the RTO transaction by imposing APR caps on lease agreements. This fight exemplifies why industry advocacy matters – RTO provides essential access to household necessities for consumers with limited options, and misguided regulation could eliminate this vital service.Marketing expert Andrew Hajduk delivers perhaps the most surprising insights, revealing how consumer "digital fatigue" is driving successful RTO operators back to community-based marketing strategies. While everyone rushes toward AI and digital solutions, hyperlocal approaches like door hangers, community involvement, and chamber of commerce participation are showing remarkable results. His observation that print marketing has a "slower decay rate" than digital ads challenges conventional wisdom about where marketing dollars should flow.The thread connecting these diverse topics is adaptation – how an industry with deep roots is evolving to meet changing consumer needs while fighting misconceptions about its services. From corporate restructuring to legislative battles and marketing innovation, this episode captures how rent-to-own is positioning itself for future growth while staying true to its mission of providing flexible options for consumers. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to grow from a single tire store to a nationwide franchise with over 200 locations? For Adam Sutton, CEO of RNR Tire Express, the secret isn't complicated – it's about creating exceptional experiences for the people who matter most.After returning to his family's business in 2017, Sutton brought fresh perspectives from his background in digital marketing and event technology. Rather than simply continuing what his father Larry Sutton (known as "The Reverend of RTO") had built, he focused on creating scalable systems while preserving the core values that made the business special.Central to RNR's success is their "DX3" framework – a simple but powerful approach centered on delivering value-driven experiences across three dimensions: Culture, Customers, and Community. This isn't just corporate speak; it's implemented through dedicated training programs, leadership development, and consistent reinforcement throughout the organization."We have the honor and privilege of serving the hardest working, most deserving, and often most underappreciated people in America," Adam explains, expressing his deep commitment to the rent-to-own customer. This mindset drives everything from their innovative store designs to their community outreach initiatives like annual back-to-school backpack giveaways.One particularly meaningful change Sutton champions is replacing the word "employee" with "team member" – a subtle distinction that reflects a profound shift in mindset. Employees are transactional and replaceable; team members are valued partners in a shared mission. This relationship-based approach has fueled RNR's remarkable growth while maintaining the family-business spirit that customers love.Whether you're a seasoned RTO professional or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, Sutton's insights on leadership, franchising, and creating exceptional customer experiences offer valuable lessons that translate across any business. Listen now to discover how putting people first can drive extraordinary results.Sponsored by: APRO, Wow Brands, JLR America, and FlyWheel RTO Vox-Pop-Uli"Voxpopuli is the “yeah, we do that” marketing execution company.FlyWheel RTOA premier supplier to the RTO industry, providing high quality brand-name products.APROAssociation of Progressive Rental OrganizationsJLR AmericaOne-stop shopping, offering a myriad of supplies and accessories to the RTO Industry.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailThe rent-to-own industry stands at a technological crossroads, and Atlog is blazing the trail with AI solutions custom-built for RTO businesses. In this revealing conversation, Shaun Karakkattu, Chief Operating Officer of Atlog, shares how their team is revolutionizing how rental dealers connect with customers through remarkably human-like AI voice agents.Shaun explains how Atlog was born from recognizing a critical gap in the rent-to-own space – the challenge of consistently making timely collection calls when staff are busy with in-store customers or otherwise unavailable. Their solution? AI voice agents that sound so authentic that during demonstrations, people have mistaken them for actual employees. "We had it on speakerphone," Shaun recalls, "and there was a person walking distance and they're like, 'Is that Reggie from XYZ store?'"What distinguishes Atlog from previous attempts to bring technology to the RTO space is their vertical approach – designing software specifically for rental dealers rather than adapting generic solutions. Their team combines deep technical expertise (all three co-founders have computer science backgrounds from Vanderbilt) with mentorship from tech industry leaders through the prestigious "Y Combinator" program, which has launched companies like Airbnb and DoorDash.The conversation explores how Atlog's technology maintains the personal touch that's vital to rent-to-own while addressing practical challenges. Their system provides real-time dashboards showing call performance metrics, integrates with existing POS systems, and offers various voice options including different accents and languages. Future plans include expanding from collections to inbound customer service, delivery feedback calls, and eventually sales outreach.For rental dealers interested in bringing this technology to their operations, Atlog offers "white glove" onboarding, where they visit stores personally to customize implementation. Their pricing is store-based, making the solution accessible to both single-location operators and multi-store enterprises.Connect with Atlog at [email protected] or visit atlog.ai to schedule a demo and experience firsthand how AI can transform your rental business while preserving the relationships that make RTO special.*Operating software currently being developed and not ready as of the recording of this podcast.Sponsored by: APRO, Wow Brands, JLR America, and FlyWheel RTO Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailWhy do some rent-to-own stores convert 30% of their customers to new agreements while others struggle to break 20%? The answer lies not in last-minute sales tactics but in the entire customer experience journey. In this eye-opening conversation, Pete Shau and Jason Winters dive deep into the real factors that determine whether customers stick around after completing their agreements.The modern rental customer has more options than ever before. With just a few taps on their phone, they can find comparable merchandise from countless competitors. What makes them choose to continue doing business with you? It starts with deserving their loyalty through exceptional service, clean stores, well-presented merchandise, and problem resolution that exceeds expectations.We explore practical strategies for improving conversion rates, from the timing of customer outreach (60-90 days before agreement completion) to bundling complementary products that enhance their existing purchases. Learn why loyalty programs represent a massive untapped opportunity in the rental industry and how delivery personnel can dramatically impact customer retention through their service approach.Most importantly, discover why the fundamental question every rental business should ask is simply: "Do you deserve their business?" As Pete emphasizes, "Your PIF conversion starts when you say 'Hi, how are you doing today?'" The entire customer relationship—not just the final sales pitch—determines whether they'll walk away or sign a new agreement.Ready to transform your conversion rates? Email [email protected] with your questions or connect with us on social media. Subscribe to our podcast for more industry insights that drive real-world results. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailPost-pandemic realities have forever altered the customer journey in rent-to-own, demanding fresh approaches from industry veterans and newcomers alike. Pete Shau and Jason Winters unpack this transformation with refreshing candor, highlighting how the traditional in-store sales model has been overwhelmed by digital-first shopping habits.Most striking is their revelation about traffic patterns: "We're not 70-30 anymore. We're 80-20 or even 85-15," with online interactions dominating customer engagement. This shift requires sales professionals to develop entirely new skillsets for closing deals through text messages, emails, and automated systems rather than face-to-face conversations.The episode introduces a compelling metaphor comparing successful sales teams to gardeners rather than hunters. Where traditional approaches focused on immediate conversions, today's environment demands patience and consistent nurturing. "No gardener plants just one carrot," Shau notes, emphasizing that multiple touchpoints across various channels must be maintained with potential customers. This gardening mentality recognizes that while customers initiate purchase decisions at their convenience (often during evening hours when scrolling through social media), conversion requires persistent follow-up.Perhaps most valuable is their critique of the "Superman manager" syndrome plaguing many RTO operations—where one person attempts to handle everything themselves rather than developing team capabilities. This approach ultimately wastes resources as stores "pay for five salaries but only get what one person can physically do." Both hosts advocate for training environments where everyone contributes to sales, from delivery techs spotting additional needs in customers' homes to collection managers reconnecting with previous customers.The conversation wraps with practical advice about following established processes rather than reinventing operational systems. As Winters puts it, "A chocolate chip cookie is delicious. You don't have to invent it every time you want one." This wisdom applies perfectly to RTO operations seeking to thrive in challenging retail environments.Ready to transform your approach for today's digital-first customers? Subscribe now and join the conversation about evolving your RTO strategy for 2023 and beyond. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailA glass artist's son from Uruguay transforms into a rent-to-own industry leader—Leonard Alonso's journey captures the essence of entrepreneurial spirit and American opportunity.At just 13 years old, Leonard was crafting glass Disney characters on Main Street after Walt Disney himself discovered his father's artistry at the 1965 World's Fair. This early training in craftsmanship and customer service laid the foundation for an extraordinary career path that would take him from Disneyland to the highest levels of the rent-to-own industry.When Leonard transitioned to Champion TV (later becoming a 100+ store powerhouse), he started in the warehouse refurbishing scratched console televisions. His breakthrough came during a closed-door sale when his product knowledge and natural sales ability caught management's attention. This moment launched his ascent through operations—from store manager to regional director overseeing 54 locations—his secret weapon being a meticulous approach to product handling that dramatically reduced costs.After decades in operational leadership across Champion, Color Time, Aaron's and more, Leonard identified a critical gap in the rent-to-own supply chain. Drawing on this insight, he founded JLR America, creating a streamlined supply solution specifically tailored to what rent-to-own operators actually need. What sets JLR America apart? A leadership team with over 50 years of combined in-store experience, competitive pricing, lower shipping thresholds, and the agility to make decisions "within a minute"—now serving over 500 rent-to-own stores nationwide.Leonard's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs reflects his own success formula: "Hone your skill and don't be afraid. Take the plunge." Want to learn more about transforming industry expertise into entrepreneurial success? Explore JLR America at jlramerica.com or call 727-395-9121 to discover how their rent-to-own knowledge can support your business needs. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!

Send us Fan MailFinding new customers remains one of the biggest challenges for Rent-to-Own businesses. While many stores focus on reactivating inactive customers or working through paid-out lists, there's a powerful channel that's often overlooked: Facebook marketing.  Marketing expert Jeraud Norman joins host Pete Shau to reveal how Facebook's "interruption-based" marketing creates opportunities that Google's "intent-based" approach simply can't match. Instead of waiting for customers to search for your products, Facebook allows you to appear regularly in their feeds, creating awareness and staying top-of-mind for when they need your services.  "Facebook is basically like the radio, but with visuals," Jeraud explains, highlighting how this consistent presence trains potential customers to think of your business first. Through authentic video content featuring real team members, RTO businesses can create personal connections with prospects before they ever walk through the door. This "know, like, and trust" effect significantly increases conversion rates and puts you miles ahead of competitors.  The most surprising insight? You don't need professional equipment or polished scripts. In fact, authentic smartphone videos often outperform expensive, corporate-style productions. The focus should be on showing your real personality and creating genuine connections with potential customers. Minor blunders or imperfections actually make you more relatable and trustworthy.  Ready to bring fresh blood to your RTO business? Discover how Facebook marketing could transform your customer acquisition strategy and drive substantial growth for your store. Support the showVisit us at TheRTOshowPodcast.com and subscribe to our RTO industry dedicated Newsletter, listen to a podcast, and sponsor a show. Plus, look amazing with RTO Show merchandise!We value your opinion. So share it with us by sending us an email to [email protected] and be a part of the RTO Show community!