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

Send us Fan Mail

What does the future of rent to own technology actually look like, and how can dealers stay competitive as AI, automation, and real time inventory systems reshape retail buying?

In this episode of The RTO Show Podcast, host Pete Shau sits down with Michael Costa from AMPTAB to explore how digital infrastructure, integrated ordering systems, and omnichannel retail tools are changing the way rent to own businesses source, manage, and sell products. 

From simplifying vendor catalogs and reducing buying friction to discussing AI powered product search, API integrations, customer facing kiosks, and the future of connected retail ecosystems, this conversation dives into the operational side of modern rent to own. 

What You’ll Learn:

• How AMPTAB helps rent to own dealers simplify purchasing and vendor management
•  Why real time inventory updates and API integrations are becoming essential in modern RTO operations
•  The role AI could play in product search, catalog management, and customer buying experiences
•  How RTO dealers can reduce buying anxiety and improve operational efficiency through centralized systems
•  Why data quality, product taxonomy, and digital infrastructure matter for future scalability

Episode Highlights:

• 00:07 – Why AMPTAB was created and how it entered the rent to own industry
•  03:36 – What AMPTAB actually does for furniture vendors and RTO dealers
•  09:46 – How centralized product catalogs simplify the dealer buying process
•  18:29 – The evolution of AMPTAB from vendor catalogs to integrated workflows
•  22:37 – How AMPTAB compares to other retail kiosk and omnichannel platforms
•  33:23 – What AI and intelligent product search could look like inside AMPTAB
•  35:38 – Why real time inventory and API integrations are changing RTO operations
•  41:02 – The search for the next “big product” in the rent to own industry
•  47:17 – Michael Costa’s vision for the future of connected retail ecosystems
•  51:58 – Why better product data and taxonomy could transform the RTO experience
•  58:02 – The biggest thing RTO dealers can do differently after hearing this episode

Meet the Guest:

Michael Costa is part of the leadership team at AMPTAB, an omnichannel sales and catalog platform used across the furniture, retail, and rent to own industries. He specializes in product workflow systems, retail integrations, customer support strategy, and scalable digital solutions for modern dealers. 

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

• AMPTAB omnichannel sales platform
•  AMPShop B2B ordering system
•  AMPAvenue retail kiosk platform
•  API integrations for real time inventory updates
•  ERP and QuickBooks connectivity workflows
•  Vendor taxonomy and centralized catalog management
•  Retail order approval workflows for RTO operations
•  AI powered product search and enhanced product discovery

Closing Insight:

“The future of rent to own technology depends on connected systems, accurate data, and making the buying process easier for both dealers and customers.”

Support the show

Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/4wpbUqF

Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/RTOPODspotify

Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a first time LedgeCon attendee walks into Capitol Hill and discovers the true power of advocacy in the rent to own industry?

In this episode of The RTO Show Podcast, Lauren Talicska shares her experience attending APRO’s LedgeCon 2026 and explains why legislative advocacy, industry relationships, and storytelling matter more than ever in modern rent to own. 

From changing public perception and educating lawmakers to building stronger customer relationships and growing leadership confidence, this conversation explores how the rent to own industry continues evolving through collaboration, community engagement, and proactive advocacy. 

What You’ll Learn:

• Why APRO’s LedgeCon is one of the most important advocacy events in the rent to own industry
•  How Lauren Talicska transitioned from retail marketing into becoming a leading voice in RTO marketing and communications
•  The biggest misconceptions lawmakers and consumers still have about rent to own
•  How customer stories, Google reviews, and community relationships shape the future of RTO advocacy
•  Why confidence, mentorship, and industry collaboration are critical for the next generation of rent to own leaders

Episode Highlights:

• 01:40 – Lauren Talicska shares her first impressions of APRO’s LedgeCon 2026
•  03:19 – Inside Lauren’s role as Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Arona
•  12:20 – Why improv, communication skills, and confidence matter in leadership and marketing
•  15:42 – The fellowship program that introduced Lauren to legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill
•  22:05 – How the RTO industry united around one shared message during meetings with legislators
•  32:43 – The customer stories and Google reviews that changed Lauren’s perspective on rent to own advocacy
•  38:24 – Why rent to own remains a critical solution for customers with limited buying options
•  51:36 – What Lauren learned during the LedgeCon debrief dinner with industry leaders
•  59:10 – The most underrated part of working in rent to own and why relationships matter

Meet the Guest:

Lauren Talicska is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Arona Home Essentials. She has more than 30 years of experience in retail advertising, marketing, and customer engagement, and she currently serves on the TRIB Group Board while actively supporting APRO advocacy initiatives in the rent to own industry. 

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

• APRO LedgeCon Fellowship Program
•  Rent Direct marketing initiatives
•  Google Reviews and customer feedback strategy
•  Community driven advocacy storytelling
•  Legislative relationship building for the RTO industry
•  Retail marketing and omnichannel communication strategies
•  Mentorship and leadership development within rent to own
•  Industry collaboration through APRO and TRIB Group

Closing Insight:

“People outside the industry often misunderstand rent to own because they do not see the relationships behind it. They do not see the customers, the families, and the communities being helped every single day.”

Support the show

Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/4wpbUqF

Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/RTOPODspotify

Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when the rent to own industry stops reacting and starts leading the conversation in Washington, D.C.?

In this episode of The RTO Show Podcast, Pete Shau sits down with Charles Smitherman and Amberlee Maya to break down why APRO’s LegCon 2026 became one of the most important advocacy events in recent rent to own history. 

From legislative advocacy and consumer protection to virtual rent to own growth and industry storytelling, this conversation explains how rent to own leaders are shaping the future of the RTO transaction before outside groups define it for them.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why legislative advocacy is critical for protecting the rent to own transaction and preventing harmful federal overreach
• How APRO’s LegCon 2026 attracted more than 100 attendees, including 33 first time advocates from across the rent to own industry
• The real reason lawmakers and legislative staff often misunderstand rent to own and how industry leaders are changing that narrative
• How virtual rent to own, shed rental businesses, tire and wheel providers, and traditional RTO operators are working together under one industry voice
• What the New York legislative battle reveals about proactive advocacy, consumer protection policy, and the future of lease purchase regulation

Episode Highlights:

• 03:04 – Why LegCon 2026 became one of APRO’s strongest advocacy events in years
• 05:06 – How podcasts, newsletters, AI visibility, and digital communication are expanding the reach of the rent to own industry
• 07:25 – Why bringing 33 first time attendees to Capitol Hill was a major milestone for APRO advocacy
• 14:17 – The conversation with CFPB Deputy Director Jeff Gradler and what it means for the future of RTO regulation
• 20:26 – What advocacy meetings with legislators actually look like behind closed doors
• 36:19 – How virtual rent to own companies like Acima, Progressive, and Snap Finance are expanding the lease purchase market
• 51:24 – The growing concern around New York Senate Bill 1726 and Assembly Bill 4918
• 59:24 – The one message Charles Smitherman and Amberlee Maya want every RTO dealer to hear before LegCon 2027

Meet the Guests:

Charles Smitherman is the CEO of APRO and a leading advocate for the rent to own industry. He has helped shape legislative strategy, industry education, and state level regulatory efforts across the lease purchase sector. 

Amberlee Maya is APRO’s Director of Marketing and Communications and plays a major role in expanding industry visibility, advocacy messaging, and digital communication efforts for the modern rent to own industry. 

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

• APRO Legislative Conference (LegCon)
•  APRO Legislative Fellows Program
•  Generative Engine Optimization for the RTO industry
•  APRO Code of Ethics and self regulation initiatives
•  State level lease purchase regulation frameworks
•  Virtual Rent to Own (VRTO) expansion strategy

Closing Insight:

“If we are not out there defining ourselves, someone else will.”

Support the show

Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/4wpbUqF

Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/RTOPODspotify

Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor

Send us Fan Mail

What separates a good tire shop from a high performing customer focused operation?

In this episode of The RTO Show Podcast, Pete Shau sits down with Jason Chui of RNR Tire Express to explore how leadership, hands on training, customer service, and operational systems are helping RIMS USA scale one of the fastest growing rent to own tire and wheel businesses in the country. 

From ASE certifications and service manager development to AI powered shop systems and customer retention strategies, this conversation explains how the modern tire and wheel rent to own industry is evolving.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why customer service and relationship building still outperform transactional retail models in the tire and wheel industry
• How RNR Tire Express uses hands on training, ASE certifications, and service manager development to improve shop performance and safety
• The operational systems behind scaling from 24 to 26 locations while maintaining customer retention and service consistency
• How AI tools, Shopmonkey software, and digital workflow systems are changing the future of automotive service and rent to own operations
• What it takes to transition from technician to leadership in the RTO automotive space and build long term career growth

Episode Highlights:

• 03:28 – How RNR Tire Express scaled to more than 24 stores through training and operational leadership
• 10:39 – Why RIMS USA created a dedicated corporate service manager and training position
• 14:18 – How new service managers are trained using hands on leadership and real world shop experience
• 20:22 – Why customer education is one of the most important parts of the tire and wheel business
• 27:53 – Inside the MIT management training program and how future leaders are developed
• 41:24 – How Shopmonkey software, digital workflow systems, and AI tools improve shop efficiency
• 50:47 – The safety systems and training procedures helping eliminate wheel off incidents and customer damage
• 59:29 – The future of electric vehicles, Bluetooth TPMS sensors, and evolving automotive service technology

Meet the Guest:

Jason Chui is the Corporate Service Manager and Trainer for RIMS USA under RNR Tire Express. With more than 30 years of automotive experience spanning Sears Auto Center, Tire Kingdom, Goodyear, and rent to own automotive service, Jason now leads technician training, ASE certification preparation, shop safety systems, and service manager development across multiple RNR Tire Express locations. 

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

• ASE Certification Training
•  RIMS USA Service Manager Development Program
•  MIT Manager In Training Program
•  Shopmonkey automotive workflow software
•  Hands on technician certification systems
•  Electric vehicle service adaptation and Bluetooth TPMS preparation

Closing Insight:

Great shops are not built by accident. They are built through training, consistency, accountability, and people who care about both the customer and the team standing beside them. Jason Chui’s approach to leadership at RNR Tire Express shows how operational excellence and customer service can grow together when the culture is built the right way.

Support the show

Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/4wpbUqF

Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/RTOPODspotify

Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor

Send us Fan Mail

What does it mean to leave a legacy in the rent to own industry?

In this special tribute episode of The RTO Show Podcast, Pete Shau honors the life, leadership, and lasting impact of Ernie Lewallen, a respected RTO operator, APRO leader, industry advocate, and one of the driving forces behind the growth and preservation of the rent to own community. 

This episode explores how leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and industry stewardship shaped Ernie’s four decade career with UHR Rents, United Household Rentals, and RNR Tire Express. Through stories from colleagues, industry leaders, and longtime friends, listeners will hear how one individual helped influence legislative advocacy, industry standards, RTO World, and the next generation of rent to own professionals. 

What You’ll Learn:

• Why industry advocacy and legislative involvement matter in the future of rent to own
• How Ernie Lewallen helped shape APRO, TRIB Group, and RTO World through long term leadership and collaboration
• The role mentorship and relationship building play in creating lasting influence in the RTO industry
• How customer service, integrity, and leadership culture can define a multi decade career
• Why preserving RTO history and honoring industry pioneers is important for future operators and business leaders

Episode Highlights:

• 01:36 – Why Ernie believed the health of the business depended on the health of the industry
• 02:16 – How Ernie helped build RTO World and supported legislative advocacy efforts in Washington
• 03:47 – Why industry respect is earned through leadership, mentorship, and consistency
• 05:23 – How Ernie became one of the strongest advocates for APRO and the rent to own community
• 06:12 – Stories about Ernie’s leadership style, strong convictions, and commitment to the industry
• 07:43 – How Ernie’s influence helped shape RNR Tire Express and future franchise growth
• 08:54 – Reflections from industry leaders on Ernie’s impact on family, leadership, and mentorship
• 09:32 – Why preserving RTO history matters for the future of the industry

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

• APRO leadership and legislative advocacy
•  TRIB Group industry collaboration
•  RTO World industry development
•  Rent To Own Revolution History Project
•  Leadership through mentorship and relationship building
•  Long term customer service and integrity based operations
•  Franchise growth and industry stewardship
•  Industry history preservation and legacy storytelling

Closing Insight or CTA

Great industries are built by people willing to lead, mentor, advocate, and protect the future for the next generation. Ernie Lewallen’s story reminds us that leadership is measured not only by business success, but by the relationships built, the standards protected, and the people inspired along the way.

Support the show

Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/4wpbUqF

Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/RTOPODspotify

Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to build a lasting legacy in the rent to own industry?

In this episode of The RTO Show Podcast, Pete Shau sits down with David P. David of American Rental and Full-O-Pep to explore more than four decades of entrepreneurship, leadership, industry advocacy, and customer focused growth in the RTO business. 

From building rental stores across multiple states to helping shape APRO, TRIB Group, state rental dealer associations, and rent to own legislation, David shares the stories, strategies, and leadership lessons that helped define modern RTO operations.

What You’ll Learn:

• How David David helped grow American Rental and Full-O-Pep through organic growth, acquisitions, and strong company culture
• Why APRO, TRIB Group, and state rental dealer associations were critical in protecting the future of the rent to own industry
• The importance of customer relationships, payment flexibility, and ownership focused service in RTO
• How leadership development and employee culture create long term retention and business growth
• Why online rent to own strategies, digital retail, and website optimization are shaping the future of the industry

Episode Highlights:

• 03:47 – How childhood work ethic and entrepreneurship shaped David David’s business mindset
• 11:03 – The early days of opening Full-O-Pep rental stores and learning the rent to own business
• 17:07 – What makes a successful rental store acquisition and how to integrate company culture
• 22:10 – How Indiana rental legislation was built through advocacy and state association leadership
• 26:12 – Why employee culture, vendor relationships, and company events matter in RTO operations
• 38:57 – How APRO helped protect the rent to own industry during major legislative battles
• 46:58 – Why the future of rent to own depends on customer service, online business, and industry advocacy
• 55:02 – David David’s best advice for new rent to own store owners and operators

Meet the Guest:

David P. David is the longtime leader behind American Rental and Full-O-Pep, two respected names in the rent to own industry. Over the past four decades, he has served in leadership roles with APRO, TRIB Group, the Indiana Rental Dealers Association, and multiple industry advocacy efforts that helped shape the future of rent to own operations and legislation across the United States. 

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

• APRO industry advocacy and legislative strategy
 • TRIB Group buying power and vendor negotiations
 • State rental dealer association development
 • Customer retention and ownership focused RTO service
 • Rental store acquisition and integration strategies
 • Employee culture and long term leadership development
 • Customer flexibility and payment recovery practices
 • Community outreach and charitable giving programs

Closing Insight:

Long term success in the rent to own industry comes from relationships, consistency, and understanding the people you serve. David David’s story is a reminder that leadership is built over decades through advocacy, mentorship, customer care, and creating opportunities for both employees and communities. 

Support the show

Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/4wpbUqF

Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/RTOPODspotify

Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to build a multi generation business legacy in the rent to own industry while shaping the future of advocacy, community leadership, and customer service?

In this special RTO Legends episode, Pete Shau sits down with John Cleek Jr. to honor the life and legacy of “Tiger” John Cleek of Cleek’s Home Furnishings. From growing a family owned rent to own business in Missouri to helping build state rental dealer associations across the country, this conversation explores leadership, entrepreneurship, grassroots advocacy, customer relationships, and the power of community impact. Listeners will hear the story behind Cleek’s Home Furnishings, the evolution of the RTO industry, APRO leadership, and the values that continue to drive one of the most respected family businesses in rent to own. 

What You’ll Learn:

• How Tiger John Cleek helped shape the modern rent to own industry through state association advocacy and APRO leadership
• Why community engagement and customer relationships remain essential to long term business growth
• The lessons John Cleek Jr. learned from growing up inside a family owned retail and rent to own business
• How Cleek’s Home Furnishings expanded from one appliance store into a recognized regional RTO brand
• Why grassroots leadership and local advocacy continue to protect consumer access in the rent to own industry

Episode Highlights:

• 02:32 – The origin story of Cleek’s Appliance and Food Service in Columbia, Missouri
• 05:30 – How tragedy forced Tiger John Cleek to lead the family business at just 23 years old
• 08:12 – The three business rules that still guide Cleek’s Home Furnishings today
• 13:07 – Why the company transitioned into full scale rent to own operations in the late 1980s
• 16:14 – The decision to join Aaron’s and the lessons learned from franchise expansion
• 23:08 – How Tiger John Cleek helped launch the Missouri Rental Dealers Association
• 26:17 – The push for federal rent to own legislation and APRO advocacy efforts
• 31:14 – Tiger John Cleek’s ALS diagnosis and the creation of the RTO Tiger Award
• 36:03 – The evolution of the Heartland Expo and why industry collaboration matters
• 47:18 – How community giving, autism advocacy, and customer care became part of the Cleek family mission

Meet the Guest:

John Cleek Jr. is the owner and operator of Cleek’s Home Furnishings and a respected leader in the rent to own industry. Following in the footsteps of his father, “Tiger” John Cleek, he continues to lead with a focus on community service, customer relationships, advocacy, and industry leadership across Missouri and beyond.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

• “Get Bigger, Get Better, Get Out” growth philosophy
• The Golden Rule customer service approach
• Grassroots state association advocacy strategy
• Community based customer relationship building
• Heartland Expo networking and training model
• APRO leadership and legislative engagement

Closing Insight:

“Leadership in rent to own is built through service, advocacy, and relationships that last for generations.”

Support the show

Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/4wpbUqF

Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/RTOPODspotify

Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor

Send us Fan Mail

What keeps someone successful in the rent to own industry for more than three decades?

According to Kevin Silvers, it comes down to relationships, reinvention, consistency, and showing up for people every single day.

In this episode of The RTO Show, Pete Shau sits down with Kevin Silvers of King of Promotions to talk about the evolution of the rent to own industry, vendor partnerships, customer engagement, leadership, and business growth. From caddying for golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Michael Jordan to building long term relationships with Rent A Center, Buddy’s, Showplace, Countryside, and other RTO leaders, Kevin shares lessons on sales psychology, customer retention, promotions, store operations, and the future of rent to own. This episode is packed with stories about entrepreneurship, vendor strategy, reinvention, and what it really takes to thrive in the RTO business. 

What You’ll Learn:

• Why relationship building is still the most valuable skill in the rent to own industry
• How successful RTO operators adapt, reinvent themselves, and stay ahead of changing customer behavior
• The role promotions, training, and customer engagement play in long term store growth
• What Kevin Silvers learned from working with major RTO brands like Rent A Center, Buddy’s, Showplace, Rentway, and Countryside
• How leadership, mentorship, and industry collaboration continue to shape the future of rent to own

Episode Highlights:

• 02:47 – Kevin shares stories about caddying for Arnold Palmer and meeting Michael Jordan
• 06:12 – The business lessons learned from billion dollar entrepreneurs and golf legends
• 11:40 – How Kevin entered the jewelry business and developed his sales philosophy
• 17:05 – The moment Kevin first discovered the rent to own industry
• 20:13 – Why profitable renting requires strategy, balance, and operational discipline
• 28:04 – How RTO managers taught Kevin more about leadership and people than any sales seminar
• 41:58 – The story behind launching King of Promotions and building a trusted vendor brand
• 49:20 – Kevin’s advice for new vendors entering the rent to own industry today
• 54:26 – Recognition, industry awards, and why relationships matter more than trophies
• 58:15 – The craziest things Kevin has seen while visiting RTO stores across the country

Meet the Guest:

Kevin Silvers is a longtime rent to own industry vendor, relationship builder, and co founder of King of Promotions. Over the years, he has worked with major RTO companies across the country while helping stores improve promotions, branding, customer engagement, and operational support through relationship driven business strategies.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

• Relationship based sales strategy
• Customer retention and referral growth methods
• Store level leadership development
• Promotional product and branding systems
• Vendor partnership strategies in rent to own
• Reinvention and operational adaptation in RTO
• Customer appreciation event marketing
  
  

Closing Insight:

“Success in rent to own comes from staying connected to people, learning every day, and continuing to reinvent yourself as the industry evolves.”

Support the show

Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/4wpbUqF

Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/RTOPODspotify

Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to build a rent to own business that lasts for 40 years and impacts generations of customers, employees, and industry leaders?

In this special Legends Series episode of The RTO Show, Pete Shau sits down with Mike Tissot to reflect on the life, leadership, and legacy of Darrell Tissot, founder of Countryside Rentals DBA Rent 2 Own. 

This conversation explores the evolution of the rent to own industry, customer access, leadership development, small town retail strategy, same store sales growth, mentorship, and the power of relationship driven business. Mike shares how Darrell Tissot helped pioneer modern RTO operations through innovation, employee empowerment, customer service, and community impact while shaping future generations of rent to own operators across the country. 

What You’ll Learn:

• Why customer trust and employee empowerment became the foundation of Countryside Rentals’ long term growth
• How Darrell Tissot helped shape modern rent to own leadership through mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration
• The importance of same store sales growth, operational discipline, and strategic expansion in the RTO business
• How small town retail markets created long lasting customer relationships and multi generational loyalty
• Why innovation, testing new products, and adapting to customer needs helped Countryside Rentals stay ahead for decades

Episode Highlights:

• 03:58 – How Darrell Tissot started his first rent to own business from a small service station
• 05:33 – The financing struggles and business risks of launching an RTO company in the 1980s
• 07:06 – Why empowering store level employees became a core leadership philosophy
• 13:17 – The customer story that reminded Darrell why rent to own matters
• 18:31 – How trust and relationships built long term success in small town communities
• 22:22 – The “focus on strengths” philosophy that helped drive product growth and innovation
• 25:15 – Why same store sales growth mattered more than rapid expansion
• 34:17 – Darrell Tissot’s leadership role in APRO, TRIB, and rent to own advocacy
• 47:25 – The leadership lesson behind “building a bigger table, not a bigger fence”
• 53:35 – The story behind Countryside Rentals’ 40 Days of Kindness initiative

Meet the Guest:

Mike Tissot is the leader of Countryside Rentals DBA Rent 2 Own and the son of industry pioneer Darrell Tissot. Under Mike’s leadership, the company has continued expanding its customer focused approach while maintaining a culture built on mentorship, innovation, community involvement, and employee development.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

• Months to recover cost tracking
• Same store sales growth strategy
• Store level leadership empowerment
• Small town retail expansion strategy
• Relationship driven customer service
• Community partnership and charitable giving initiatives
• Product innovation and testing systems
• Leadership through mentorship and operational standards

Closing Insight:

“Success in rent to own is built through trust, consistency, mentorship, and a willingness to keep growing alongside your customers and your team.”

Support the show

Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/4wpbUqF

Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/RTOPODspotify

Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to build a rent to own company that lasts more than four decades and still feels like a family business?

In this special Legends Series episode of The RTO Show, Pete Shau sits down with Mike Strong, along with Michael Strong and Angela Strong, to explore the growth of Mike’s Rent to Own and the leadership principles that helped shape one of the longest standing independent rent to own businesses in the industry. 

From sleeping in the back of the store during the early startup days to expanding into 14 locations across Kansas, this conversation covers entrepreneurship, customer relationships, employee leadership, rent to own operations, APRO advocacy, family business growth, and the future of the RTO industry. Listeners will learn how strong work ethic, community involvement, and customer first service created a lasting legacy in the rent to own space. 

What You’ll Learn:

• How Mike Strong transitioned from military service and corporate management into building a successful rent to own business
• Why relationship driven customer service became the foundation of long term RTO growth
• How family leadership and second generation ownership helped expand Mike’s Rent to Own from one store to 14 locations
• What the rent to own industry can teach entrepreneurs about resilience, customer trust, and operational growth
• How organizations like APRO, TRIB, and KRDA helped strengthen advocacy, leadership development, and industry collaboration

Episode Highlights:

• 03:44 – Mike Strong shares how he entered the rent to own industry after leaving Chrysler management
• 07:00 – What it was like starting a business during 18 percent interest rates
• 09:07 – The late night delivery culture that helped build the company in the early years
• 14:02 – The evolution from paper account cards to digital rent to own software systems
• 17:18 – The collapse of Curtis Mathis and the pivot that changed the company’s future
• 21:06 – Why products like Nintendo, laptops, and Apple devices transformed rent to own retail
• 29:15 – The advantage of serving small town and rural rent to own customers
• 34:35 – How attending customer funerals strengthened long term community relationships
• 46:34 – Why APRO and TRIB became essential to leadership growth and industry mentorship
• 01:03:06 – Mike Strong shares the “never give up” philosophy behind 44 years of success

Meet the Guest:

Mike Strong is the founder of Mike’s Rent to Own, one of the longest standing independent rent to own companies in the United States. Alongside his children, Michael Strong and Angela Strong, the family continues expanding the business while helping lead the future of the RTO industry through APRO, KRDA, and community leadership initiatives.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

• Relationship driven customer service
• Rural and small town rent to own market strategy
• Family business leadership development
• Community focused customer engagement
• APRO and TRIB industry networking
• KRDA leadership and advocacy
• Employee first operational culture
• “Never give up” business philosophy
• Customer needs based product expansion

Closing Insight:

“Treat customers with respect, work hard every day, and never give up. That mindset built a rent to own business that lasted for generations.”

Support the show

Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/4wpbUqF

Subscribe on Spotify: https://bit.ly/RTOPODspotify

Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor