Rent-to-own News

Rent-to-own News - NEW PODCAST: Charles Smithgall of SEI Aarons

May 16, 2008

Charles Smithgall is the president and CEO of SEI Aaron's, the third largest rent-to-own company in the industry -- excluding Rent-A-Center owned ColoryTyme -- with 63 stores and annual revenue of over $80 million.

Click here for podcast.

He is also one of the most colorful personalities in the industry with a resume that depicts the life of a true adventurer.

Smithgall recently attended the New York State Rental Dealers Association in Verona, New York.

In this exclusive APRO podcast, Smithgall describes how his experiences as a cattle rancher, soldier, MBA, media mogul and business manager in a variety of industries have contributed to his success in what he calls the "forgiving" business of rent-to-own.

Never too far removed from his company -- he visits each of his stores four times a year and calls stores each week to talk to associates -- yet ever willing to help polish leaders in the rough, Smithgall discusses the importance of mentorship and the similarities between running cattle and running SEI Aarons.

"What an exciting thing, to help make dreams come true," Smithgall says. "I've always heard if you go into business just to make a profit, you're probably going to fail. I'm in a business where we really can help people achieve ownership of these products they can't get any other way. It's a joy for me to go to work everyday."

 

mevans@rtohq.org



 

About APRO
The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is the official voice of the rent-to-own industry and the most accurate and trustworthy source of rent-to-own news in the industry. Founded in 1980, APRO is the national, nonprofit trade association advocating and representing the rent-to-own industry before the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, courts, media and the public.

For more information, visit www.rtohq.org.




Featured APRO Photo:
From the APRO 2007: Rent-to-Own Awards Banquet Album
Banquet audience
View All RTO Photos
in the RTOHQ.org gallery
RTOHQ: The Magazine
RTOHQ: The Magazine is the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations' award-winning rent-to-own industry magazine, and it's available here.

Complete issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine | June - July 2008
Download the entire June- July 2008 issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine by clicking on the link above (PDF file size is approximately 11 MB). by APRO

 

The Connectors
By Kristen Card
Taking into consideration APRO’s 2008 Convention theme, “Rent-to-Own Connections,” we debut RTOHQ: The Magazine with a series of profiles on some of those in our industry who use their insights about rent-to-own and their abilities of persuasion to connect with members of Congress: Congressman William Lacy Clay, Steve Kruse, RSSS’ Ellison Crider, Missouri’s Mighty Cs (Larry Carrico, “Tiger” John Cleek and Dan Cole), Lyn Leach, Bryce Company’s Bryan Collins, Tom Bernau and Benefit Marketing Solutions.

 

Identity Theft in the Rent-to-Own World
By Ed Winn III
These days, businesses are being held more accountable for the records they keep and the safeguards they use to protect them. Should your customers’ personal and financial information fall into the hands of thieves, you might be liable for the damages caused.

 

APRO’s 2008 Convention Education: Your Gateway to New Ideas
The education schedule at APRO’s 2008 Rent-to-Own Convention and Buying Show in St. Louis has been revamped to provide an entire day of great ideas that you can take back to your stores. Check out the complete schedule and seminar descriptions in this issue.

Association of Progressive Rental Organizations
1504 Robin Hood Trail
Austin, Texas 78703
800/204-2776, ext. 103
Fax 512/794-0097