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

Send us a text Law 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 show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text In 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. APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text A 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. APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text Two 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 show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text Health 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. APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text A 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 show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text Want 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. APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text A 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. APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text A 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. APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text A 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. APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text What 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? APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text A 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. APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text A 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. APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text A 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. APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations APRO Association of Progressive Rental Organizations Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text Ready 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 jeraud@jeraudmarketing.com, 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. October ad Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text What 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? October ad Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text A 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 show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text What 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 enosbarger@revopos.com to learn how this software could transform your operation. Support the show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast

Send us a text When 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 show www.TheRTOshowPodcast.com For swag and information Pete@thertoshowpodcast.com Facebook - The RTO Show Instagram - the_rto_show Linkedin - The RTO Show Youtube - The RTO Show Podcast