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

Pete Shau
  • 5.0（9則評分）
  • 職業
  • 每週更新

     Ever wondered how a $8.5 billion industry keeps millions of Americans lounging in style? Step into "The RTO Show Podcast" – where the mysterious world of Rent to Own furniture finally spills its secrets! Your host Pete Shau isn't just any industry veteran – he's spent 20 years in the trenches, collecting the kind of stories that'll make you laugh, gasp, and maybe even rethink everything you knew about that couch you're sitting on.      From wild customer tales to industry shake-ups that'll knock your rented socks off, Pete brings the seemingly mundane world of furniture financing to vibrant life. Warning: This isn't your typical business podcast – expect real talk, unexpected laughs, and "aha!" moments that'll have you looking at every lease agreement in a whole new light.      Whether you're an RTO pro who knows your depreciation schedules by heart, or you're just curious about how that fancy sectional ended up in your living room, Pete's got the inside scoop you never knew you needed. Tune in and discover why the furniture business is anything but boring! 

  1. Show Your Face, Adjust Your Sound, And Watch Store Traffic Climb

    2 天前

    Show Your Face, Adjust Your Sound, And Watch Store Traffic Climb

    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

    48 分鐘
  2. The Big Beautiful Bill: Discussing RTO’s Finance and taxes with RG Co. CPA's

    10月13日

    The Big Beautiful Bill: Discussing RTO’s Finance and taxes with RG Co. CPA's

    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

    1 小時 43 分鐘
  3. What a Quiet Salesperson Teaches Us About RTO’s Future

    10月6日

    What a Quiet Salesperson Teaches Us About RTO’s Future

    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. 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

    49 分鐘
  4. From Cleats to Clipboards: Building Effective Leaders in Rent-to-Own

    9月29日

    From Cleats to Clipboards: Building Effective Leaders in Rent-to-Own

    Send us a text When 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. 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

    1 小時 16 分鐘
  5. "Grow your business in 40 flushes!" with book author John Preston

    9月22日

    "Grow your business in 40 flushes!" with book author John Preston

    Send us a text What 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. 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

    55 分鐘

  6. 9月15日

    What if your POS system actually made your business better?

    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. 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

    1 小時 13 分鐘
  7. "Hello Omaha!" with APRO CEO Charles Smitherman, PhD, JD, MSt, CAE

    9月8日

    "Hello Omaha!" with APRO CEO Charles Smitherman, PhD, JD, MSt, CAE

    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. 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

    37 分鐘

  8. 9月1日

    Franchise Success: The Inside Scoop with Mitchell Lee

    Send us a text What 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. 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

    54 分鐘
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簡介

     Ever wondered how a $8.5 billion industry keeps millions of Americans lounging in style? Step into "The RTO Show Podcast" – where the mysterious world of Rent to Own furniture finally spills its secrets! Your host Pete Shau isn't just any industry veteran – he's spent 20 years in the trenches, collecting the kind of stories that'll make you laugh, gasp, and maybe even rethink everything you knew about that couch you're sitting on.      From wild customer tales to industry shake-ups that'll knock your rented socks off, Pete brings the seemingly mundane world of furniture financing to vibrant life. Warning: This isn't your typical business podcast – expect real talk, unexpected laughs, and "aha!" moments that'll have you looking at every lease agreement in a whole new light.      Whether you're an RTO pro who knows your depreciation schedules by heart, or you're just curious about how that fancy sectional ended up in your living room, Pete's got the inside scoop you never knew you needed. Tune in and discover why the furniture business is anything but boring! 

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