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

Pete Shau
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The RTO Show Podcast is the podcast for the rent-to-own industry, hosted by Pete Shau, an industry insider with more than 20 years of experience in RTO operations, sales, leadership, marketing, and store growth.  Each episode brings candid conversations, practical insights, and real stories from the people shaping the RTO community, including operators, vendors, association leaders, store teams, industry veterans, and innovators helping move rent-to-own forward.  Pete’s conversations are built for seasoned veterans, newcomers, owners, managers, vendors, and anyone who wants to learn from the shared experiences, hard-earned lessons, and fresh perspectives inside the rent-to-own industry.  From lead generation, lead management, customer behavior, store traffic, door swings, sales process, collections, training, recruitment, and leadership development to technology, CRM integration, mobile-first shopping, Google ranking, Facebook ads, video marketing, advocacy, APRO, TRIB Group, RTO World, LegCon, and the future of the rent-to-own business model, The RTO Show helps listeners understand what is really happening in RTO.  If you work in RTO, serve the RTO industry, or want to better understand the people, challenges, trends, and opportunities behind rent-to-own, The RTO Show Podcast is your insider’s guide to the industry’s pulse.  Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor

  1. 1D AGO

    Building Beyond RTO: Mark Connelly on Expansion Done Right

    Send us Fan Mail A “short-term job” after the Marine Corps turned into a career that put Mark Connolly in charge of hundreds of rent-to-own stores, and the path there is anything but clean. We talk through the real story: job fairs, brutal hours, constant relocations, industry consolidation, and the leadership decisions that separate a manager from a builder. Mark breaks down what actually scales an RTO business: recruiting great people, protecting customer experience, and never pretending collections are optional. He shares the hiring tells he trusts, the traits he knows he cannot coach, and the practical operating advice that helped him rebuild performance across multiple markets. If you run multi-unit operations or you’re trying to grow from one store to two, you’ll hear blunt guidance on when to slow down, when to push, and why profitability has to be the foundation. We also dig into the Arona story and the broader portfolio strategy behind BCP: buying stores, investing in real estate, and expanding into businesses like Valvoline quick lube, restaurants, pet retail, and equipment rental. The thread that ties it together is simple and hard: keep great operators in place, treat vendors as partners, and don’t outgrow your leadership bench. If you’re serious about growth in the rent-to-own industry, hit play, take notes, and then tell us what you’re building next. Subscribe wherever you listen, share this with an operator who’s scaling, and leave a review so more RTO leaders can find the show. What’s the next move you’re considering? 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

    1h 4m

  2. MAY 11

    The Future of RTO Buying, AI, and Omnichannel Retail with AMPTAB

    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 scalabilityEpisode 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 episodeMeet 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 discoveryClosing 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

    59 min

  3. MAY 4

    How Lauren Talicska and APRO’s LedgeCon 2026 Are Shaping the Future of Rent to Own

    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 leadersEpisode 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 matterMeet 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 GroupClosing 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

    1h 5m

  4. APR 27

    Inside LegCon 2026: How APRO Is Protecting the Future of Rent to Own

    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 overreachHow APRO’s LegCon 2026 attracted more than 100 attendees, including 33 first time advocates from across the rent to own industryThe real reason lawmakers and legislative staff often misunderstand rent to own and how industry leaders are changing that narrativeHow virtual rent to own, shed rental businesses, tire and wheel providers, and traditional RTO operators are working together under one industry voiceWhat the New York legislative battle reveals about proactive advocacy, consumer protection policy, and the future of lease purchase regulationEpisode Highlights: 03:04 – Why LegCon 2026 became one of APRO’s strongest advocacy events in years05:06 – How podcasts, newsletters, AI visibility, and digital communication are expanding the reach of the rent to own industry07:25 – Why bringing 33 first time attendees to Capitol Hill was a major milestone for APRO advocacy14:17 – The conversation with CFPB Deputy Director Jeff Gradler and what it means for the future of RTO regulation20:26 – What advocacy meetings with legislators actually look like behind closed doors36:19 – How virtual rent to own companies like Acima, Progressive, and Snap Finance are expanding the lease purchase market51:24 – The growing concern around New York Senate Bill 1726 and Assembly Bill 491859:24 – The one message Charles Smitherman and Amberlee Maya want every RTO dealer to hear before LegCon 2027Meet 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 strategyClosing 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

    1h 6m

  5. APR 20

    How RNR Tire Express Builds Better Shops Through Training, Service, and Leadership

    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 industryHow RNR Tire Express uses hands on training, ASE certifications, and service manager development to improve shop performance and safetyThe operational systems behind scaling from 24 to 26 locations while maintaining customer retention and service consistencyHow AI tools, Shopmonkey software, and digital workflow systems are changing the future of automotive service and rent to own operationsWhat it takes to transition from technician to leadership in the RTO automotive space and build long term career growthEpisode Highlights: 03:28 – How RNR Tire Express scaled to more than 24 stores through training and operational leadership10:39 – Why RIMS USA created a dedicated corporate service manager and training position14:18 – How new service managers are trained using hands on leadership and real world shop experience20:22 – Why customer education is one of the most important parts of the tire and wheel business27:53 – Inside the MIT management training program and how future leaders are developed41:24 – How Shopmonkey software, digital workflow systems, and AI tools improve shop efficiency50:47 – The safety systems and training procedures helping eliminate wheel off incidents and customer damage59:29 – The future of electric vehicles, Bluetooth TPMS sensors, and evolving automotive service technologyMeet 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 preparationClosing 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 buil 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

    1h 5m

  6. APR 14

    RTO Legend: Honoring Ernie Lewallen’s Legacy in the Rent To Own Industry

    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 ownHow Ernie Lewallen helped shape APRO, TRIB Group, and RTO World through long term leadership and collaborationThe role mentorship and relationship building play in creating lasting influence in the RTO industryHow customer service, integrity, and leadership culture can define a multi decade careerWhy preserving RTO history and honoring industry pioneers is important for future operators and business leadersEpisode Highlights: 01:36 – Why Ernie believed the health of the business depended on the health of the industry02:16 – How Ernie helped build RTO World and supported legislative advocacy efforts in Washington03:47 – Why industry respect is earned through leadership, mentorship, and consistency05:23 – How Ernie became one of the strongest advocates for APRO and the rent to own community06:12 – Stories about Ernie’s leadership style, strong convictions, and commitment to the industry07:43 – How Ernie’s influence helped shape RNR Tire Express and future franchise growth08:54 – Reflections from industry leaders on Ernie’s impact on family, leadership, and mentorship09:32 – Why preserving RTO history matters for the future of the industryTools, 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 storytellingClosing 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

    12 min

  7. APR 7

    David David’s Leadership Lessons for Rent To Own Operators and Entrepreneurs

    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 cultureWhy APRO, TRIB Group, and state rental dealer associations were critical in protecting the future of the rent to own industryThe importance of customer relationships, payment flexibility, and ownership focused service in RTOHow leadership development and employee culture create long term retention and business growthWhy online rent to own strategies, digital retail, and website optimization are shaping the future of the industryEpisode Highlights: 03:47 – How childhood work ethic and entrepreneurship shaped David David’s business mindset11:03 – The early days of opening Full-O-Pep rental stores and learning the rent to own business17:07 – What makes a successful rental store acquisition and how to integrate company culture22:10 – How Indiana rental legislation was built through advocacy and state association leadership26:12 – Why employee culture, vendor relationships, and company events matter in RTO operations38:57 – How APRO helped protect the rent to own industry during major legislative battles46:58 – Why the future of rent to own depends on customer service, online business, and industry advocacy55:02 – David David’s best advice for new rent to own store owners and operatorsMeet 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

    1h 1m

  8. MAR 31

    Family, Advocacy, and Leadership in Rent to Own with John Cleek Jr.

    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 leadershipWhy community engagement and customer relationships remain essential to long term business growthThe lessons John Cleek Jr. learned from growing up inside a family owned retail and rent to own businessHow Cleek’s Home Furnishings expanded from one appliance store into a recognized regional RTO brandWhy 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, Missouri05:30 – How tragedy forced Tiger John Cleek to lead the family business at just 23 years old08:12 – The three business rules that still guide Cleek’s Home Furnishings today13:07 – Why the company transitioned into full scale rent to own operations in the late 1980s16:14 – The decision to join Aaron’s and the lessons learned from franchise expansion23:08 – How Tiger John Cleek helped launch the Missouri Rental Dealers Association26:17 – The push for federal rent to own legislation and APRO advocacy efforts31:14 – Tiger John Cleek’s ALS diagnosis and the creation of the RTO Tiger Award36:03 – The evolution of the Heartland Expo and why industry collaboration matters47:18 – 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 philosophyThe Golden Rule customer service approachGrassroots state association advocacy strategyCommunity based customer relationship buildingHeartland Expo networking and training modelAPRO 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

    57 min
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About

The RTO Show Podcast is the podcast for the rent-to-own industry, hosted by Pete Shau, an industry insider with more than 20 years of experience in RTO operations, sales, leadership, marketing, and store growth.  Each episode brings candid conversations, practical insights, and real stories from the people shaping the RTO community, including operators, vendors, association leaders, store teams, industry veterans, and innovators helping move rent-to-own forward.  Pete’s conversations are built for seasoned veterans, newcomers, owners, managers, vendors, and anyone who wants to learn from the shared experiences, hard-earned lessons, and fresh perspectives inside the rent-to-own industry.  From lead generation, lead management, customer behavior, store traffic, door swings, sales process, collections, training, recruitment, and leadership development to technology, CRM integration, mobile-first shopping, Google ranking, Facebook ads, video marketing, advocacy, APRO, TRIB Group, RTO World, LegCon, and the future of the rent-to-own business model, The RTO Show helps listeners understand what is really happening in RTO.  If you work in RTO, serve the RTO industry, or want to better understand the people, challenges, trends, and opportunities behind rent-to-own, The RTO Show Podcast is your insider’s guide to the industry’s pulse.  Join The RTO Newsletter: https://bit.ly/RTOPODnewsletter Learn More About Sponsorship: https://bit.ly/RTOPODsponsor

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