Education and professional development are important pillars of
RTO World, and this year's roster of presentations sponsored by
High Touch Technologies was off the charts. Brian Eckleberry of
Ace Rent-to-Own presented his topic explaining that you will never
be as good at promoting your business as you think you are
compared to a happy customer. In her presentation, Kelly Martin of
SKC Enterprises Inc., dba Rent One, spoke about the importance of
retaining a business's most valuable asset: people. Mike Tissot of
Countryside Rentals Inc. shared his trade secrets in his session
titled The Art of Growth: Building Your Customer Base.
For the Owners/Dealers Track sessions, the Kale family presented
Breaking Barriers: 5 Ideas to Create New Revenue Streams and
Retain Key Employees. Chris Kale Sr., Rent King, and his sons Chris
Kale, Jr. and Jeff Kale of Happy's Home Centers shared ideas for
business diversity and how to keep employees engaged, loyal and
committed. Presenting together for the first time, the Sutton duo,
Larry and Adam of RNR Tire Express, defined generations within the
workforce and how to leverage the strengths of every employee.
Dan Fisher, Joe Luczak, and Scott Waltman, all from MAJIK
Rent-to-Own, discussed their strengths in the company's culture
and their approach to its finesse. Brian Farrington of Cowles &
Thompson provided a wage and hour legal update while APRO's
Ed Winn III provided his annual legal update. Michael Helton and
Christopher Terrigino of Rivero, Gordimer and Company, PA,
joined Troy Garris of Garris PLLC. They discussed the many topics
to take into consideration when an individual is interested in buying
or selling an RTO business.
Sponsored by Whirlpool, the Hot Show Welcome Reception
and Sale concluded the first day of the convention. Rent-to-own
exhibitors and attendees came together to connect and bid on
items in a live auction. This year's Hot Show hit $11,446,223 in
sales with 26,350 units sold.
Before the day was officially over, the rent-to-own young
professionals and industry newcomers were invited to attend the
Emerging Leaders Networking Social sponsored by Nationwide
RentDirect. Attendees enjoyed networking over some friendly
