The RTO Show LIVE at RTO WORLD 2026

Send us Fan Mail If rent to own does not define itself, someone else will. Charles Smitherman of APRO and Adam Sutton of RNR Tire Express break down how culture, clear language, and AI search shape the future of the rent-to-own industry. Recorded live at RTO World 2026 in West Palm Beach, this episode of The RTO Show Podcast brings host Pete Shau together with two of the RTO community's most active leaders. Charles Smitherman, CEO of APRO (the Association of Professional Rental Organizations), explains why telling the industry's story first matters more than ever as people turn to AI for answers. Adam Sutton, CEO of RNR Tire Express, shares how DX3 (culture, customers, and community) helped his franchise earn a spot on the 2026 Franchise Culture 100 list. The conversation moves from franchise culture and leadership development to subscription thinking, product as a service, APRO's updated best practices, and the push for a self-regulating industry. It closes with practical GEO toolkits for RTO members and the lessons learned from the New York ELSA Act advocacy effort. Pete also shares what it meant to receive the Heritage Award at RTO World. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How RNR Tire Express builds a value-driven culture with DX3 and the "team member" mindset Why repetition, encouragement, and a "fail fast" attitude help teams change culture How subscription thinking and product as a service explain what RTO customers value Why repeating APRO's core truths about rent to own helps customers, lawmakers, and AI engines get the transaction right What RTO operators can do now to improve marketing and compliance messaging with the APRO GEO toolkit APRO Association of Professional Rental Organizations Wow Brands Digital Marketing for the RTO industry - Including Web design, SEO, ad, and much more under one roof RNR Tire Express Custom wheels & tires with flexible rent-to-own options. Find a store near you today! 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 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