RTO Online is the rent-to-own industry’s trade website. Here is just some of what you missed if you didn’t visit RTOonline (www.rtoonline.com) at least once per day in 2007. For the complete RTO Online 2007 Year In Review, visit www.rtoonline.com/2007.

January

It Begins; New York City Councilmen Lay Groundwork For Schumer’s Anti RTO Legislation

The “study” referenced by the councilmen is the same fiction first cited in 2006 by Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) just prior to his introduction of the Rent to Own Protection Act.

Text of Proposed New York Rental Purchase Legislation; Links to New York Legislators

Complete text of New York Assembly Bill 66, introduced by Audrey I. Pheffer, Michael N. Gianaris, Jeffrion L. Aubry and Felix Ortiz. The bill is cosponsored by Cahill, Glick, Hikind, Mayersohn, Peoples, Towns and Weinstein. The proposed legislation amends New York’s personal property law.

Rich Bagoly and Dave Jones Named Premier Rental Purchase 2006 Dealers of the Year

Rich Bagoly and Dave Jones, co-owners of the Rich and Dave Rentals, dba Premier Rental Purchase, were named Premier Dealers of the Year for 2006. The pair were honored at Premier’s Awards Banquet in Miami, Florida.

Rent to Own Renaissance Men; Podcast Interview With Four “New Breed” ColorTyme Franchisees; Cort Hill, Mark Martin, Louis Garcia and Scott Brown

This is ColorTyme Franchisee Cort Hill’s first convention as an owner after successfully opening his first store in Elkton, Maryland just 8 weeks ago.

Texas Democrat Harold Dutton Introduces Rent to Own Price Cap

Texas State Representative Harold Dutton Jr. (D) has introduced House Bill 909, RTO industry killer legislation that would cap the total amount to be paid by a consumer under a rental-purchase agreement at 15% above the cash price.

February

Texas Rental Dealers Wrap Legislative Conference; Report Solid Start To 80th Session

As a small businessman in Texas, I have to pass on the property tax cost to my customers. By eliminating the tax on leased merchandise, I can continue driving down rates for consumers. - Lyle Digby, Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership Franchisee, Texas.

Mike Thompson Named Rent One Manager of the Year; BDI Laguna takes vendor of the year

Mike Thompson was named Rent One Store Manager of the Year for 2006 Wednesday at the company’s annual awards dinner in St. Louis, Missouri. Mike has managed the Sparta, Illinois Rent One store for three years. Rent One also named Kelly McClellan, National Accounts manager for BDI Laguna, Rent One Vendor of the Year. See a complete photo gallery and podcasts.

Texas State Senator Carona Introduces TARA Supported Constitutional Amendment

Rent to Own companies in Texas currently pay property tax on idle inventory as well as on leased merchandise in customer’s homes.

Rent-to-own Pro Dean Engels Turns 20 Years Of Community Relationships Into A Successful ColorTyme Store

“The RTO business is different. It’s not like being a banker or an accountant; every day is different and brings another opportunity to help people. I enjoy developing relationships with people. Though I had no idea what it would be like to be a franchisee, the job is easy because I enjoy what I do. I should have done this 10 years ago.” - Dean Engels, ColorTyme Franchisee.

RentDirect-Nationwide PrimeTime! Trade Show Opens; RTO Online Provides Exclusive Video Coverage From the Show Floor

RTO Online conducted nearly a dozen video interviews with leading rental vendors and dealers, including a conversation with Tony Battaglia from Blue Ribbon Rentals. Battaglia, a twenty-plus year veteran of the rental industry is a strong believer in the importance of participating in buying groups.

March

Former Rent A Center CEO Bud Gates To Franchise easyhome Rent to Own Concept In United States

“The agreement grants Bud Gates exclusive rights to franchise the easyhome concept anywhere in the United States, outside the border states.” - David Ingram, CEO, easyhome.

Podcast Interviews With easyhome CEO David Ingram, Master Franchisor Bud Gates, VP Dave Maries, Divisional VP Simon Holmes, Regional Manager Errol Penny

“We’re not going (to the United States) to just join the industry. We’re going there to compete fairly and to try to win.” - David Ingram, President/CEO, Canadian-based easyhome on his company’s just-announced U.S. expansion program.

easyhome Wraps 2007 Conference; Sheri Reid Named Store Manager of the Year; Podcast

Sheri Reid was named easyhome’s Store Manager Of the Year for 2006. Reid was rewarded for her efforts when CEO David Ingram presented her with a new cherry red Hummer.

UK Rent to Own Company ‘Buy As You View’ Doubles Profit In Two Years; Ranked In Top 50 Private Equity Companies

“This success would not have been possible without our dedicated workforce; they have developed with us as the company has grown. We recognize that a happy, stable working environment breeds success.” - Gillian Wilmot, Chief Executive, Buy As You View.

RTO Magazine Publishes List of the Best Consumer Electronics for the Rental Industry; Toshiba Satellite Notebook Computer, Flat Panel Televisions Top the 1st Annual List

The list was compiled by RTO Magazine editors with the help of four leading rental-purchase industry suppliers: SED International, O’Rourke Sales Company, D & H Distributing, and BDI Laguna.

John Natale Named easyhome Vice President Of U.S. Operations

“I have known John since 1995 when he was responsible for my orientation into the rent-to-own industry in the U.S. His proven successful track record as a senior manager in the rent-to-own industry in the U.S. represents an important step forward in strengthening our Management team.” - David Ingram, President and CEO, easyhome.

Rick Vadnais Grows His Rent to Own Business Despite New York Winters

“At the start, I wanted to have some merchandise that would allow me to have the lowest price point so I filled about 10% of my inventory with low-end furniture, electronics and appliances. I quickly found out that stocking merchandise of that kind only leads to service issues. I’ve been doing this 20 years but I am still learning.” - Rick Vadnais, Owner, Premier RTO, Syracuse, New York..

Louisiana Rental Dealers Wrap 2007 Meeting

“I look forward to serving as president of LRDA. I want everyone here to commit to doubling membership by 2008.” - Jeff White, President, Louisiana Rental Dealers Association.

Kelly Sayre Recognized For 25 Years Of Service To Rent to Own Industry

Sayre is one of the RTO industry’s most seasoned players. He opened Big Value Rentals in 1982 and, after a quarter century, remains excited about the future.

April

Podcast Interview With Ken Butler, President, Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership

Aaron’s is opening on average one new store per day. Even at that pace, Butler sees only opportunities for more growth. He does not believe the rent-to-own/lease-purchase industry has even approached market saturation.

Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership Wraps Conference; Emmitt Smith Keynotes

The manager of the store is the key to success in this business. Without you, this success would never ever have happened. My hat is off to every single one of you.” - Robin Loudermilk, Chief Operating Officer, Aaron Rents (RNT).



Cole Flynn, Kevin Wood Named Aaron’s Managers of the Year

Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership awards Store of the Year in both the Franchise and Company systems. Farmington, New Mexico General Manager Kevin Wood was awarded Aaron’s 2006 Store of the Year for the franchise system. Cole Flynn, GM of the Fort Myers, Florida Aaron’s, took top honors for company owned stores. The pair were presented with 2007 Hummer H3s at Wednesday’s Denim and Diamonds Awards banquet at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas.

Missouri Rental Dealers To Celebrate 20th Anniversary At Heartland Of America RTO Tradeshow

The Heartland Show offers attendees an opening-day choice between the group’s annual golf tournament or Bass tournament.

Gentlemen Start Your Marketing; Aaron’s Wraps Successful Talladega Dream Weekend

NASCAR has turned sports-marketing into an art form and Aaron’s has embraced the NASCAR demographic with enthusiastic open arms.

Joshua Edwards Wins Aaron’s PT Rodeo; Named Best of the Best In Aaron’s System; Company Announces Expanded Commitment To Victory Junction

Joshua Edwards, Product Technician at the Cartersville, Georgia Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership location, took the grand prize in Friday’s PT Rodeo finals. Edwards came out on top of a company-wide field of over 3,000 Product Techs.

May

Well-known RTO Dealer Fred Pearson Finds Success Renting Automobiles Instead of Appliances

As many as 80% of car shoppers have credit too poor to lease or purchase vehicles through traditional means, giving the concept of RTO automobiles a jump start.

Former Rent-A-Center (RCII) District Managers Open First Of Five ColorTyme Locations

Routh and Dami, former Rent-A-Center (RAC) district managers, bring more than 26 years combined experience in rent-to-own to their franchise.

ColorTyme Franchisees Tell Story Of Commitment, Growth

ColorTyme franchisees have access to 100 percent inventory financing through Wells Fargo Foothill or Texas Capitol Bank. It’s the backing independent dealers need to take business to the next level with higher-end inventory to attract customers. That same financial backing is available for new stores as well.

Retail Giant Goes Smaller To Get Bigger; Aaron’s Reaches Out To Franchisees In Smaller Markets

Aaron’s will continue to open new franchise locations in traditional urban markets, but by expanding into smaller towns and in rural areas, the company will increase its penetration in growing and underserved markets.

Schumer To Introduce Rent to Own Legislation

In 2006, Schumer introduced Senate Bill 1012, the Rent to Own Reform Act of 2006 which claims that rent to own transactions are retail credit sales and therefore subject to interest rate caps.

Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership Partners with Bill Elliott Racing

“Aaron’s partnership with the Bill Elliott Racing Driver Development Program will be a great addition to our involvement in sports marketing.” - Robin Loudermilk, COO, Aaron Rents Inc.

June

easyhome Store Of The Future Opens In New York; Hundreds Wait In Line for Hours; Company To Open Up Border States To Franchisees

“We wanted to make a statement that easyhome has arrived. I think we accomplished that.” - Dave Maries, Vice President of Marketing and Advertising, easyhome, Inc.

The Premier Rental Purchase Philosophy

“At Premier, we have our 80-20 rule. With almost any of our support services, up to 20% of our dealers will choose to do something different because they believe they can do it better.” - Trooper Earle, CEO Premier Companies.

Baseline Assists in Scoring New Customers

After racking up a year and a half of successful sales history, Brown Councill of Baseline Licensing Group says his company is prepared to take the concept of sports home lifestyle furniture to the next level.

ColorTyme Conventioneers Attend Night Game At Great American Ballpark; Cruise The Ohio; New Photo Galleries

Friday was a day to relax for ColorTyme franchisees midway through the 2007 ColorTyme National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio - A golf tournament in the morning, a riverboat cruise in the afternoon and a Reds versus Cardinals night game at Great American Ballpark.

Ken Schimpf Named ColorTyme franchisee of the Year

Ken Schimpf was named ColorTyme Franchisee of the Year for 2006. Schimpf was awarded the company’s prestigious Eagle Award Thursday at ColorTyme’s 2007 National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Apple iPhone to Grab 10 Percent Smartphone Share By End of 2007

Some experts predict the Apple iPhone sales will account for 2 million of a total 20 million smartphones sold this year.

Sony Goes NASCAR; Dale Earnhardt Junior To Be New Pitchman; Says Earnhardt “It’s Cool”

Sony has signed a personal endorsement deal with NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. of Jr Motorsports to participate in the company’s marketing efforts.

Podcast; Interviews With Past Missouri Rental Dealers Association Presidents

There have been six MRDA presidents since the group was chartered in 1987 - John Thompson, Gary Romine, John Cleek Sr., Dan Cole, Chuck Kuluva and current President John Cleek Jr.

Rent One’s Trent Agin Wins Heartland RTO Bass Tournament

Trent Agin, Vice President of Business Systems for the Midwest’s largest rent-to-own chain - Rent One -, took the prize for biggest fish in Tuesday’s Buddy Bass Tournament at the 2007 Heartland of America RTO Tradeshow in Lake Ozark, Missouri. The event is organized by Missouri Rental Dealers Association (MRDA).

Editorial: How Microsoft’s Surface Computing Will Change The Rent to Own and Leasing Industry

The potential of surface-computing to improve not only the customer experience, but also the efficiency of Rent to Own store operations, is phenomenal. Here are just a few ways Surface Computing will change the look of RTO in the near future.

Premier Home Furnishings; Balancing the Rent to Own and Retail Worlds

“Above all, what has distinguished my vision of home furnishings is its allure to a very diverse clientele, and with that has come the need for different kinds of relationships with my customers than is traditionally found in RTO or retail.” - Jim Schebler, President Premier Home Furnishings.

RTO Online Wraps Up Successful Franchise Week 2007

“Website traffic and magazine readership both far exceeded expectations. Visitor traffic increased throughout Franchise Week, ending with nearly 20,000 user sessions Friday (June 8, 2007).” - Roy Griffaw, President, RTO Online, Inc.

Rent Here, Pay Here; RTO Cars - The Wheels Every Rent to Own Customer Needs

There’s a lot of discussion these days about the profit potential for renting tires and wheels. But imagine renting an entire vehicle to your customers. “I’ve learned never to say no about renting something until I’ve had a chance to really examine the potential,” says Fred Pearson, former co-owner of Furniture and Appliances Now, Arkansas’ largest independent RTO chain.

July

American Rental Wraps 2007 Trade Expo; Podcast Interviews With CTO Raouf Bishay and Buyer Donna Hinshaw

There was a bit of unexpected excitement when hundreds of fireworks that were being set up for the evening’s grand finale were accidentally ignited. The resulting explosion and fire thankfully resulted in no injuries, but did provide the best daylight fireworks display in Indiana history.

Three Quarters Of Small Business Owners Say High Gas Prices Hurting Business

74 percent of small business owners polled by the National Association of the Self Employed (NASE) said that high gas prices were either significantly or moderately hurting their business, up from 67 percent in 2005.

ColorTyme’s Neyhart Forms Partnership With New Yorker; Additional Stores Planned

“I wouldn’t be a ColorTyme franchisee today if someone hadn’t helped me out. At the end of the day you want to be able to look back and say that you’ve helped someone too.” - Tom Neyhart, ColorTyme Franchisee.

Mizati Holds Ribbon Cutting At First Company Rent to Own Wheel Store

Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels held the grand opening of its first rent-to-own store Saturday in Upland, California. Company officials were joined by local business leaders and Upland City Council member Ray Musser.

Rent-A-Center Reports Same Store Sales Up 2.7%; Warns For Q3 and 4

“..the business environment has been very challenging as of late. We believe that the financial challenges facing our customers have increased recently, resulting in a softer outlook for the balance of this year.” - Mark Speese, CEO, Rent-A-Center.

Former Blue-Dog Representative Ralph Hall Cosponsors Rental Purchase Agreement Act

Texas Representative Ralph Hall (R), has cosponsored the Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act of 2007 (H.R. 1767). Hall, a 14 term Representative and the oldest serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives, is a former Democrat who switched parties in 2004.

August

Talleys, Coles, ColorTyme Agree to Part Ways

Talley Rents and the Cole Group will join forces to operate their existing stores and future stores under the Rent 1st brand, which will focus on renting appliances and electronics with the ability to expand into new territories while protecting ColorTyme’s existing franchisees for a two year period.

Payday Loan Industry Fires Back at Washington Post; Demands correction, investigation

“We offered to sit down with the editorial writer who refused to meet us. Instead she took the word of a disingenuous anti-business activist group, the Center for Responsible Lending, reprinting their factually inaccurate charges verbatim from their talking points. Newspapers are allowed to have opinions, but they should be informed opinions.” - Tommy Moore, Executive Vice President, CFSA.

New York Legislature Galvanizes Rental Dealers; Legislative Conference Set For January

Since Elliot Spitzer took the Governors office, the New York press has focused heavily on consumer issues. There has been little official industry opposition to distortions by the press, who rely solely on the far left views of consumer advocacy groups for information. The Buffalo News ran an editorial Sunday entitled - Albany Snubs The Poor; Failure to address systemic abuses leaves needy New Yorkers exposed.

RTO Online Celebrates 10,000th Photo

The 10,000th photo was taken Saturday, July 14th 2007 at the American Rental Trade Expo Hog Roast in Nashville, Indiana during a “bubble blowing contest” held for children of employees.

Aaron’s “Lucky Dog” Helps Bring Smiles to Children With Cancer

“We are so grateful to Aaron’s and the New York State Rental Dealers Association for their generous support of our summer book club.” - Chuck Collard, who co-founded Carly’s Club with his daughter, Carly Collard Cottone, who succumbed to cancer in 2002.

ColorTyme Icon Pat Sumner Leaves Corporate To Become Franchisee; Plans Dallas - Ft. Worth Franchise

“For some time, I’ve entertained the idea of opening my own ColorTyme store, now my family and I have reached the point where we’re ready to take that step.” - Pat Sumner, Director of Franchise Development, ColorTyme.

Buying Group Reports Continued Momentum Despite Challenging Market; Selling the experience works for independent retailers

“Collectively, our group members experienced double digit growth in unit sales for flat panels last year.” - Mike Decker, Vice President of Marketing, Electronics, Nationwide Marketing Group.

easyhome Raises Over $50,000 During 2007 Backpack Challenge; Employees Summit Mount Kilimanjaro To Support Fundraising

The company’s top two 2006 fundraisers, Store Manager Pauline O’Brien and Regional Manager John Kanarens, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in support of the backpack fundraiser. On July 18th, John and Pauline reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and easyhome reached its goal of $52,000 raised.

Interview With Michael Garner, Director Of The Southeast Auto Rental Dealers Association

Michael Garner, Director of SEADRA, the South East Automobile Dealers’ Rental Association, explains how there’s never been a better time to get into the RTO automobile business.

RentDirect Wraps; Dealers , Vendors Proclaim Show “Best Yet”; 9 New Podcasts From Show Floor

RentDirect Nationwide wrapped a successful four-day event at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas with a trade show that broke all previous records for attendance.

Interview With Peter Krideras, National Marketing & Merchandise Manager for Radio Rentals of New South Wales, Australia.

From collecting on a fortnight to double-checking a customer’s scorecard, they might say things a bit differently in his part of the world. But with Radio Rentals’ stores averaging 3,000 units on rent per location, it’s lingo we could all do well to learn.

RentDirect-Nationwide Member 2 Member Summit; General Session, Break Out Seminars Focus on Improving Rental Business Practices

Saturday’s Member 2 Member General Session featured an update by Executive Director James MacAlpine. MacAlpine announced that RentDirect will have 300 member companies by the end of August and more than 150 were registered to attend this weekend’s meetings.

Rent to Own and Retail Side By Side; Badcock Home Furnishings Tests Side By Side Retail and Rent to Own In Largo, Florida

W. S. Badcock Corporation held a ribbon cutting Wednesday to celebrate the opening of its 8,000 sq ft Largo, Florida Home Now Rental Ownership store. Home Now is the rent-to-own division of Badcocks. See a complete photo gallery of the ribbon cutting and celebration.

September

Slippery Slope; Consumer Groups Want More Rules For Lending To Military Men and Women

Just days after the Pentagon released rules capping interest rates at 36% for loans made to service members, consumer groups are already whining for more.

Use of Social Security Numbers Causing Increased Concern; Eighty Nine Percent of Americans Want Lawmakers to Restrict Use

The poll also revealed 78 percent of Americans would prefer not to provide their number, but are concerned about the consequences of refusing to do so. Social Security numbers are routinely required by rent-to-own companies as part of the application process.

RTO Magazine Profiles Aaron’s Larry Law; Ships First Ever How To Issue

The content-packed September, 2007 issue of RTO Magazine, the leading print trade publication in the home-goods Rent-to-Own and leasing sectors, is arriving in mailboxes. The issue features an expanded RTO Excellence profile of Larry Law, Washington State Aaron’s Franchisee..

Check n’ Go Claims Payday Advance “Whistleblower” A Convicted Felon; Falsified Employment Records

The company believes that the former employees worked with the Center for Responsible Lending to mislead the public in order to cause intentional harm to Check ‘n Go and to influence public perception and the legislative process. The company also claims that Center for Responsible Lending and the former employees employed questionable tactics, such as unauthorized eavesdropping and otherwise illegally obtaining confidential communications.

RTO Expo Wraps; Podcast Interview With Association President Mike Tissot

“We can make sure that all of our professionals are truly professional. If we can teach that skill, then our image and our business will improve.” - Excerpt from RTO Online’s podcast interview with Mike Tissot, president of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association.

Bestway Rent-to-Own Convention In Full Swing; Interview With CEO David Kraemer

Sales at Bestway are tracking well above last year. The challenge now, says Kraemer, is adding increased retention to those sales. “Deliveries are up well over 20% in the last nine months but we’re seeing returns creep up. We feel like we can improve results by focusing on keeping customers rather chasing after new ones”.

The Innovative Conservative; An exclusive podcast interview with Gary Ferriman, owner of Showplace Rent-to-Own

Gary Ferriman is the owner of Showplace Rent to Own, operating 14 locations in Northern Ohio. Showplace began as a retailer in 1982 and became one of the first rent-to-own companies in the region, adding the RTO purchase option to TVs and satellite systems in 1983.

Nations Largest Rent to Own Store Growing According To Plan

At 35,000 square feet, NewAvenues Rentals’ Decatur, Georgia location is thought to be the largest rental-purchase store in North America. Moore says the store is growing according to plan, and that due to the relatively low cost per square foot, the plan is not as aggressive as one might assume.

Mike and Lisa Gavidia Take On College Town

Gavidia credits ColorTyme franchisee Mike Houseworth, for whom he worked for six years, for helping him achieve his goals. “You see the efforts and graciousness of many of the owners. They pave the way for you to go out on your own.” - Mike Gavidia, ColorTyme Franchisee.

Aaron Rents Warns; Revises 2007 Store Opening Plans

Aaron’s expects same store revenues in the Sales & Lease Ownership division will increase close to 5% in the third quarter. But due to the operating cost pressures, results for the third and fourth quarter of 2007 will probably be at or below previous guidance.

Michael Novembrino Shares Secrets of Choosing the Right Site For Your Next Rent to Own Store

Everyone has heard the adage, Location, Location, Location. The cost of your lease and its related fees will be one of the largest non-controllable expenses for your Rent to Own business.

Interview With Express Rentals Owner Jean-Guy Poulin

“I’d say in the overall Parish there are about 100,000 residents. We’ll deliver merchandise as far as 60 miles out.” - Jean-Guy Poulin, Owner, Express Rentals; Treasurer, Louisiana Rental Dealers Association.

Rent-N-Roll Goes Retail; Company To Re-brand As Retailer With RTO Option

“Our demographic already tell us that at least 50 to 60% of our current RTO customers have never used the rent-to-own agreement before.” - Larry Sutton, President, Rent-N-Roll.

October

30% Say Total Revenue Most Important Measure Of RTO Store’s Success

When forced to choose one, 29.89% of rent-to-own professionals say Total Revenue is the most important variable in judging a rent to own store’s performance. 23.56% said Customer Count is most important. Total BOR (units on rent) rounded out the top three with 17.24%..

Is It Time To Rent Macintosh?; Apple Ships 2.1 Million Macs In Third Quarter, Up 34%

As Apple gains market share, the premium product could become an important addition to the rent-to-own industry’s lineup, helping hold the line against rapid PC price declines.

Rent to Own Companies and Identity Theft; Tips To Protect Sensitive Customer Information

The most common security breach in the rent to own industry is improper disposal of customer applications and other records containing sensitive information. While the most likely consequence of improper disposal is harm to the industry’s reputation if discovered, the possibility of identity theft is real.

Aaron’s Mid American Operations Unit; Leaning Forward Hair On Fire

Aaron’s store count has increased 50% in three years. The company’s Mid American Operations unit, headed by VP Bert Hanson and supported by a team of what can only be described as the civilian version of born-again hard marines, has one thing on its mind - domination.

Only In America; Video Interview With Aaron Rents Founder Charlie Loudermilk

Charlie Loudermilk, Chairman and CEO of Aaron Rents, who founded the company in 1955 with an inventory of 300 folding chairs, addressed the crowd before the ribbon cutting. “I’ve been to plenty of grand openings over the years, but even I’ve never seen anything quite like this,” he said. Watch RTO Online’s exclusive interview with Charlie Loudermilk, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Aaron Rents..

Aarons Store Count Grows 50% In Three Years; Largest Ever Grand Opening Of 1500th Location Begins Today In Mansfield, Texas

“We are proud to mark this momentous occasion for Aaron’s. We specifically chose Mansfield, Texas as the location for this benchmark because of the growth opportunity that emergent, young communities present for our unique lease-ownership concept.” - R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr., Chairman and CEO, Aaron Rents.

Rent-A-Center Rescues Vandalized Buffalo, New York Club; Buffalo Mayor Brown Recognizes RAC For Community Involvement

“It’s always wonderful to see a company give back to the people it serves in the community, but in this instance it was especially gratifying to see how quickly Rent-A-Center responded in replacing the stolen and destroyed furnishings in the Club.” - Byron Brown, Mayor of Buffalo, New York.

Rental Revolution; Radio Rentals Launches New Website

“The site’s homepage flash presentation detailing the benefits of renting is a home-run and, in our opinion, is the strongest of any rent to own company offering currently available on the net.” - From RTO Online’s Website Review of Radio Rentals.

RTO Online Releases US Senate And House Of Representatives Face Book Application

The dynamic PDF Congressional Face Book program was written and is hosted by RTO Online as a free service to the rent to own and home-goods leasing industries. There is no charge for the service and registration is not required.

November

Rent’N Go Supports National Beat the Heat, Cops & Kids Program

Rent to Own custom wheel franchisor Rent’N Go is supporting the Cops & Kids Beat the Heat program in partnership with the National Hot Rod Association..

Soaps Or NASCAR - Women More Likely To Watch Sports; Marketers Should Focus On Sports To Reach Key Demo

Which is more effective for reaching female consumers, advertising on soap operas or during NFL games? If you guessed soap operas, you would be very wrong. Aaron Rents is one company that has found success in sports marketing.

Providence Rhode Island Mayor’s Task Force Recommends Allowing City To Ban Rent to Own And Other Services

The Providence Task Force final recommendation states that the City should include legislation in its state legislative package creating state laws banning services such as check-cashers, rent-to-own stores, payday loans, and refund anticipatory loans.

Oklahoma Rental Dealers Flourish Despite Tight Regulation; Interview With Oklahoma Association President Randy Braucher

The Rent to Own industry in Oklahoma is tightly regulated. In addition to being licensed, all locations are physically audited annually by a state auditor attached to the Department of Consumer Credit. Randy Braucher, President of ORDA, says that despite the oversight, RTO companies prosper in Oklahoma..

Former Rent-A-Center CEO Bud Gates To Keynote RentDirect Nationwide

Former Rent-A-Center (RCII) CEO and pioneer of the rent-to-own industry Bud Gates will keynote the RentDirect session being held during the Nationwide PrimeTime! buying show in at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas March 2-5, 2008.

Tire Rental Industry Pioneer Scott Savell Joins ColorTyme to Oversee Major Expansion of RimTyme Division

“We knew we would need to hire a big gun to lead the effort and Savell was the obvious choice. His expertise in this market is second to none and we’re glad to have him join our RimTyme team.” - Bob Bloom, President, ColorTyme..

Fuel Costs Continue To Drive Down Low and Middle Income Consumer Spending

“Shoppers at opposite ends of the economic spectrum will approach the holiday season very differently, producing a mixed outlook for retailers.” - Doug Harrison, President and CEO, Harrison Group.

Rent-A-Center VP Chris Korst Named RTO Magazine Man of the Year

In honor of his dedication and legislative successes on behalf of the entire rent-to-own (RTO) industry, Chris Korst, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Rent-A-Center, has been named 2007 Man of the Year by RTO Magazine, the rent-to-own and lease-purchase industry’s largest trade magazine.

December

Rent-A-Center Closes 280 Stores In 40 States

For the second time in as many years, Rent-A-Center announced a major store consolidation plan.

Rent-To-Own Industry Statistical Data; SEC Filings Most Reliable Source of Operational Data

From average store size to the the amount spent per location on rental inventory, Rent-A-Center’s annual reports (10-Ks) are a gold mine of information that traditional independent operators can use to gauge their performance versus the industry as a whole.

Premier Companies Forms Joint Custom Wheel Rent to Own Franchise Venture With Wheel Workz

The Premier Companies, parent company of Premier Wheel Rentals, has formed a joint venture with Memphis, Tennessee based Wheel Workz, the largest independently owned supplier of custom wheels in the Mid-South and franchisor of Wheel Workz Rent-to-Own. The new franchise venture will be named Premier Wheel Workz.

ColorTyme Hires Franchise-Industry Exec James Deering as Director of Franchise Development

“I hope to bring great franchise and business organizational efficiencies as well as help refine the proven systems that ColorTyme has in place now.” - James Deering, Director of Franchise Development, ColorTyme...

Interview With Chris Bolin, Bolin Rental Purchase; Kentucky Rental Dealers to Revive Dormant Association

Chris Bolin also serves as Vice President of the Tennessee Rental Dealers Association. Before opening his own stores, he worked as a Regional Manager for Alrenco/Home Choice/Rentway for nearly 12 years. Prior to Alrenco, Bolin worked as a police officer for 7 years.

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RTO Magazine is the leading rent to own industry print publication.