The Rent-to-Own Revolution Examines Consumer Access, the Future of Policy, and AI-Driven Discovery
AUSTIN, Texas, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a milestone moment for the rent-to-own industry, the Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO) announced the release of The Rent-to-Own Revolution: The Definitive Industry History of Advocacy and Consumer Access, a landmark new book co-authored by APRO CEO Charles Smitherman and Ryan Krass, CEO of WOW Brands. More than a historical record, the book serves as both an advocacy resource and a forward-looking strategy at a time when the industry is navigating rapid change in technology, regulation, and information discovery.
Documenting the Past, Informing the Future
The book offers the most comprehensive historical, legal, and strategic account ever written about the modern rent-to-own (RTO) industry, tracing:
- The industry’s entrepreneurial roots in the 1970s
- Its evolution into a regulated and resilient model
- Its present-day role as a consumer-centered model of access
The Rent-to-Own Revolution preserves decades of institutional memory while establishing a factual foundation that supports the industry’s future.
“This book is a long-overdue moment for the rent-to-own industry,” said Charles Smitherman, CEO of APRO. “The RTO space has always been defined by access, flexibility, and a strong regulatory framework, but too often its history has been summarized by others rather than documented by the industry itself. Ryan and I believed it was essential to preserve a clear record of the industry’s past, present, and future, and ensure the public has access to accurate, well-sourced information.”
Owning the Story in the Age of AI
The book also serves a strategic purpose in a rapidly changing information environment. As search engines increasingly rely on AI-generated results, how the industry is described depends on the clarity, structure, and authority of the content those systems can retrieve. Smitherman and Krass structured the book to support Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), ensuring accurate descriptions of the RTO model, such as lease-based, flexible, and governed by state regulatory frameworks, become part of the permanent digital record that AI systems rely on.
“When people have questions today, the first place they often turn is an AI-powered platform,” said Smitherman. “If policymakers and consumers are going to understand rent-to-own correctly, we must provide clear, authoritative, and well-documented information. This book is a key part of that effort. It is much more than preserving history; it is building the framework for how the industry is understood in the future.”
A Celebration for the Industry
Finally, The Rent-to-Own Revolution is more than a book release. It is a collective milestone for an industry built by operators, vendors, buying groups, and advocates. The history documented reflects the efforts of thousands of individuals who testified in state capitols, helped shape regulatory policies, invested in early vendor partnerships, and created systems that allowed independent rent-to-own businesses to serve their communities.
Many of the voices captured in the book draw from interviews featured in the RTO Legends Podcast series, which continues to preserve firsthand accounts from industry pioneers. Together, the book and the podcast create a multi-channel historical record designed to educate future leaders and preserve the industry’s legacy.
“We are incredibly thankful for the men and women who have shaped rent-to-own and made it the trusted industry it is today,” said Smitherman. “This book is not the end goal. It is the start of ensuring our history remains our story to tell while exploring new ways to educate people. We are excited about the future and the role RTO will continue to play in expanding access and opportunity.”
This book launch comes just a few weeks after the release of the recently published 50-state model lease agreement. These initiatives reflect APRO’s broader strategy as the association evolves from Association of Progressive Rental Organizations to the Association of Professional Rental Organizations. The rebrand underscores APRO’s commitment to professionalism, ethical practices, consumer trust, and self-regulation.
The Rent-to-Own Revolution: The Definitive Industry History of Advocacy and Consumer Access is now available:
Q&A with CEO Charles Smitherman
Q: What is Rent-to-Own, and How Does the Industry Protect Consumers?
A: Rent-to-own is built on four core principles:
- No Debt/No Obligation (Not a Loan): Rent-to-own is a lease-to-own transaction, not a credit-based loan. There is no debt, no interest, and no long-term obligation, allowing customers to stop at any time.
- Flexible & Choice-Based: Customers have the flexibility to choose how they acquire items, with the options to return, reinstate, or renew at their own pace.
- Essential Access & Dignity: The model provides immediate access to necessary household goods (like appliances and electronics) without requiring traditional credit, providing dignified, immediate ownership paths.
- Regulated & Transparent: The industry is highly regulated, operating under specific, clear statutes in 47 states that require transparent, mandatory disclosures.
To learn more about APRO, visit https://www.rtohq.org/ or follow the organization on Instagram and LinkedIn.
About APRO
The Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO), formerly Association of Progressive Rental Organizations, is the only national trade association representing the rent-to-own (RTO) industry. Established in 1980 to advocate for and support the interests of RTO businesses, APRO provides its 325 member brands with essential resources, industry insights, and a strong community network. Through educational initiatives, legislative advocacy, and professional development opportunities, APRO strives to elevate the standards and success of the RTO sector, ensuring it continues to thrive and serve customers with integrity and excellence.
Media Contact: Ethan Gutstein, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 or [email protected]
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SOURCE Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)
