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"Hello Omaha!" with APRO CEO Charles Smitherman, PhD, JD, MSt, CAE
Manage episode 505159820 series 3390181
When Charles Smitherman accidentally booked the wrong hotel for a Nebraska meeting, he stumbled upon what would become one of the most celebrated RTO World venues in recent memory. Omaha surprised everyone with its vibrant downtown, beautiful riverfront, and perfect convention facilities—proving that sometimes the best discoveries happen by chance.
This year's event brought together over 700 industry professionals and 100 vendors for what many described as the strongest educational lineup ever assembled. From standing-room-only sessions with industry veterans like Mike Tissot to fresh perspectives from outside speakers including former Nebraska football player Aaron Davis, the educational offerings created genuine value that participants could immediately apply to their businesses.
What makes the rent-to-own industry truly special—and what was on full display in Omaha—is the remarkable willingness of successful operators to share their knowledge openly. Unlike other financial sectors where competitive secrecy reigns, RTO professionals actively help each other succeed. This collaborative spirit creates an environment where, as one first-time attendee told Charles, "I came in feeling like I had a job, but after seeing all this, I know I have a career."
The conference featured several significant moments, including Dan Fisher's installation as APRO president and Charles Smitherman receiving the President's Award in a genuinely emotional surprise. Looking ahead, West Palm Beach will host RTO World 2026, while the crucial Legislative Conference in Washington DC (April 15-17) represents the industry's next major gathering. The Legislative Fellows program aims to bring 20 first-timers to experience advocacy firsthand—because if we don't tell our industry's story in Washington, someone else will.
Whether you're a veteran operator or considering your first industry event, these gatherings transform individual stores into a connected community with shared purpose. Check out the recorded sessions coming soon, and make plans to join us in DC this spring and West Palm Beach in 2026. Your business isn't just a job—it's part of an industry with deep roots and an exciting future.
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Chapters
1. "Hello Omaha!" with APRO CEO Charles Smitherman, PhD, JD, MSt, CAE (00:00:00)
2. Omaha Exceeds Expectations (00:02:21)
3. Finding the Perfect Venue (00:06:51)
4. Women's Forum Community Building (00:12:25)
5. Education and Industry Knowledge Sharing (00:18:25)
6. Leadership Changes and Recognition (00:25:55)
7. Looking Ahead to West Palm Beach (00:34:10)
8. DC Legislative Conference Preview (00:37:25)
102 episodes
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