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Have you ever wondered who's looking out for the rent-to-own industry in Washington DC? In this eye-opening conversation, host Pete Shau sits down with APRO CEO Charles Smitherman to pull back the curtain on LegCon, the annual legislative conference that forms the front line defense for the $12 billion rent-to-own industry.
Charles shares how this 31-year tradition continues to evolve, with attendance growing to 88 participants this year as industry professionals converge on Capitol Hill to educate lawmakers about the unique nature of rent-to-own transactions. You'll discover the meticulous planning that goes into organizing effective legislative visits, with teams carefully matched to relevant representatives and schedules optimized to prevent unnecessary treks across the massive Capitol campus (though many still clocked an impressive 16,000 steps!).
The conversation takes a fascinating turn when discussing the Fellows Program, an innovative initiative bringing first-time attendees into the advocacy fold. By sponsoring newcomers and pairing them with experienced advocates like industry veterans Larry Carrico and Michael Wall, APRO is cultivating the next generation of industry defenders. The results are impressive – half of last year's inaugural class returned independently this year.
Perhaps most compelling is the emphasis on storytelling as the cornerstone of effective advocacy. As Charles explains, while data matters, it's the personal narratives about providing "cold milk, not just refrigerators" and "good night's sleep, not just mattresses" that truly resonate with legislators. These stories highlight how rent-to-own serves communities and creates opportunities for both customers and employees.
Whether you're a seasoned RTO professional or just curious about how industries protect themselves from regulatory overreach, this episode offers rare insight into the proactive approach that keeps rent-to-own accessible for the one in thirty American families who rely on it. Ready to add your voice to this important conversation? Learn how you can participate in LegCon 2026 and help shape the future of an industry that touches millions of lives.

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