A flip chart, a promise to a father, and a tiny Omaha storefront lit the fuse for a 24-store rent-to-own legacy grounded in dignity and service. We sit down with industry legend Lyn Leach to unpack how a consumer-first mindset—friendly collections, honest agreements, and real return options—can turn a risky startup into a reliable community anchor. From vacuum tubes and rooftop antennas to Atari consoles, VCRs, and modern gaming rigs, this story tracks how products evolved while one mission stayed constant: improve quality of life and help customers reach ownership.
Lyn takes us behind the scenes of vendor battles and breakthrough moments—when a few believers extended those first fragile credit lines and proved relationships still power retail. He shares the mentors who simplified collections, the nuts-and-bolts of compliance that APRO made accessible, and the role of loss damage waivers in protecting both customers and stores. We also dig into policy trenches: statehouse wins, near-miss federal legislation, and why inviting lawmakers into stores flips the script on outdated stereotypes.
The conversation turns to today’s fault line: virtual rent-to-own models that advertise flexibility without physical service or true return paths. Lyn lays out how brick-and-mortar operators can compete by upgrading websites, tightening lead management, and creating unforgettable in-store events—from cultural celebrations to community food truck nights—that transform shopping into connection. If you care about customer trust, transparent pricing, and the future of rental-purchase, this is a masterclass in doing the right thing, the right way, for the long haul.
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APRO
Association of Progressive Rental Organizations
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