The Expo is unique among rent to own industry tradeshows
Mike Tissot, President, Ohio Rental Dealers Association
 

photo rtoonline Mike Tissot (right), President of ORDA, and Tammy Craig, Rent Way Purchasing, register attendees Tuesday night at the Midwest RTO Expo Welcome Reception. The Expo was the first to combine several smaller state association events. The concept is popular with vendors who attend more than a dozen RTO industry tradeshows per year. (See complete photo gallery of the Welcome Reception)

250 Rent to Own professionals from 26 companies in 9 states gathered in Columbus, Ohio Tuesday to kick off the second annual Midwest RTO Expo, the country's largest regional rental industry tradeshow.

"The Expo is unique among rent to own industry tradeshows," said Mike Tissot (Countryside Rentals), President of ORDA (Ohio Rental Dealers Association). ORDA organizes the event which draws dealers from as far away as Kansas. "The Expo has been a win win for everyone involved. Vendors are able to see dealers from across the Midwest and owners are able to bring more store level employees to this show than any other industry tradeshow."

Tony Craig, Rent Way Communications Supervisor and ORDA Secretary, sees the Expo as a prime training opportunity. "Vendors are able to interact directly with the store personnel renting the product," he explained. "This is an excellent opportunity for employees to learn how to rent product rather than just take orders." 

Judging by the level of vendor support, suppliers agree. 44 vendors will display merchandise at this year's show. "The Expo would not be possible without your support," Mike Tissot told vendors in a speech to attendees at Tuesday's welcome reception.

Tammy Craig, Rent Way Purchasing, is a first time Expo attendee. She says the 'educational approach' of the Expo is similar to that of the annual Rent Way show, if on a smaller scale. "Every vendor that supplies merchandise to Rent Way attends our show in February, along with 1200 Rent Way employees. Every employee, from store manager up, attends the Rent Way show. "There is no substitute for speaking directly to the vendor when it comes to product knowledge, features and benefits."

photo rtoonline Steve Clark, Jewell Dolton, and Gary Bryant took first place in Tuesday's Midwest Expo golf Tournament. The team turned in an impressive 11 under par at the Phoenix Golf Links in Columbus. (See complete photo gallery of the golf tournament)

In addition to the Expo's product tradeshow, Thursday's (8-24) program will include classroom training seminars on customer service, collections, and furniture repair. Noted speaker Hal Becker will keynote the event with a presentation on building long-term relationships, and why "creative opportunities" are essential in ensuring exceptional customer service.

Follow the links below to view photo galleries of the golf tournament and welcome reception.

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