RTO Online (www.RTOonline.com) interviewed Gary Romine at the 2006 APRO Convention being held this week in Orlando, Florida. Romine, a 23 year RTO industry veteran, is the owner of Show-Me Rent to Own, former President of APRO and current Chief of Staff for Missouri Senator Bill Alter (R-22).

The 9:30 podcast touches on a variety of subjects including:

- Show Me Rent to Own's banner year.
- Politics.
- Payday Loans.
- Lobbying.
- Term limits.
- Changes in APRO over last 23 years.
- Competition from traditional retailers.
- Keeping business fresh after 23 years.

Excerpts

Show me Rent to Own's banner year:
"We've had an excellent year. August was the first soft month. We assumed correctly as it turns out, that a lot of our competitors would not stay aggressive through the summer months. We stayed aggressive and we gained accounts because of it."

Politics:
"I love politics. It's a chance to give back to the community when the community has blessed you as much as mine has."

"Democrats are trying to create a self fulfilling prophecy. They keep telling people they're going to win, hoping it will actually happen."

"All [RTO legislative issues], are dead for the year; according to my contacts in Washington DC and in Missouri."

Lobbying:
It's essential. In Missouri, with term limits, we must continually stay active to keep legislators educated and informed of our presence. If you ever lay off, the continuity breaks down."

Term Limits:
"With term limits, you have rookies coming in on a constant basis, therefore the lobbyists and agencies have more control."

See a complete photo gallery of Wednesday's Welcome Reception (45 pics) here.

See all APRO 2006 Convention photo galleries:
Golf Tournament (65)
State Assoc Workshops (17)
Welcome Reception (45)