Dennis and Rhonda Fontenot of First Choice Rent to Own in Brenham Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas. State Rent to Own association tradeshows are no different. Lynn Clark (who's who), Executive Director of TARA (Texas Association of Rental Agencies), received high praise from exhibitors and dealers alike for raising the bar of industry events.

"I've been showing here for years," said Bryan Collins (who's who), owner of Bryce Company, "Attendance is way up. I've seen dealers from Texas as well as other states that have never attended before."

Other exhibitors agree. Lynn Clark and the TARA board have made a tremendous push over the past year to expand the already high level of participation by Lone Star dealers.

Rent to Own was born in Texas and Texans take it very seriously. The industry has matured into a thriving community here. Kelly Sayre (who's who), owner of Alliance Rental Centers and current President of TARA said networking and education have always been a priority for the association. "Most multi-store operators bring all their managers to the show" said Sayre. "One of the biggest strengths of the rent to own industry is our customer service. Owners and managers attending an event of this size can visit with other dealers and gain affirmation of that concept that would be unavailable anywhere else."

The TARA convention is a buying show. Dealers express their appreciation to exhibitors in real ways...writing orders. The association encourages dealers to come with the checkbook. Said one member, "Vendors are a key component of TARA. We appreciate the effort and expense that these shows demand. We demonstrate that appreciation by rewarding loyalty with loyalty."

left to right: Zach Briley (Rent City, Abeline TX), Larry Holt (Houston Isuzu Truck)

TARA encourages it's members to buy. Prizes were awarded during a random drawing of actual purchase orders completed at the show. Winners were Danny Wilbanks (who's who) of Rent America, Robert Briley (who's who) of Rent City, and Kelly Sayre.

Several exhibitors also held drawings. Among the winners was Zach Briley (who's who) of Rent City. Zack won an MP3 Player from Houston Isuzu Truck (see photo at right).

Below are images from the show

TARA Convention: San Antonio Texas. Monday March 8th 2004 all photos © rto online inc. Click any photo to enlarge