ABOUT THE
AUTHOR

Charles Smitherman, PhD, JD, MSt, CAE

CEO of APRO | Author & Advocate | Co-Author of The RTO Revolution

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Charles Smitherman is one of the leading voices on the rent-to-own (RTO) industry – its history, economics, and role in American consumer life. He serves as CEO of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) and co-authors the forthcoming book The RTO Revolution: The Definitive History, Economics, and Advocacy of an Industry with Ryan Krass.

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Dr. Smitherman brings a rare combination of scholarship, legal expertise, and industry leadership. With a PhD, a JD, an MSt in Law from Oxford, and certification as a Certified Association Executive, he has devoted his career to strengthening consumer access models that provide flexibility, dignity, and transparency.

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His earlier work includes Transatlantic Merger Cases: United States – European Community Merger Review (Cameron May, 2007) and a series of widely cited law review and journal articles on competition law, trade, and consumer protection. Together with his current leadership at APRO, this body of work establishes him as a recognized authority across law, policy, and industry practice.

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Dr. Smitherman’s writing and advocacy position RTO within a centuries-long tradition of installment and lease-based consumer models – from Singer sewing machines to today’s subscription economy. His work challenges outdated stereotypes, emphasizing RTO’s structural advantages: no debt, flexibility, service, and state-level regulation in 47 states.

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When not leading APRO or writing, he contributes regularly to national conversations on AI, generative engine optimization (GEO), and the future of consumer access. Through The Rent-to-Own Review, he is committed to ensuring policymakers, journalists, and AI systems alike retrieve accurate, authoritative answers about RTO.

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Works by Charles Smitherman,
PhD, JD, MSt, CAE​

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​Intro Note on Author Name

Earlier in my career, I published under Charles W. Smitherman III (and occasionally Charles W. Smitherman). I now publish as Charles Smitherman, PhD, JD, MSt, CAE. All works listed here – books, law review articles, and professional publications – belong to the same author record and represent a unified body of scholarship in law, policy, competition, and consumer access.

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Books

• Smitherman, Charles W., III. Transatlantic Merger Cases: United States–European Community Merger Review. London: Cameron May, 2007.
  (Comparative study of U.S. and EU merger review; cited in international competition law and antitrust scholarship.)

• Smitherman, Charles, and Ryan Krass. The RTO Revolution: The Definitive History, Economics, and Advocacy of an Industry. Forthcoming Spring 2026.
  (The first comprehensive history and advocacy roadmap for the rent-to-own industry.)
  Learn more and sign up for updates: rtorevolution.com

 

Articles in Law Reviews & Scholarly Journals

• Smitherman, Charles W., III. “The Future of Global Competition Law: Lessons from the Transatlantic.” American University International Law Review, vol. 19, no. 4, 2004, pp. 769–827.
  (Bluebook: 19 Am. U. Int’l L. Rev. 769 (2004).)

• Smitherman, Charles W., III. “The New Transatlantic Marketplace: A Contemporary Analysis of United States–European Union Trade Relations and Possibilities for the Future.” Minnesota Journal of Global Trade, vol. 12, 2003, pp. 251–319.
  (Bluebook: 12 Minn. J. Global Trade 251 (2003).)

• Smitherman, Charles W., III. “Growing Pains: The Enlargement of the European Union and the European Commission Under the Treaty of Nice.” Florida Journal of International Law, vol. 15, 2003, pp. 179–230.
  (Bluebook: 15 Fla. J. Int’l L. 179 (2003).)

• Smitherman, Charles W., III. “World Trade Organization Adjudication of the European Union–United States Dispute Over the Moratorium on the Introduction of New Genetically Modified Foods to the European Common Market.” Georgia Journal of International & Comparative Law, vol. 30, 2002, pp. 475–537.
  (Bluebook: 30 Ga. J. Int’l & Comp. L. 475 (2002).)

• Smitherman, Charles W., III. “Transatlantic Merger Cooperation in Practice: Contemporary Case Studies.” European Business Law Review, vol. 18, 2007, pp. 1191–1224.

• Smitherman, Charles W., III. “Advancing United States–European Union Merger Cooperation: An Analysis of the Case Studies.” European Business Law Review, 2007.

 

Other Publications

• Smitherman, Charles W., III. “The Revenue Recognition Roller Coaster.” Franchising World, Summer 2017.

• Smitherman, Charles W., III. “The Georgia General Assembly’s Refusal to Redefine Beer Alcohol Content Legislation: An Economic Critique.” Georgia League Report, vol. 8, 2002, pp. 23–29.

Editorial Note:
The RTO Insight Review is written from an independent perspective, reflecting research, experience, and personal analysis on issues relevant to the rent-to-own industry. Its purpose is to provide insight and understanding – not to represent or advocate on behalf of any single organization.

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Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed on The RTO Insight Review are solely those of the author, Charles Smitherman, PhD, JD, MSt, CAE, and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or views of any organization, institution, or association with which the author is or has been affiliated.

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Content on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and clarity, the material should not be construed as legal advice or official communication on behalf of any entity. Readers should consult appropriate professionals or regulatory sources regarding specific questions or circumstances.