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Values & History

Our Values

At RAC our mission is to Improve the quality of life for our customers and coworkers. These are our core values:
Have a winning spirit– We work hard and are self-motivated to exceed expectations.

Act with a servant’s heart– We have a passion for making good things happen for all.

Treat others how we want to be treated– We treat one another with respect, humility and consideration.

Our History

  • 1960

    Ernie Talley, owner of a retail company in Wichita, Kansas, saw hardworking customers who couldn't purchase goods for their families either because they didn't have the cash, or because they were turned down for credit. This gave him an idea to rent used merchandise with an option to own.

  • 1960

    Ernie Talley opened the first rent-to-own store, Mr. T's TV Rental in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

  • 1973

    Thomas Devlin, a former employee of Mr. T's TV Rental, and W. Frank Barton founded the Rent-A-Center brand in Wichita, Kansas.

  • 1986

    Mark Speese, a former employee of Rent-A-Center, started Vista Rent-To-Own with two partners, operating stores primarily in Puerto Rico and New Jersey.

  • 1989

    Ernie Talley acquired a controlling interest in Vista Rent-To-Own.

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