Local Aaron's worker wins national competition | Business

SALISBURY - From Aaron's:

Aaron’s, Inc. proudly announced today that Salisbury resident Shane Towell is the winner of the annual PT Rodeo competition. The PT Rodeo, which stands for “Product Technician,” is a showcase of skill in which more than 3,000 Aaron’s technicians from across the country compete for the grand prize – a trip to the 2012 and 2013 Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega and an opportunity to wave the green flag at the start of the 2012 Sprint Cup NASCAR race; travel to the 2013 Managers Meeting in Nashville; travel to the 2012 Chairman’s Circle trip to Jamaica; a complete entertainment package that includes a flat screen television, surround sound and a television stand; and a trophy.

To further celebrate Shane’s win, the Salisbury Aaron’s franchise store, owned by Independence Rentals President Joe Bost, is inviting the community to come see the Aaron’s Dream Machine NASCAR racecar, which will be on display Tuesday, May 15. The store is located at 2141-C Statesville Blvd.

Shane was named the champion after two rounds of competition and a final “Top 20” round held at Talladega. The contest features a wide variety of activities including driving, loading and unloading, moving furniture, identifying SKU numbers and connecting electronics.

A four-time finalist, this was Shane’s first championship. He was presented with the winning trophy at Talladega by Aaron’s COO Ken Butler and Teresa Hill, Director of Management Development and organizer of the PT Rodeo.

“Winning the 2012 PT Rodeo was a culmination of all the hard work and dedication I’ve given to Aaron’s over the past 12 years,” Shane said. “It’s validation that I’ve done my best every day. I firmly believe that we all have the power to influence the others around us for the better, and that if we exhibit a positive attitude and strong work ethic it will not only show in our own performance, but in our colleagues as well. I’m so thankful to be part of a great company like Aaron’s that values its employees and goes the extra mile to show its appreciation for the hard work we do every day.”

Shane, who lives outside Salisbury in the small town of Faith, has been married for 11 years. He and his wife have two daughters – Samantha, 10 and Abby, who will turn 2 this summer. When he’s not working or spending time with his family, Shane teaches Sunday School at Sherrills Ford Baptist Church.

About Aaron’s, Inc.

Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has more than 1,960 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur and current Chairman R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.aarons.com.