Mark Connelly

Mark Connelly

Executive Vice President

Education

B.B.A Personnel & Human Resource Management, East Texas State University, M.B.A. General Business, National University

Professional Background and Achievements

Marine Corps Officer, Past President of APRO the national association of the RTO Industry, Board Member of APRO last 8 years (won the President’s Award for Excellence 2019), Past Board Member of the Aaron’s Franchise Association, Board Member of Iowa Nebraska Rental Dealers Association (INRDA), Past Board Member of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association.  Arona was recognized from 2009 through 2014 as an Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies.

When did I start working for BCP and what positions have I held?

I started with Arona May 2003.  Positions held include Director of Operations, CO., EVP of Development and EVP of Mergers and Acquisitions.

What was the last job I had before coming to work for BCP?

My last position before joining BCP was Senior Vice President at Rent a Center (RAC) overseeing over 320+ locations.

What is my specific role at BCP beyond my job title?

Mergers and Acquisitions of businesses and real estate, new store development, overseeing the operations and select managers of Arona, supervising those responsible for marketing & advertising product and merchandising, training and development and construction.

Family

Married for 35 years to Jil, 3 children and 2 grandchildren; daughter Chelsea and son in law Jason Ducharme with their two children Arlo and Finley, all living in Rockwall, TX.  My son Hunter lives in Des Moines, IA and my daughter Autumn lives in Studio City, CA.

Hobbies

Outdoor activities, live sporting events, mostly football, boating, tennis, working out, and remodeling/updating my home.

Fun Fact

I committed to Tom to help grow the first company, Arona, from 6 stores to 11 stores in a 5-year timeframe. I promised my wife we’d only be here for 5 years…ha-ha!  Well, all most 20 years later we are 58 Arona Locations and growing, 57 Valvoline locations and growing, 125+ real estate properties and growing, the largest volume restaurant in Iowa (Hickory Park in Ames, IA), car lots, the Des Moines Marathon, Globe Acceptance finance company, and multiple other businesses!  Wow and Fun!