Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

The Dust Finally Settles on the APRO Board of Directors Elections

During Fuse 2017: APRO’s National Convention & Trade Show held this past May in Galveston, association members elected eight colleagues to APRO’s 18-member board of directors. But soon after that election, an unforeseen departure led to some shuffles on the board and within the executive committee. In Galveston, Bestway Rent-to-Own’s David Kraemer was elected APRO president; however, he sold his company in June and resigned from the board. Louis Garcia, who was elected first vice president in Galveston, has now taken the helm to serve as president. Other members of APRO’s new executive committee are David Harrison, first vice president; Chris Kale Sr., second vice president; Jonathan Rose, secretary; and Trent Agin, treasurer. Mark Connelly will also serve on the executive committee as immediate past president.

With the departure of Kraemer, the board elected Cathy Skula, Rent-A-Center Franchising International, to fill the vacancy. Now, with the dust settled, here are the APRO members who were elected or re-elected to the board this past May: Dennis Adams, Full-O-Pep/American Rental, Bloomington, Indiana; Larry Carrico, SKC/Rent One, St. Louis, Missouri; Sandi Frye, White Rose Enterprises, dba Premier Rental-Purchase, Altoona, Pennsylvania; Louis Garcia, CTMD, dba Rent-A-Center; David Harrison, Rental Concepts, dba Rent-N-Roll, Springdale, Arkansas; Robert W. Kamerschen, Aaron’s Inc., Atlanta, Georgia; Gopal Reddy, Action Development Corp., dba Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Springfield, Illinois; and Chas Smithgall, SEI/Aaron’s, Atlanta, Georgia.

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Mike Tissot

Countryside Rentals Inc., dba Rent-2-Own

Mike grew up in the rent-to-own industry under the guidance of his father, former APRO President and RTO legend Darrell Tissot. For nearly 25 years, Mike’s innovative leadership has helped expand the family business to more than 40 stores across Ohio and Kentucky while also shaping the industry as a whole.

He has served as President of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association, an APRO board member and Treasurer, and President and Treasurer of the TRIB Group. His contributions have earned him the APRO President’s Award of Excellence and the title of APRO Rental Dealer of the Year.

Outside of RTO, Mike enjoys time at the lake house or in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his girlfriend, Angela Strong McCool. A passionate Cincinnati Reds fan, he rarely misses a game, whether watching or listening alongside his parents. He also takes every opportunity to visit Arizona, where his daughter is currently attending Arizona State University.