Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

Rent-A-Center Launches Fundraiser to Help Employees Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Rent-A-Center has launched a nationwide effort to raise $50,000 for coworkers affected by Hurricane Harvey. The new GoFundMe fundraiser is called “RAC Harvey Coworker Relief Project” and will benefit the company’s employees and their families who have been impacted by the hurricane. In addition, Rent-A-Center CEO Mark Speese announced that the company would match up to $25,000 in donations. “While our hundreds of coworkers are all accounted for and safe, we know that they are in a time of tremendous need,” Speese says. “They are anxious and uncertain about their futures. Many have lost nearly everything, but they have not lost their RAC family.” So far, the GoFundMe account has raised more than $22,300 toward its goal of $50,000. You can donate online by clicking here. Rent-A-Center is also contributing a portion of donations received from their Fill the Fridge Food Bank Campaign directly to food banks depleted by the heavy demand brought on by Hurricane Harvey. The campaign launched on September 1 and will run through the end of the month.

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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.