Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

Baber Strunk Enterprises Power of You Corporate Meeting

Baber’s Inc. Owner Shannon Strunk presents Manager of the Year award to Miriam Kripp of Baber’s Inc. in Grenada, Mississippi.
More than 90 managers from Baber Strunk Enterprises’ four companies—Baber’s Inc., RNR Tire Express, Check Now Inc. and Dairy Queen—met in Biloxi, Mississippi this September for their annual corporate meeting. This year’s theme was “The Power of You.” “We hoped to emphasize the impact managers can have in their own lives as well as the lives of others,” says Baber’s Inc. owner Cynthia Strunk. “This week focused on the power of a positive attitude and the success managers can have when they realize their value.” The three-day event kicked off with keynote speaker Eddie Kirby, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Pascagoula, Mississippi. In his presentation—The Happiness Advantage—Kirby outlined the importance of happiness in life and in the workplace.
Attendees participate in the “Office Towers” team building activity
This year’s breakout sessions focused on the power of positivity, training and motivation. The highly educational product training seminars were led by rent-to-own vendors including Gidget & Associates LLC, Climatic Home Products, Symbol Mattress and more. After the breakout sessions, attendees participated in a team building exercise—Office Towers—that used building blocks to demonstrate that every position is required for a strong standing organization, followed by a final training on policy and procedure. “I always knew there was money out there, but now I know that it is up to me to go and get it,” shares LaKeshia McIlwain of Baber’s in Butler, Alabama. “Being a first-time attendee, I did not know what to expect and did not want to come to this meeting, but I am so glad I did!” The highlight of the event was an awards banquet that recognized each company’s top performers including the highest honor, the Manager of the Year award. This year’s Baber Strunk Enterprises Managers of the Year are Shemika Coleman, Miriam Kripp, Mark Spicer, Kimberly Davis, and Clarence DeLoach. Click here to see more photos of the 2017 Baber Strunk Enterprises Corporate Meeting.

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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.