Regional managers from Aaron’s Inc. met this week to provide community service and financial contributions to the O’Donnell Heights Boys & Girls Club in Baltimore, Maryland. The company donated $28,000 worth of upgrades for the organization’s teen room along with volunteering time to patch up and paint the space.
“Just to see the kids smile is enough,” says Billy Hardison, regional manager of Aaron’s Baltimore. “To give high-risk youths the opportunity to come to a safe place to relax, have fun and just be a kid is the greatest reward.”
The O’Donnell Heights Boys & Girls Club services 50 to 60 kids on a daily basis and the teen room renovations will help bring more kids into the organization. “We had some couches and televisions, but now thanks to Aaron’s, kids will want to come spend time here,” says Matthew Death, vice president of corporate and business partnerships of the Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore. “This is a complete wish list—a dream of what our youths want.”
The event marked the 24th refresh by Aaron’s in communities across the United States. Aaron’s community outreach project was recognized by local television station WJZ.
Click here to view the WJZ news story. 
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.