Jess Fisher – a longtime APRO Member and owner of Kansas-based Mustang Enterprises Inc., dba Hometown Sales Lease – is probably feeling some fatherly pride as his daughter, Michelle Mason Rudolph, pays it forward this holiday season with Treats for the Troops.
Inspired by her two sons, deployed to Turkey and Romania, Michelle created this nonprofit, dedicated to delivering a taste of home via baked goods to soldiers around the world, in 2017. Over the past year-and-a-half, many good community samaritans have joined the cause to contribute flour, sugar, baking supplies, and funding to help cover shipping costs. Generous donations from Advertising Images, Arkansas City, Hometown Rental Purchase, NCTV, and West Kansas Avenue Church of God have helped keep Michelle’s vision moving forward. Elementary-school students have written cards and letters to include in packages, and the Jobs for America’s Graduates program at Augusta High School is helping in the kitchen. The organization won the 2017 Pay It Forward Award, along with a $500 cash prize, for its work.
Last year, Treats for the Troops made more than 3,000 baked goods, and shipped more than 40 boxes over Thanksgiving and Christmas – at a shipping fee of more than $650. This year, the organization has a recipient list of 25 deployed soldiers, and the list continues to grow. If you want to nominate a soldier to receive a goodie box, just click here, or to learn more about Treat for Troops, visit their Facebook Group, Treats for the Troops No-profit, or feel free to contact Michelle Rudolph at michelle@hometownsaleslease.com.
To contribute to Treat for the Troops, just click here, or mail a check payable to Michelle Rudolph to Hometown Sales Lease, 600 N. Walnut, Augusta, KS 67010.
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.