Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

RTOHQ: The Magazine A Gathering of Rent-to-Own Family

The Winter 2018 issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine reflects a familial feel with two APROfiles on RTO pro’s: Sharon Tomaszewski, a second-generation rent-to-own operator helping guide and protect the industry like family; and Bill French, an industry leader with almost a half-century of distribution sales accredits his caring approach to not only his, but his colleague’s success. RTO World 2018, the first-ever APRO and TRIB Group collaboration on a national rent-to-own convention and trade show, was held this past August in St. Louis, Missouri. More than 700 attendees participated in the inaugural event, which included plenty of momentous firsts for everyone. Jump over to page 38 for a scrapbook of highlights of the industry’s biggest event of the year. In our feature, “Heads and Tails,” we take a deep dive into trade associations and buying groups. We cover the differences and benefits between the two types of organizations, and as you might suspect, they both provide value while playing very different roles in your success. Also in this issue, we cover a double dose of tax tidbits—APRO General Counsel Ed Winn III provides a legal update on taxing transactions on the internet, while APRO associate members, CPA’s Kim Cardenas and Mike Helton of Rivero, Gordimer & Company P.A., prepare you for tax planning with the top 15 tax strategies. Click here to read the entire Winter 2018 issue of RTOHQ: The Magazine.

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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.