Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

TRIB Group Sets Sail to Alaska

More than 130 members of the RTO community recently got the opportunity to experience the wild and wonders of America’s “Land of the Midnight Sun” as part of the 2024 TRIB Group Retreat. The Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas carried retreat participants on a seven-day cruise, journeying from Seattle, Washington, to Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka, Alaska, as well as a stop in Victoria, Canada.

Alaska’s natural glory was on full display with incredible views of snowcapped mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls along coastal waters and fjords. Attendees enjoyed some wonderful wildlife encounters, including whale watching, bald-eagle spotting, dogsled riding, salmon fishing, and several sightings of Alaskan brown and black bears.

Following an opening night reception sponsored by Benefit Marketing Solutions,the distribution of special commemorative jackets sponsored by Whirlpool Corporation, and a day at sea, many participants found their way to Juneau’s Red Dog Saloon to sample its world-famous Duck Fart (a concoction of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and Canadian whiskey). Members were also treated to a dealer lunch on board at Jamie’s Italian restaurant, followed by a competitive ship-wide scavenger hunt.

This year’s TRIB Retreat continues a tradition of networking trips organized by the TRIB Group and supported by members of the RTO industry bringing together dealers and vendors in fun and exciting locations outside of the traditional meeting or trade show floor.

“RTO is a relationship business,” said TRIB Group Executive Director Dennis Shields. “These retreats provide a great and important way for members and dealers to spend time together, and develop the lifelong friendships and connections that are the true backbone of this industry.”

Following this year’s Alaskan expedition, the annual gathering will return to the beaches of the Caribbean next year with the 2025 TRIB Retreat scheduled for May 3-8, 2025, in St. Lucia. For additional information regarding next year’s retreat, please contact the TRIB Group.

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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.