Association of Professional Rental Organizations (APRO)
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Strunks Named IFA Franchisee of the Year 

A woman and man wearing cocktail attire stand together holding a plaque and smiling. Behind them is a blue wall with the International Franchising Association logo all over it.
Cynthia Baber-Strunk and Shannon Strunk proudly accept their 2026 Franchisee of the Year Award at the International Franchise Association’s Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. 

Rent-to-own (RTO) industry leaders Shannon Strunk and Cynthia Baber-Strunk, Owners of Baber Strunk Enterprises and Gulf Coast L&P Inc. dba RNR Tire Express, were recently celebrated as a 2026 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA), for excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service to others. The Strunks were recognized for the honor in mid-September in Washington, D.C., at the IFA Advocacy Summit. 

“Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about – people who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves,” said IFA President & CEO Matt Haller. “Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities, and support other franchisees, all while exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of franchising.” 

Spreading Success into Franchising 

The Strunks had already established themselves in traditional rent-to-own (RTO) when they decided to add RNR Tire Express to their company portfolio. Today, theirs is one of the most successful multi-unit operations in the RNR system, with 17 current locations and several more in the works. 

Their dedication to operational excellence and continuous improvement has produced exceptional results, including 16.2% revenue growth over the past year alone. Additionally, Gulf Coast L&P was named as RNR Tire Express Franchisee of the Year for both 2024 and 2025, the first time a franchise has won consecutively in RNR history. 

Extending a Family Legacy 

By growing responsibly and maintaining high operational standards, the Pascagoula, Mississippi-based company has strengthened RNR’s presence across the Southeast, created opportunities for employees, and served customers in communities throughout the region. Today, the Strunks’ son, Shane Baber, is also involved in owning and operating the family business. 

What began with one RNR Tire Express location has grown into an incredible family business spanning multiple states and generations. Their story represents so much of what makes franchising special: the opportunity to build something meaningful, create opportunities for others, and establish a legacy that can continue for generations.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the Strunk & Baber family for many years, and that makes this recognition especially meaningful,” added Adam Sutton, CEO of DX3 Brands and RNR Tire Express. “Shannon, Cynthia, and Shane have built something they can be incredibly proud of, not only as business owners, but as a family. They care deeply about their people, their customers and communities, and doing things the right way. I’m proud to call them partners and friends, and I couldn’t be happier to see them receive this well-deserved recognition.”

Congratulations to the Baber-Strunk family on this distinctive honor, recognizing a professional journey that reflects the very best of franchising! 

About Gulf Coast L&P Inc. dba RNR Tire Express

Gulf Coast L&P Inc. dba RNR Tire Express is a multi-unit rent-to-own tire-and-wheel franchise operation. Based in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the company operates 17 RNR Tire Express locations across the Southeast, providing affordable access to brand-name tires, custom wheels, and related automotive services through flexible rental-purchase options. Gulf Coast L&P has been an APRO member since 2005.

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Mike Lewis

Central Properties dba Premier Rental-Purchase

Mike Lewis is a Premier Rental Purchase franchisee with multiple stores and currently serves as Vice President of Operations. With 33 years of experience in the rent-to-own industry, he has spent the past 20 years working closely with franchisee owners and previously spent 12 years in Corporate RTO, gaining a strong foundation in the business.

For the past five years, Mike has been sharing his knowledge by teaching managers and franchisees at the company’s Training Center.

Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, kids, and grandkids, and appreciates the simple things in life – especially riding his Harley Davidson with the sun on his face. If you know, you know!

Lauren Talicska

Arona Corporation dba Arona Home Essentials

Lauren Talicska is an experienced multi-channel marketing specialist and the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Arona Home Essentials. She has found her home in the RTO community, supporting stores in branding, growth, and increasing traffic.

You may recognize Lauren as a former RTO vendor, including her time as a partner for Nationwide RentDirect, or her previous participation in the APRO Vendor Advisory Committee. Lauren calls Columbus, Ohio, home and spends her workday crafting and executing marketing promotions from inception to realization, all while supporting the branding and social media needs of all the Arona stores in 12 states (plus Puerto Rico!).

Charles Smitherman

APRO

Charles Smitherman, JD, PhD, CAE, became CEO of APRO in 2023, bringing years of legal and executive experience in the rent-to-own industry. 

Prior to joining the association, Charles served as COO, General Counsel, and Vice President of PTS Financial Services, where he played an active role in the rent-to-own industry by representing his company through PTS’s club program offering with APRO member dealers. Charles is an attorney with two decades of experience across a wide variety of areas, including RTO, consumer financial services, antitrust, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, franchise law, and privacy law. Following law school at the University of Georgia, Charles earned a Master of Legal Studies and PhD in Law from the University of Oxford in England.

Charles is credentialed as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) with the American Society of Association Executives, a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) with the International Franchise Association, and a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals. As APRO’s sixth CEO in its 45-year history, he brings a collaborative, member-focused approach to association leadership, emphasizing transparency, advocacy, and value creation. Outside of work, Charles is an active ultra runner and open water swimmer.

Mike Kays

Ashley Furniture Industries

As VP of Rental Sales for Ashley Furniture Industries, Mike thrives on building relationships with our RTO industry veterans, and helping businesses grow through new product, new marketing, and new supply chain options.

Mike works to leverage a wide breadth of relationships and influence, intimate knowledge of market trends, and unique knowledge of what RTO dealers need from a supplier to be successful.

The saying goes that a high tide raises all boats, and our goal is to leverage the world’s largest furniture manufacturer to drive the continued growth of the RTO industry and all the suppliers.

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.