Association of Progressive Rental Organizations
APRO Scholarship applications are now open! For more than 15 years, the APRO Charitable Foundation has annually provided scholarships to rent-to-own professionals and their families. APRO members have contributed generously to the APRO Scholarship Fund – awarding 522 scholarships totaling $1,180,250 to date – empowering students connected with RTO to pursue college degrees and successful futures.
Johnesha Walker of Louisville, Kentucky – one of the 39 deserving 2024 APRO Scholarship recipients, sponsored in partnership with the Kentucky Rental Dealers Association – is the first person in her family to pursue a college degree, and struggled as a freshman at the University of Louisville, feeling isolated, discouraged, and questioning her own abilities.
“Choosing the right major felt like picking a lock with the wrong key,” says Johnesha. “First, I was drawn to the seemingly limitless possibilities of computer science. Then, the intricate puzzle-solving involved in electrical engineering piqued my curiosity. But neither of these truly sparked a passion within me.”
Johnesha experienced a turning point during a conversation with an upperclassman – a fellow first-generation engineering student. The elder peer empathized with Johnesha’s struggles, and offered guidance and genuine support. With renewed determination, Johnesha began developing her study and time-management skills, formed a support group with classmates, and attended her professors’ office hours, turning them into valuable mentors. Ultimately, she selected Industrial Engineering – the application of engineering to improve systems and processes – as her major.
“I was drawn to industrial engineering because of its versatility and the potential to work in almost any field,” Johnesha says. “I chose it because I love the challenge of studying a process and figuring out how to improve it. Someday, I want to work to apply such problem-solving skills to help make industries more sustainable and environmentally friendly.”
In addition to her studies, Johnesha – now a sophomore – serves as Secretary of the University of Louisville chapter of the NAACP, is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, and volunteers with the U of L Service Board. She also works as an Admission Pathway Ambassador for the university’s Admissions office, leading tours for prospective students and their families, working at all admissions events, hosting panels, and helping around the Office. Johnesha strives every day to make her dad, John Walker – who serves as General Manager for RNR Kentucky, LLC dba RNR Tire Express in Louisville – and the rest of her family proud.
“My dad’s job at RNR has provided our family with a lot of stability, and I’ve learned a lot about how rent-to-own helps people access essential items they may not be able to afford otherwise,” says Johnesha. “The APRO Scholarship has made it easier for me to continue my studies; having that financial assistance has relieved some stress for me and let me focus more on my education and my future in industrial engineering.”
APRO Scholarship applications are open through April 25, 2025 – just click here: https://www.rtohq.org/apply-for-apro-scholarship/
Johnesha’s is one of the dozens of positive stories that generous donations from the RTO community make happen each year. Click here to learn more and contribute to this invaluable industry effort.
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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.
