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DEVICE PITSTOP: Device Pitstop Talks to Fox 9 News About Identity Theft & Security

Dustin Brantford of Device Pitstop talks to Fox 9 News about keeping yourself safe from identity theft on your devices – and what to do when it’s time to get a new device and make sure it’s clear of all of your data. Source: tveyes.com There have been too many instances of people’s desktops, laptops, and tablets getting hacked, and it’s happening more and more frequently. It is crucial to keep yourself safe from hackers and identity theft. Thanks, Dustin. Nice job on giving us some good pointers. Take a look at the video…and don’t forget to stop in to your local Device Pitstop so their certified technicians can help you out with this issue personally! Device Pitstop screenshot from video about keeping security safe, Device Pitstop employee Dustin Brantford  

DEVICE PITSTOP: We Make It Easy to Be Green!

At Device Pitstop, we make it easy to be green. In today’s world, being green and being kind to the environment is really important. At Device Pitstop, we follow that every single day.

We buy your gently-used smartphones, iPhones, laptops, MacBooks, desktops, and iMacs – and if we can’t fix them, we use the parts on other machines we repair or we recycle them for you in a responsible way. On top of that, you can get a like-new device from us that is also gently used – helping the recycling and reusing process even more. You also get a fantastic price on anything you buy from us along with a guarantee that it is in good shape and works great.

Stop in to your local Device Pitstop and see what we have to offer. You are being kind to the environment, purchasing a great device, and saving a boatload of cash – not to mention the cash we pay you on-the-spot if you just sell us your gently-used device. You’re being green, saving money on a like-new device, or just pocketing the cash – a win-win for you no matter which way you go!

Device Pitstop graphic with computer keyboard and text that says reduce, reuse and recycle

Spring Clean Your Way Into Cash

With a little extra work, you can find dollars among your dust bunnies.

By Geoff Williams
 
Depending where you live, it may or may not look like warmer months lie ahead, but the calendar doesn’t lie. If you’re like a lot of people, you’re already thinking about spring cleaning. Source: U.S. News
 

And, if you’re like a lot of people, you’re dreading it. But keep in mind that spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a complete pain in the neck. If you think about it strategically, you could make money the next time you pull out the vacuum, gloves and garbage bags. Here are four ways you could clean up while cleaning up. Continue reading

DEVICE PITSTOP: Maple Grove Home to Resale ‘Device’ Store

Device Pitstop Buys, Sells, Trades, and More

Device Pitstop, a national chain that buys, sells, trades, services and upgrades laptops and mobile devices at low cost, just opened in Maple Grove. It’s a one-stop solution to laptop and mobile-device needs. Source: PressNews.com They carry many laptops, tablets, smartphones and accessories including Windows, Apple and Android devices and parts. They sell products below original prices, backed by a 90-day warranty. They buy for cash or trade in. They have expert on-site repairs (including smartphone screens) and upgrades. Device Pitstop is now open at 13732 83rd Way in Maple Grove, east of Interstate 94 and near the intersection of Elm Creek Boulevard and Weaver Lake Road. Continue reading

DEVICE PITSTOP: At Device Pitstop, Call Goes Out for Used Gadgets

As Americans update digital devices more frequently, Device Pitstop and others want to rescue last year’s models from the junk drawer. Sourced from: Star Tribune.

Old gadgets tend to gather in drawers, and Ron Olson wants to change that.

Olson, president of Minnetonka-based NTY Franchise Co., acquired a laptop exchange company in Las Vegas later renamed Device Pitstop, brought the concept to the Twin Cities and is now poised to expand it nationwide.

Continue reading

DEVICE PITSTOP: Device Pitstop Opens in Burnsville, Minnesota

Device Pitstop®, a national chain that buys, sells, trades, services and upgrades laptops and mobile devices at low cost, just opened in Burnsville. It’s a one-stop solution to laptop and mobile-device needs. Sourced from: Burnsville Patch Device Pitstop carries a wealth of laptops, tablets, smartphones and accessories including Windows, Apple, and Android devices and parts. They sell products well below original prices, backed by a 90-day warranty. They buy for cash or trade in. They have expert on-site repairs (including smartphone screens) and upgrades. There’s a knowledgeable, friendly, value environment. Continue reading

DEVICE PITSTOP: Used Tech Retailer Device Pitstop Expanding in Twin Cities

In an article about the expansion of Device Pitstop in the Twin Cities, Ron and Chad Olson discuss what a great concept Device Pitstop is. Sourced from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, twincities.com:
 
Looking to unload that old phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer? Three newly opened Twin Cities stores pay for such unwanted hardware but will be choosy about what gear they accept. These outlets, all Device Pitstop franchises, are part of a Minnesota-based chain with 11 stores around the nation. Six more, including two in the Twin Cities, are set to open in the near future. Continue reading

DEVICE PITSTOP: Resale Gurus Open Buy-Sell-Trade-Repair Concept Device Pitstop for Computers, Phones, and Tablets

Ron Olson and his son, Chad, were recently featured in an article in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal that takes a look at the innovative and growing success of Device Pitstop. The full article can be seen below. Sourced from: Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal:
 
Minnetonka-based NTY Franchise Co. acquired a small Las Vegas laptop exchange company and is growing the rebranded concept under the Device Pitstop name. Father-son duo Ron and Chad Olson opened the first Device Pitstop store in Ridgedale Square, a shopping center across the street from the Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka. Ridgedale Square is where the Olsons have tested or refined their other brands, such as New Uses, NTY Clothing Exchange and NTY Kids. Continue reading

DEVICE PITSTOP: Protecting your Computer from Viruses

Device Pitstop is the place for computer repair, including slow computers and computer viruses.

We recommend customers looking for virus protection purchase Norton Anti-Virus.  Norton Anti-Virus was recently rated the #1 anti-virus software by PCWorld.  In general, we are not big fans of integrated security suite software.  Our experience is that some of these software packages tend to slowdown computer performance. 

On the Internet, hackers and others that perpetrate viruses tend to go where the people are.  That means with the growth of Facebook and YouTube, more viruses are spreading through these popular sites.  Whatever site generates high traffic in the future will undoubtedly attract future viruses. 

Another option for customers is the Apple computer.  While Apple is not 100% immune from virus attacks, the vast majority of viruses are written for Windows operating systems.  Why?  Again, because the virus perpetrators flock to the big numbers:  Windows is still 90% of the market for operating systems, while Apple only comprises 7%. 

However, keep in mind that if you switch from PC to Apple, you will likely need to buy all new software unless you get a Mac and then boot into a Windows operating system.  But that does not solve the original problem of getting viruses, as you will be back on a Windows operating system.   You also have to get accustomed to working your way around a Mac, which is a different experience from a PC.

Linda Berg

Franchise Business Consultant

Linda Berg is the Franchise Business Consultant for Clothes Mentor’s Southeast region and the Franchise Operations Manager for Clothes Mentor, Children’s Orchard, and NTY Clothing Exchange. Linda joined the company in 2016 as the Store Manager and the Area Manager of the three corporate stores. Linda worked for Gap Inc. for 12 years at both Old Navy and Gap in various management roles. Her retail experience also includes 12 years at Mervyn’s in several management and training roles. 

Amy Donnelly

Director of Inventory Management | Franchise Business Consultant

Amy Donnelly is the Director of Inventory Management for Clothes Mentor. In addition, Amy holds the position as Franchise Business Consultant for Clothes Mentor’s Southeast Region. Prior to joining Clothes Mentor in 2013, she spent 8 years in retail management with Limited Brands.  Amy holds a BA degree.

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Ashley Huebner

Director of Marketing

Ashley Huebner oversees Clothes Mentor’s marketing and advertising efforts to drive sales and build brand awareness. She also leads creative initiatives, driving the brand’s vision in aesthetics, tone, and trends to elevate our position as a leader in the resale category.

Ashley joined the Clothes Mentor team in March 2015. She has 10+ years of Graphic Design experience, a strong background in design and user experience, and a passion for creativity. She holds a BA degree in Advertising and Art.

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Michelle Vaudrin

Senior Director of Operations

Michelle Vaudrin is the Senior Director of Operations for Clothes Mentor and Children’s Orchard. Prior to joining NTY Franchise Company in March 2016, she worked in leadership roles for Burlington, American Eagle, and Macy’s. Michelle attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a degree in Retail Merchandising and Business Administration. She brings extensive background in training of strategies, merchandising, customer service and multi-unit store operations to the team.

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Jenny Mann

Vice President of Operations | Executive Director of IT

Jenny Mann is the Vice President of Operations for Clothes Mentor and Children’s Orchard. In January of 2020, Jenny also took on the role of Executive Director of IT, overseeing BST, our Point of Sale system, and the e-commerce platforms for both brands. Prior to this, Jenny was the Director of Marketing for NTY Franchise Company since January 2013. Jenny started with the NTY Franchise Company in 2008 with Clothes Mentor and has held many roles, including; Store Manager, New Store Opener, and Regional Operations Manager. Before joining NTY Franchise Company, Jenny worked for Old Navy (Gap, Inc.) and Target in management roles.

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Jarvis Herndon

Franchise Business Consultant

Jarvis Herndon is a Franchise Business Consultant for both Clothes Mentor and Device Pitstop. Jarvis has a strong background in retail management, leadership, and a history of operational success within a franchising system. He is passionate about assisting small business owners in developing their path to success while maximizing their businesses’ potential. Jarvis brings a great mix of skills and experience to the NTY Franchise Company.

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Sarah Primmer

VP of Finance & Human Resources

Sarah Primmer is the Vice President of Finance and Human Resources for NTY Franchise Company. She joined the company in January 2014. Prior to joining NTY, Sarah spent over 25 years as the controller and business manager of a local sales and marketing firm calling on Target stores.

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Chad Olson

Chief Operations Officer

Chad Olson has been Chief Operations Officer of NTY Franchise Company since January 2007. From May 1994 to December 2006, he held various positions for Winmark Corporation (f/k/a Grow Biz International, Inc.), including Field Operations Manager for the Once Upon a Child concept from 1999 to 2002, and Regional Operations Manager for the Plato’s Closet concept from 2002 to 2006.

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Dan Goetz

Franchise Business Consultant

Dan Goetz is the Franchise Business Consultant for Clothes Mentor in the West Region. Previous to joining the Clothes Mentor Corporate staff in February of 2014, he worked in leadership positions with Aèropostale, Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Target stores. He attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth and St. Cloud State University. He brings a strong background in Operations, Merchandising, and Human Resources to the Clothes Mentor team.

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Sean Marrs

IT/Tech Administrator

IT/Tech Administrator
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Ashlyn Aarness

Social Media Specialist

Social Media Specialist

Marissa Stacy

Jr. Graphic Designer

Jr. Graphic Designer

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Gina Geary

Franchise Business Consultant

Franchise Business Consultant

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Alice Heidenreich

Franchise Business Consultant

Franchise Business Consultant

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Jessica Fix

Franchise Contract and Office Administrator

Jessica Fix is the Franchise Contracts and Office Administrator for NTY Franchise Company. She started with the company in January of 2018. Jessica works alongside the Franchise Development Team and provides office support to the headquarter office. She has 20 years in the franchise industry, previously working for Carlson Leisure Group/Travel Leaders Franchise Group in a variety of roles, such as Database Coordinator, Legal Contract Administrator, and Executive Assistant to the Franchise Sales Team.
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Ronald G. Olson

President

Ron Olson has been President and a Director of NTY Franchise Company since October 2006. Ron’s background included starting his career at Dayton’s Department Store, where he held many management positions. In 1977 he opened his own furniture store in Minnesota, which was a Drexel Heritage prototype store. In 1988 he co-founded Grow Biz International, now called Winmark. The first franchise rights that Olson purchased and started marketing was Play It Again Sports. Olson continued buying the Franchise rights for Once Upon A Child, Plato’s Closet, and Music Go Round. Today there over 1,000 Franchise locations.
Under NTY Franchise Company, the franchise rights were bought for Clothes Mentor and New Uses. In 2013 Olson bought Laptop Exchange and changed the name to Device Pitstop. In 2014 the company opened NTY Clothing Exchange and NTY Kids, now Children’s Orchard. There are currently 204 stores sold and 133 stores opened under the NTY Franchise umbrella.
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Michael D. Smith

Vice President of Strategic Planning

Michael D. Smith is the Vice President of Strategic Planning. From December 2000 to July 2010, Michael held the position of Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the franchise company Laptop Xchange. From June 1994 to December 2000, Michael held numerous roles within the Grow Biz International brands of Play It Again Sports and Computer Renaissance. These roles included Corporate Store Management, Field Operation Specialist, and Franchisee.
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