If you could go back in time, what business advice would you tell your younger self? Chad Olson, COO of NTY Franchise Company, shares what he has learned and more in this excerpt from USA Weekly.
Starting a business is a big achievement for many entrepreneurs, but maintaining one is the larger challenge. There are many standard challenges that face every business whether they are large or small. It is not easy running a company, especially in a fast-paced, ever-changing business world. Technology advances, new hiring strategies, and now, political changes coming with the new administration, all add to the existing business challenges that entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives have to deal with.
Maximizing profits, minimizing expenses and finding talented staff to keep things moving seem to be top challenges for both SMBs and large corporations. We have been interviewing companies from around the world to discover what challenges they are facing in their businesses. We also asked each company to share business advice they would give to a younger version of themselves.
NTY Franchise Company Founded in 2006 by Ron Olson, NTY Franchise Company is the gold standard in resale franchising companies. NTY franchises five brands, all with a different focus: Clothes Mentor, Children’s Orchard, Device Pitstop, New Uses, and NTY Clothing Exchange. The brands are all resale-based and cover women’s designer fashions, children’s apparel and accessories, furniture and household goods, electronic sales and repair, and clothing for teens and young adults. All are great business opportunities with cutting-edge technology, unmatched support, and lucrative resale franchises. NTY Franchise Company has helped individuals to establish resale stores throughout the United States in many communities, and it has territories available to develop nationwide.
What is your role? What do you enjoy most about your role?
I am the COO of NTY Franchise Company. What I enjoy most about my role is working through the different challenges and opportunities that arise every day. There is constant problem solving and coaching opportunities and I am fortunate enough to hopefully make a difference. Our franchisees have invested a lot of money to open their business, achieve their goals of being their own boss and generate success. The thrill for me is having the opportunity to help them realize these goals.
Click here to read the full article on usaweekly.com.
It’s simple: bring in your fall fashions (including boots and scarves!) for cash on the spot. Clothes Mentor Cincinnati explains more in this video featured on Fox19-Now:
Watch this quick video featuring our VP of Franchising, Jim Wollman, and find out some of the key characteristics that NTY Franchise Company looks for when partnering with franchisees to grow one or more of our successful resale businesses.
Video: What does it take to own an NTY Franchise?
Do you have the skills and traits mentioned in this video? If so, you would make a fabulous franchisee with any of our five resale brands: Children’s Orchard, Clothes Mentor, Device Pitstop, New Uses and NTY Clothing Exchange!
Still don’t know if you have what it takes, or curious which of our resale brands is the best fit for you? Take our successful franchise owner quiz!
What Makes a Good Franchisee Video Transcription
Do you prefer a text version of the video or want to follow along while you watch? Then check out the full transcription below!
There is no “best age” to start a business
Jim: We attract people of all ages- from people in their twenties to their sixties and everything in between. People come from all kinds of backgrounds and work experiences too.
Most importantly, we are looking for people with energy and personality. That’s what makes a good franchisee. We can’t teach you how to be a cool person to work for so you need to come to the table with those things that will really help you be successful in these businesses.
Some characteristics of successful franchise owners
Also important are transferable skills. If you had previous successes in your career, then you have transferable skills and that’s good.
What I’m talking about here are previous management experience, staff oversight, budgeting, and communication skills. Those are important because we are going to teach you how to maximize your business and you are going to use those skills to execute and make yourself a successful franchise owner.
NTY Franchise Company’s Proprietary Point of Sale System (POS)
We also need people that appreciate what computers and technology can do because we use it heavily to measure and manage and improve our businesses to the maximum potential. We have proprietary point of sale systems that will help you with inventory turn rates, cash flow management and with employee efficiency.
Our Franchise Loyalty Programs
We have trigger based customer loyalty programs, just like the big business out there. We are using technology to attract, retain, and bring in more customers, and more customers more often. So an embrace of the use of technology is very important. You don’t have to be an IT professional, but you do have to be comfortable with computers.
We are also looking for people who are smart enough to realize that you don’t know what you don’t know and you can really benefit from a shortening of the learning curve. This not only helps you to avoid costly financial mistakes, that one is easy to understand, but what a lot of people don’t think about is that mistakes cost time.
We teach you how to run a successful franchise
We know People want to get going and get moving, become more successful more quickly, and we can help you with that. We are not looking for people who are so entrepreneurial that they want to just change everything coming right out of the gate.
We have a very proven pathway. We have all of the knowledge, training and support that makes up our proven and well-worn operating system. So we know that if you use our tools, use our systems, and execute that you will greatly improve your chances of being successful.
Successful franchise owners “wear all the hats“
A lot of people come from corporate America to begin their business for the first time. Of course we can help you there, but your background says that you wear a big hat and are a specialist and good at what you do.
This may be more narrowly defined in Corporate America. The thing about small business America is that you have to wear all the hats. The good news is that they are really small hats. And we are going to help you in areas that you aren’t as strong in and in other disciplines that you don’t feel as comfortable with. So having this ability to realize that it’s about you and wearing all the hats is an important thing for you to be able to realize and appreciate when you get into a franchise business.
Couples make great franchisees
Now this brings up the question-what are the most common profiles that make up our franchise business? One of the most tried and true profiles for us are couples. Where one covers the household expenses, the overhead, and so on. While the other gets the business up and running and started. Often times with love, opposites attract and they usually have different skill sets, but when you mesh those together they make a very good one hundred percent.
Hands off franchise investors
Another type of profile that has worked well for us are partnerships where you have one financial backer who is a little more hands-off, and another operational partner who is going to be the face of the business and run the business on a day to day basis. An example of this could be an adult with an adult child. Now in our soft line brands, apparel, we do have men who do these businesses and usually what they will do is hire a female manager who has prior retail experience. Conversely in our tech businesses, we have very successful women running our device pit stop. We really do get people of all walks of life and who are given a proven business operating system to follow.
Going solo: solo franchise ownership
Now, the one exception to what I just said is for those who are coming into the business solo. The one other thing that you have to think about is that if this is going to be your new business you may decide to run the business yourself and maybe take that managers salary for yourself in the early stages until you build the business out. But just to be safe, we would encourage you to at least have one year of household expenses tucked away in reserve as working capital above and beyond the initial investment of opening up the business which is covered on our website as well.
-end-
So there you have it, now you know what makes a good franchisee. Think you have what it takes? Then contact us now to schedule your free consultation!
Ever dreamt of being your own boss and doing something you love while making a great living? Make your dream a reality with Clothes Mentor! Start exploring the Clothes Mentor franchise opportunity with this overview video. Get direct answers and real numbers from Clothes Mentor COO Chad Olson.
Selecting a franchise is a big decision. That’s why it’s important to choose one that will stand the tests of time and the economy. Here are five reasons why NTY franchises are sustainable businesses:
1. Resale
All five NTY franchises are resale businesses. By its very nature, resale is sustainable. Take the company’s flagship brand Clothes Mentor, for example, which started franchising in 2007 when the U.S. economy was on the verge of a recession. Within the following few years, when other retail stores were struggling, Clothes Mentor stores were thriving. The downturn created an even bigger demand for the resale niche that has continued to grow as the economy improves.
2. Green Concept
Franchisees that partner with NTY and customers that shop our stores value the reuse of quality goods. NTY stores buy products from customers for cash on-the-spot, which puts money back into the pockets of people within the community. This, in turn, helps the planet by extending the life of great clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, electronics and more and keeps those items out of landfills.
3. Customers Love NTY Products and Services
Just like they love making money by selling items to NTY Franchise stores, customers love saving money by shopping with us, too. Our point-of-sale software features a sophisticated buy matrix, which helps NTY Franchise stores price their high-quality merchandise at approximately 70% less than the original retail price. That great value and seeing new items on the floor every day keeps shoppers coming back.
4. Profitability at Store Level
Our proprietary point-of-sale system also helps stores stay on course for achieving high gross margins of approximately 60%, which translates to a faster return on investment, greater profits and the opportunity for rapid growth to multi-store businesses. The following is a snapshot of the return-on-investment numbers for franchisees with our Children’s Orchard brand.
Return on investment numbers for Children’s Orchard:
5. Accessible Corporate Team and Franchisee Network
With 200 stores open across all brands, NTY has developed a strong franchise support system that starts with a highly experienced management team. In addition, we have a large and diverse network of franchisees that are easily accessible for validation during the franchising process as well as ongoing support in the form of idea sharing, franchise advisory councils (FACs), potential advertising cooperatives, comradery and more.
Click on the brand logos at the top of this page to find out more about NTY’s five franchises.
*$648,342 is the average net sales of the 5 stores included in the top 25% of all 21 Children’s Orchard® stores in operation for entire calendar year ended December 31, 2015. Of the 5 stores included in the average net sales for the top 25% of all stores, 2 stores (40%) met or exceeded the average net sales. There is no assurance, however, that you will do as well. See Item 19 of the Children’s Orchard® Franchise Disclosure Document dated April 26, 2016, for more information.
NTY Franchise Company’s flagship brand, Clothes Mentor, was recently featured in Franchising USA in honor of its 10th anniversary. Check out some amazing figures coming out of Clothes Mentor’s success in the brand’s brief history:
Thousands of franchise brands use their 10th anniversary to brag about the millions of dollars they’ve made selling goods and services in their communities. Women’s upscale resale clothing franchise Clothes Mentor can look back at their first decade and celebrate the millions of dollars they’ve paid to the people in their communities.
$180 million, to be exact.
This February, Clothes Mentor and their parent company, NTY Franchise Company, celebrate 10 years of not only offering gently-used name-brand and designer clothing, shoes and accessories for up to 70 percent off of original retail prices, but paying cash on the spot to the women who bring in their gently-used clothing, shoes and accessories. From their first franchise in Canton, Ohio, launched in 2007 to more than 150 stores nationwide today, Clothes Mentor locations can be found in 29 states and 132 cities throughout the United States.
“This has been an amazing 10 years. I am thrilled to be where we are after 10 years of growth. We would not have been able to accomplish what we have without the hard work and dedication from our franchisees and Clothes Mentor corporate staff in Minneapolis,” said Chad Olson, COO of NTY Franchise Company.
Resale pioneer abandons retirement to launch resale revolution
As a child, Ron Olson worked in the theatre his parents owned and watched the many movies that showed how the rich and famous lived. He thought maybe some day he could be rich like that. In 2000, at the age of 58, he reached that goal when he retired a multimillionaire after building GrowBiz, his empire of resale stores that included Play It Again Sports and Plato’s Closet. In retirement, Ron golfed. He dabbled in real estate. He travelled. He went crazy. He decided that retirement wasn’t for him.
“I was bored. I love work and it drives me,” he said. “I had to get back in the game.”
By 2006, The Godfather of Resale was at it again. On a visit to Columbus, Ohio, Ron’s friends Lynn and Dennis Blum, the founders of Plato’s Closet and Once Upon a Child, introduced him to their new women’s upscale resale store, Clothes Mentor. Olson saw potential. He jumped out of retirement and started NTY Franchise Company, purchasing the three Clothes Mentor locations and hiring his son, Chad, who helped him grow the brand.
“There are still plenty of open markets for Clothes Mentor across America. More and more Americans today want an alternative to thrift in their market, and Clothes Mentor provides them that with its brightly lit, clean and organized shopping environment,” Chad Olson said.
By March of 2014, Clothes Mentor had grown to more than 100 stores. The concept was a hit with franchise owners who loved being their own boss as well as cash-strapped consumers still suffering financially from the great recession of 2008 but wanting to enjoy the designer retail brands at Clothes Mentor’s resale prices.
Today, resale is a $12 billion industry with Clothes Mentor leading the charge in upscale women’s clothing. Over the last decade, they’ve sold more than 28 million units of clothing, recycled 42 million units, and created almost 6,000 local employment opportunities.
Making dreams come true
For Clothes Mentor franchisees, the business has provided more than just an income. It’s been a life-changing event. Franchisees like Mike and Melanie Harris of Edmond, Oklahoma, were able to return to their home and be with their families thanks to the opportunity provided by Clothes Mentor.
“We are thankful to have found the opportunity to own a Clothes Mentor franchise. Because of this, we moved back to our home state of Oklahoma to be near family, which encouraged more family to move here as well. We doubt this would have happened in the three years we’ve been here, without this major life change,” they said.
For others, purchasing Clothes Mentor franchises wasn’t just about being close to family, it meant working in the family business. Sisters Sadie Cherney and Alyssa Cox each own multiple Clothes Mentor locations in North and South Carolina. Their parents had owned resale stores since Sadie and Alyssa were teenagers, giving them a firsthand experience into the wonderful world of resale.
“Having the Clothes Mentor franchises has been a wonderful experience for our family to grow together in the resale industry. Opening a business is always a risk, but we felt strongly from the beginning with our parent’s past experience in resale franchises that it was a profitable opportunity. We look forward to opening more in the near future,” Alyssa said.
Sadie agrees.
“Growing up with family resale franchises provided a framework for my sister and I to appreciate recycling and value-driven shopping,” she said. “We’ve been able to build a work culture that takes great pride in our small businesses, as well as a mission to be involved in and supportive of the communities where we are located.”
Kathy and Lane Bosley own Clothes Mentor in Tyler, Texas, and are hoping their daughters can learn similar lessons by seeing their mom and dad win with their franchise store.
“We are thankful to show our children (ages 9–16) how to own a business. We’re thankful they’ll see how much hard work is required, how important good character is and what a blessing it is to work together as a family!” she said.
More to come over the next 10 years
Clothes Mentor recently launched a free personal shopper program where customers submit their sizes, style preferences and budget either by phone or online, then one of the store’s fashion experts selects outfits for the customer to try on upon arrival. The personal shopper program is currently active in 105 stores and will continue to expand in 2017.
NTY Franchise Company plans to launch 25 Clothes Mentor stores in 2017 and hopes to open around 25–30 per year over the next decade, making Olson and his team very optimistic for the future.
“The next 10 years are going to be awesome. We will be approaching 500 stores, and our franchise base and the customers we serve will have grown dramatically. The jobs our franchisees have created will have helped thousands and thousands of Americans. Only in franchising can you get this kind of trifecta.”
Check out this article from altoonamirror.com about why franchising is a smart business move. For one, it allows you to build your own business with the support of a proven system. Learn more:
Mirror photo by J.D. Cavrich.
Franchises gaining in popularity
By Walt Frank
After his family business was sold, Mike Folcarelli said he was “looking for something to do.”
So in 2014, Folcarelli opened a HoneyBaked Ham Co. and Cafe franchise in the Pleasant Valley Shopping Center.
“I thought at my age (49 at the time), this was the best way to go, instead of starting something from scratch. They have proven marketing and brand recognition,” Folcarelli said. “I looked at others (franchises), not just in the food business. I just decided on this — it just fit my lifestyle.”
Mike Burgmeier worked at the Greenwood Meadows while in high school and college.
“I have an entrepreneurial flair. I knew I always wanted my own franchise,” Burgmeier said.
Burgmeier is the franchise owner of the Chick-fil-A restaurant set to open in March at 106 Sierra Drive, the site of the former Montezuma Mexican Restaurant.
“I started to pursue this in 2013. I looked at several other types of franchises, but I wanted to be in the food retail industry. Chick-fil-A is dedicated to customer service. Their core values and my core values lined up,” Burgmeier said. “I am pleased I have the ability to bring in a franchise like Chick-fil-A, which does tremendous things for the community. It will be a nice place for people to sit down and enjoy a good product. I am excited about that.”
Between 12,000 and 15,000 new franchise businesses open every year in the United States, or between 30 and 40 per day.
There are an estimated 733,000 franchise business establishments in the U.S., meaning about 3 percent of all businesses are franchises, and franchise businesses employ about 7.6 million people directly, said John R. Reynolds, president of the Franchise Education and Research Foundation.
Reynolds said the franchising industry has averaged about 2 percent to 3 percent growth per year in the past few years.
Franchises are very popular these days.
“Franchises are popular because they provide business owners with a systematic approach to owning and operating a business that provides branding, marketing, training and support. It combines the resources of the franchisor and franchisees in the network to get a multiplier effect,” Reynolds said. “Many people buy into a franchise because they want to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. Being part of a franchise system gives them advantages of not going it alone.”
Judy and Anthony Branda have owned the Greenwood Meadows franchise for about nine years.
“My husband had talked to the people who owned it and told them if they ever wanted to sell it, to let us know. We thought it would be a fun business to get into; when people come in for ice cream, they are happy,” Judy Branda said.
Melvin Milne has owned the Budget Blinds franchise in Altoona for nine years, and the one in State College for five years.
“I was in the construction business. I normally worked for someone else and this was a way to get started; a franchise helps you jump-start a business,” Milne said. “I’ve been in this nine years. The economy was not the greatest when I started. It was difficult at first, but the last couple of years it has been nothing but referrals and repeat business.”
David Rosen is the owner of the Griswold Home Care franchise in Hollidaysburg. He also owns two other Griswold franchises.
“I was a do-it-yourself type of person and I wanted to be more of a franchise person. I liked the idea of partnership. The company was moving in the right direction, and I felt it was a solid company,” Rosen said. “Partnerships bring some expertise and help you achieve success. For me, I really liked the mix and felt it was a good fit.”
Owning a franchise has advantages.
According to the International Franchise Association, owning a franchise allows you to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. A franchise provides franchisees with a certain level of independence where they can operate their business. A franchise provides an established product or service that might already enjoy widespread brand-name recognition. This gives the franchisee the benefits of a pre-sold customer base that would ordinarily takes years to establish. A franchise can increase the chance of business success because it is associated with proven products and methods. Franchises also offer consumers the attraction of a certain level of quality and consistency because it is mandated by the franchise agreement.
“You have a proven product and the system is in place. You don’t have to re-invent the wheel, just follow the system and try to improve on it in your local market. It comes down to hiring the right people and training them and serving the customers,” Folcarelli said.
But there can be some disadvantages to owning a franchise.
The franchisee is not completely independent. Franchisees are required to operate their businesses according to the procedures and restrictions set forth by the franchisor in the franchisee agreement. These restrictions usually include the products or services which can be offered, pricing and geographic territory, according to the IFA.
“You have to recognize that you don’t have the luxury to mess with branding and changes,” Rosen said.
Owning a franchise can take a lot of work.
“You do put in a lot of long hours. In this small business, you are the HR guy, the purchasing guy, the sales guy. There is a lot more responsibility than at a larger company. You wear all of the hats,” Folcarelli said.
It is important to do your research before purchasing a franchise.
“Do your homework on any franchise. There are good ones, there are bad ones, there are great ones and horror stories out there,” Milne said.
The first step is to develop a business plan.
“There are many franchise businesses to choose from. What are the types of businesses that appeal to you that also meet your personal and financial goals in your business plan? Lastly, get advice from a qualified franchise attorney before accepting any franchise offers or signing any franchise agreements,” Reynolds said.
“Check out the company as a whole, its financial situation, how long they have been in business, what kind of talent do they have. Talk to other franchise owners to see if they are willing to talk to you about the franchise. Talk to new ones and others who have been in it for three to five years to get their perspective on the franchise,” Rosen said. “I looked at four or five organizations; Griswold emerged for me. I liked its vision and mission of serving people.”
Reynolds said it is not difficult to get a franchise.
“There are franchises available for less than $100,000, and others for more than $1 million. It’s important to consider a franchise business that meets your personal and financial goals and plans,” Reynolds said.
With the opening of its 200th store, NTY Franchise Company continues to grow and be a leader in the upscale resale industry. Check out the great article about the company and its five innovative resale brands from the January issue of Global Business North America:
Check out excerpts from a linkedin.com article below, which features several franchisees from various NTY Franchise Company brands.
Why these franchisees see franchising as a gift
By Jim Judy
The holidays are here, so what better way for me to celebrate than to hear why actual franchise owners see franchising as a wonderful gift. As a franchise consultant, I’m always happy to hear how they are thriving in their franchise business, but even I was surprised by the response I received for this story.
I’ve heard from dozens of franchisees from numerous franchise systems excited to share their thoughts on what they love about franchising.
Enjoy what they have to say, and have a wonderful holiday!
[…]
“This year we feel even more thankful than previous years. By opening our Clothes Mentor franchise we fulfilled our dream of having a family business and have the opportunity to spend more time together. Being a franchise owner has given us the opportunity to save for our retirement, and provide long term job security for our son. Our #Dream2016 has come through.” – Pieter de Smidt, Clothes Mentor of Sugarland, TX
“I’m thankful for franchising! Combining my entrepreneurship passion with best practices, systems and tools from a proven franchiser is a winning combination. 2016 was a great year!” – Bradley R. Swenson, Device Pitstop of Maple Grove
“We are thankful for a franchise with a proven track record to give us the confidence to open multiple, very successful businesses. By following the “resale-retail recipe” provided, we are not forced to build a business model from the ground up, but to utilize the wealth of knowledge our franchisor has handed to us to create our own businesses in our market and have the freedom to be creative and find ways to improve even more on operating our own individual stores.” – Shawn & Alyssa Cox, Clothes Mentor Charlotte – Midtown, NC, Charlotte – Arboretum, NC & Rock Hill, SC
“Being part of a franchise provides a broader opportunity for success, and gives an established brand to build on. I’m thankful for the partnership, resources, technology, and ongoing support from the franchise I am partnered with.” – Shasta Webber, Children’s Orchard Huntersville, NC
“Franchising give me the flexibility to make more family time. There are no clocks to punch and no supervisor to decline vacation requests.” – Brad Peterson, Device Pitstop Burnsville, MN
“After just spending 90 minutes with my franchise operations manager, I feel like I have a focused business strategy to wrap up 2016…and he planted seeds for me to start developing my 2017 business goals. I am thankful for having a built-in, business-savvy coach who wants us to succeed as much as we do.” – Chris Barnett, Clothes Mentor Springfield, PA
Check out this article from franchisingusamagazine.com to find out how Clothes Mentor is attracting two new customer groups:
Upscale Resale Franchise Clothes Mentor Attracts New Customers
NTY Franchise Company’s flagship resale brand Clothes Mentor is expanding its fashion focus, attracting two new customer groups: plus-size and millennial women. Launching the push to better serve these demographics at this year’s conference in Minneapolis, the company produced two exciting fashion shows hosted by Mall of America trend expert Sara Rogers and featuring fashion bloggers Amanda Williams (mybellamoxie.com) and Davee Ek (daveesecrets.com), both nationally recognized in the plus-size and millennial spaces.
The lively shows were both entertaining and educational, as models showcased the hottest fashion trends for plus-size and millennial women while the experts elaborated on the tastes, lifestyle, shopping preferences and more for these customers.
Building off of the runway excitement, franchisees continued to learn more about Clothes Mentor’s new plus-size and millennial customers during in-depth training sessions. Topics included digital and data-driven marketing, the personal shopper program, maximizing social media and more—all of which have helped Clothes Mentor stores speak to new and existing customers on a more personal level than any other women’s fashion resale franchise in the country.
Franchisees left this year’s Clothes Mentor conference energized and inspired to make 2016 a big year by welcoming new plus-size and millennial customers into their stores.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kaitlynn McShane
Graphic Designer + Marketing Coordinator
Graphic Designer + Marketing Coordinator
Ashlyn Aarness
Social Media Specialist
Social Media Specialist
Gina Geary
Franchise Business Consultant
Franchise Business Consultant
Alice Heidenreich
Franchise Business Consultant
Franchise Business Consultant
Susan Praus
Training Manager
Training Manager
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.
