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:
The resale gurus are at it again with a buy-sell-trade-repair concept for computers, tablets and mobile phones.
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. Device Pitstop sells used, overstocked and refurbished laptops from $70 to $1,500. You can also find tablets and smartphones for sale. All devices have gone through a 21-point inspection and come with a 90-day warranty and theft check. The stores also repair devices. “We are trying to extend the life of products,” said Mike Smith, vice president of Device Pitstop. “It’s a green philosophy and it’s also a niche in the market.” Three franchise stores had grand openings last week in Maple Grove, Maplewood and Burnsville. The company has sold rights to three more stores in Edina, Eden Prairie and Woodbury. Seven Device Pitstop locations are already open outside of Minnesota. “Device Pitstop could easily reach 200 to 300 stores in five to seven years,” said Chad Olson, the company’s chief operations officer. You may scoff at those figures because franchise companies often like to make bold predictions. But the Olsons have an accomplished track record in the resale business. Ron Olson founded the company now known as Winmark Corp., which built the Play it Again Sports brand to 800 stores and is behind Plato’s Closet and Music Go Round, among others. Chad worked alongside his father. Both left Winmark years ago but found success in other concepts. Their Clothes Mentor has reached 122 stores and sold rights for another 53. NTY Franchise Co. has 205 total stores nationwide, nearly all of them franchised. Chad Olson took a deep breath when asked what’s next for the resale empire. “We’ve got to slow down,” he said. “We’ve got our hands full right now.”Ron Olson (right) and his son, Chad, opened their Device Pitstop Store in Minnetonka’s Ridgedale Square Shopping Center.
Michelle Vaudrin is the Senior Director of Operations for Children’s Orchard and Clothes Mentor. Before joining Children’s Orchard in 2016, she worked in leadership roles for Burlington, American Eagle, and Macy’s.
Michelle attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Retail Merchandising and Business Administration degree. She brings an extensive background in training in 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.
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.
Sean Marrs
IT/Tech Administrator
IT/Tech Administrator
Marissa Stacy
Jr. Graphic Designer
Jr. Graphic Designer
Ashlyn Aarness
Social Media Specialist
Social Media Specialist
Ashley Huebner
Director of Marketing
Ashley Huebner oversees Children’s Orchard’s marketing and advertising efforts to drive sales, build brand awareness, and lead the planning on how to market the brand effectively. She leads creative initiatives by driving the brands’ vision in aesthetics, tone, and trends to elevate our brand position as a leader in the resale category.
Ashley joined the Children’s Orchard team in 2015. Ashley has 10+ years of Graphic Design experience. Ashley holds a strong background in design, user experience, and a passion for creativity. She holds a BA degree in Advertising and Art.
