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. Device Pitstop is mostly focused on buying computer and mobile-device hardware with the goal of reselling it. It emphasizes convenience, with cash on the spot, and will not necessarily match prices quoted by such online gear-purchase services as Gazelle, said Chad Olson, who operates the chain with his father Ron. “We are obviously in the business to make money,” Olson noted. “We might take some stuff for parts, but we prefer it in working condition.” Device Pitstop also provides device-repair services, such as replacement of shattered phone or tablet screens, with roughly 30 percent of its business devoted to such work. The three new metro-area stores are at 13732 83rd Way, Maple Grove, 2950 White Bear Ave., Maplewood, and 1603 County Rd. 42, Burnsville. The coming stores are in Edina and Eden Prairie. The Device Pitstop chain is property of Minnetonka-based NTY Franchise Co., which founded and still operates the first Device Pitstop location in Minnetonka. Chad Olson is NTY’s chief operating officer while his father is the organization’s CEO. NTY Franchise Company also oversees a number of other retail-franchise brands. One of these, New Uses, buys and sells household appliances, furnishings and other items. Three other brands — Clothes Mentor, NTY Clothing Exchange, and Children’s Orchard — apply the same business model to apparel for various age groups. Chad Olson (left) and his father, Ron, oversee a chain of Device Pitstop franchise stores that buy and sell used computers and mobile devices, and also provide device-repair services. Three Device Pitstop stores are opening in the Twin Cities, for a total of four, with two more on the way. (NTY Franchise Co.)
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.
