In an article from Inforum, manager Shantelle Peterson shares her thoughts on style! Source: inforum.com
FARGO—Shantelle Peterson doesn’t hesitate to name her style icon.
“My grandma,” she says. “She’s always looked stylish and so classy.” The 30-year-old manager of Clothes Mentor in Fargo flips through her phone, sharing photos of her 94-year-old grandmother’s timeless, polished style.
Peterson puts her own twist on classic looks by adding edgy elements like funky shoes. I spotted her downtown and liked her positive energy and all-black ensemble. Describe your style. A hodgepodge of everything. It changes depending on my mood. What’re you wearing today? Everything is from Clothes Mentor. I have on MIA shoes, an Express blazer, Lou & Grey pants and a Coach bag. Where do you shop? Clothes Mentor, T.J. Maxx, Gap, Loft—I’ll shop anywhere. Who’s your style icon? My grandma. She turns 95 this month. She’s never worn jeans and she always looks put together. Both of my grandparents were snappy dressers. What’s your favorite thing in your closet? I have a strong attachment to all of my shoes. I have well over 100 pairs, easily. My latest favorites are a pair of cobalt blue Steve Madden fringe heels my husband bought for me. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever worn? I’m not sure, but I take every bad outfit as a learning experience. What are your signature pieces? I always wear my wedding ring and my Cobber ring, my watch and a necklace with my son’s initial and birthstone. If you had an unlimited amount of money, what would you buy for your wardrobe? I’m jaded, I don’t think I could spend a lot on one thing. But bags and shoes are always good investments.
Shoes are Shantelle Peterson’s finishing touch for any outfit. Anna G. Larson / The Forum
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.
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.
Sarah Primmer
Vice President 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.
Michael D. Smith
Vice President of Strategic Planning
Michael D. Smith has held numerous roles with NTY Franchise since 2010. He is currently the Vice President of Franchise Development and 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.
Jenny Mann
Vice President of Operations | Executive Director of IT
Jenny Mann is the Senior Vice President Clothes Mentor and Children’s Orchard. In February of 2024, Jenny took on her current role overseeing IT, Marketing 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.
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 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.
Ashley Huebner
Director of Marketing
Ashley Huebner oversees NTY Franchise Company’s marketing and advertising efforts to drive sales, build brand awareness and lead the planning on how to effectively market both brands. She leads creative initiatives for NTY Franchise Company, driving the brands’ vision in aesthetics, tone, and trends to elevate our brand position as a leader in the resale category. Ashley joined the Clothes Mentor team in March of 2015. Ashley has 8+ 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.
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.
