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.)
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.
