Winmark: Resale at Scale - [Business Breakdowns, EP.159]

This is Matt Reustle. Today, we break down Winmark, a major player in the reseller economy. You're likely familiar with some of Winmark’s brands, like Plato's Closet or Play It Again Sports. Altogether, Winmark operates five brands through a franchising model. 

Our guest to break down Winmark is the current CEO, Brett Heffes. During our conversation, we discuss the broader reseller economy, the dynamics of managing those brands and different franchise brands, and how Winmark thinks about growth. In the back half of the conversation, I also made sure to talk to Brett about his thoughts on capital allocation, focusing the business, and yes, on investor communication. Please enjoy this breakdown of Winmark.

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Show Notes

(00:00:00) Welcome to Business Breakdowns

(00:04:25) Exploring the Resale Market with Windmark's CEO

(00:06:34) The Mechanics of Winmark's Franchise Model

(00:07:10) Winmark's Unique Position In The Resale Economy

(00:12:21) Franchisee Support and Business Model Insights

(00:20:44) Growth Strategies and Franchisee Expansion Philosophy

(00:24:12) A Look At The Franchisee Agreement

(00:26:57) Traits of Successful Franchisees and Common Mistakes

(00:28:42) Effective Marketing Strategies for Franchisees

(00:30:45) The Importance of Viewing Stores as Legacy Assets

(00:32:33) Renewal Rates and Franchisee Health as Key Metrics

(00:35:27) Shifting Focus From Leasing Business to Core Resale Operations

(00:41:19) Capital Allocation and Shareholder Value

(00:45:51) A Unique Approach to Investor Relations

(00:47:31) Lessons Learned From Breaking Down Winmark