Female Franchisee Thrives in Winmark’s Entrepreneurial Business Environment
Michelle Clark, a young entrepreneur and former stay-at-home Mom, is charting new territory in small business success. In just two years, the young businesswoman has opened her first Winmark-brand store, a Once Upon A Child, and is preparing to open her second store, a Plato’s Closet — both in Kamloops, British Columbia. With a background in hospitality management and business administration, she is driven by a dynamic mix of wanting to help people and her community while creating opportunities for herself and others.
The Winmark family of sustainable retail franchise brands — Once Upon A Child, Plato’s Closet, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore, and Music Go Round — is the place where Michelle has found her entrepreneurial niche.
“Owning a business is something I've always been interested in,” Michelle explains. “And I love a franchise-based concept. I think it's very, very valuable in many ways and you're investing in a successful business model.”
Prior to opening her store, Michelle discovered Winmark’s unique business structure and operating philosophies while researching different franchise opportunities. “When the opportunity for the territory came up, I didn't even discuss it with anyone else in my life,” says Michelle. “I just applied. I just knew.”
While Michelle was working toward becoming a business owner, she was also preparing to welcome a new baby. In the middle of her Grand Opening week, she gave birth to her son, a “store baby” as she likes to call him.
Opening your own business as a new mom might seem like an impossible situation, but Michelle, a bundle of energy and a self-described rule follower, meticulously implemented her business plan and leveraged the support of Winmark and its franchisee community. Today, she is seeing growth and exceeding her business goals.
Corporate Support, Collaboration and Community: The Keys to Franchise Success
Michelle is quick to give credit for her success to others. “Winmark is unique in that they’ve chosen the right people to run the company as well as their franchise partners. When you follow their model, you're going to see continued growth with people who want you to grow.”
She cites the training and development program as an indispensable element and relied heavily on its virtual aspects during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she was preparing to open.
“I utilize the corporate resources as much as I can. That’s what they’re for and they really help me maximize my investment.” She goes on to further underscore the importance of corporate support. “It's been a whirlwind, and the support I’ve received is actually really incredible when I think about it.”
Another primary reason she chose the family of Winmark franchise brands was the collaborative relationships among franchisees. “I'm constantly reaching out to other stores owners who are similar in sales volume to us or buy similar volume and everybody is so wonderful. There are people I respect in the Once Upon a Child community … I really, really value their time and feedback because of just how well they've done.”
This emphasis on collaboration spills over into the communities that Michelle and her fellow franchisees serve. “We're providing an affordable option for people to come and buy all the things their kids need, and we're also giving them cash same day for the things that their kids have outgrown.”
Michelle mentions the larger impact on the global community as another key benefit of owning a retail resale franchise. “I think now more than ever, people are realizing this is our children's future, a world that's covered in waste … how can we help?” She is proud that Winmark franchises have kept over two billion items out of landfills since 2010.
She’s also proud of Winmark’s role in starting and growing the retail resale industry. “Sustainability is great for the environment, it's great for the community, it's great for the earth and teaching our children about the future. It is also a great way to save money and hopefully be able to invest more in other areas that immediately benefit families.”
Creating a Legacy for Young Women
Michelle glows when she talks about the positive impact she is having on young women. “I'm the leader of this incredible team of people who love coming to work,” says Michelle. “I really, really love being somebody that can give them a positive work experience when they're still very impressionable and eager to learn.” If Michelle’s example is any indication, these young women already have a head start.
Most importantly, Winmark has provided Michelle the opportunity to raise her family and create successful businesses, literally from day one. For many other women, the company’s business model, brand ethos and value pillars create opportunities for them to fully leverage their experiences in a supportive business environment.
As Michelle says, “The money isn't what drives me. True, there’s a high return on investment. But the other returns are just as important. We collaborate. We build community. We give back to young families. We are making real change in the world.”