MINNEAPOLIS, March 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Winmark Corporation announced today the addition of two key positions to the Corporation.
Catherine P. Heaven joins the Company as Associate General Counsel. She has spent her career in private practice, most recently with Minneapolis-based Faegre & Benson, LLP where she focused on corporate law. She replaces Mark Hooley, the President of Wirth Business Credit.
Merry Beth Hovey joins the Company in the newly created position of Director of Marketing. In her new role she will lead all marketing aspects in support of our franchisee-partners and our leasing businesses. She has an extensive marketing and advertising background including positions at Musicland stores, 2nd Swing golf stores and two Minneapolis-based advertising agencies.
In addition, Winmark is pleased to announce the following promotions.
Steven A. Murphy, Vice President of Franchise Management, will assume responsibilities for all four of the retail franchise brands including Play It Again Sports(R), Once Upon A Child(R) Plato's Closet(R) and Music Go Round(R). He joined Winmark in 2001 and held numerous roles including Director of Play It Again Sports(R). He was appointed Vice President in 2003.
Patrick M. Quinn is promoted to Director of Play It Again Sports(R). He joined Winmark in 1991 and has held numerous operating positions with Play It Again Sports(R), most recently as Director of Field Operations.
Timothy J. Kletti is promoted to Director of Music Go Round(R). He joined Winmark in 1994 and has served in a variety of roles for the brand, most recently as Manager of Music Go Round(R).
Commenting on these changes, Chairman and CEO John Morgan said, "These significant changes take advantage of our outstanding personnel and further strengthen and support our franchise business which will continue to report to Steve Briggs, President and COO."
Winmark Corporation provides financial services and develops franchises for retail stores that buy, sell, trade and consign used and new merchandise. At December 31, 2005, the Company had 803 stores in operation and an additional 40 franchises awarded but not open. Of the stores in operation, there were 396 Play It Again Sports(R), 206 Once Upon A Child(R), 159 Plato's Closet(R) and 42 Music Go Round(R) stores. In addition, at December 31, 2005, the Company had an equipment leasing portfolio equal to $7.0 million.
