PLATO'S CLOSET: FAYETTEVILLE, ROGERS, & FT. SMITH, AR

Owner: Staci Deal, discusses her Winmark journey

How did you come to own a Winmark franchise?

We opened our first store in May of 2008 in Fayetteville, AR. A family friend owns multiple locations and that is what got us on the bandwagon of making the huge jump to open our own store. We opened the first store in the state of Arkansas! I have always loved the brand ever since I was 14 in line at a Plato's Closet in Avon, IN for their grand opening!

What is one thing you know now that you wish you had known when you first opened your store?

As a first time boss at that time (I was 21 when we opened our first location), the biggest struggle I had for many years was becoming too close with staff and learning the hard way that is a no-no! Of course it was and still is important for your staff to connect with you and feel that they have a safe place but becoming "friends" with staff was very hard for me not to do at the beginning. It was only until 5 or 6 years ago I was able to take a step back and reflect on how I was getting hurt by employees that were ultimately not helping my business, but hurting it.

Have you implemented any new tactics to keep your staff motivated and to help with employee retention?

Now having our stores for many years, we've been able to hire and maintain Store Managers that can adapt, relate, and work well with our employees. I think it is very important that your staff feels safe, welcome, and has opportunities to grow within the company. Appreciation posts, anniversaries, contests, random pizza parties, holiday parties, small promotions, etc. are all great things to keep staff engaged and want to stay with us. I always ask myself "what can we do that big box stores can't or won't do!" I'm telling you, GAME CHANGER!

How has the partnership with JMM benefited your business?

​The Deals have been with JMM ever since the beginning of owning Plato's Closet. I think consistency is huge but we also have no problem stepping out of the boundaries and trying new things and they are there for it! I love that I can call, explain my situation/frustrations, and JMM works hard to find solutions and even when I have an idea that sounds out of this world, they will back me up. I also love that they are not pushy, respect your priorities, and never leave you hanging. They are always there and have a response rating of 100% ALL THE TIME. Love them!