Winmark Corporation Appoints New Leader

09/22/2025 – 11:57 AM

MINNEAPOLIS – Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA), a franchisor focused on the resale market, announced the appointment of Lisa Hake as its new Chief Marketing Officer, effective October 1st. The move signals Winmark’s commitment to bolstering its brand presence and driving growth across its portfolio of resale franchises.

Hake brings a wealth of experience to Winmark, with over 25 years in brand management, marketing innovation, franchisee advertising fund management, and consumer engagement. Her most recent role was as Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Great Clips, the largest franchised salon brand in North America, boasting over 4,400 locations. During her tenure, she spearheaded transformative brand initiatives, contributing significantly to the company’s expansion. Prior to Great Clips, Hake held senior marketing positions at Best Buy, including Senior Marketing Director for Geek Squad, and also gained valuable experience at 3M and The Pillsbury Company.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lisa to Winmark,” stated Brett D. Heffes, Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “Her demonstrated ability to empower franchisees and enhance their performance through effective marketing strategies aligns perfectly with our goals. This appointment represents a strategic investment in our franchise system, aimed at strengthening our ability to deliver on our mission: Resale for Everyone®.”

Winmark’s focus on resale franchises – Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore®, and Music Go Round® – positions it strategically within the growing market for sustainable consumerism. The circular economy is gaining traction as consumers become more environmentally conscious and seek value-driven purchasing options. Winmark’s franchise model allows entrepreneurs to capitalize on this trend while also contributing to waste reduction and local economic development. As of June 28, 2025, Winmark had 1,371 franchises in operation with a significant number of territories still available, indicating a strong potential for further expansion. 77 additional franchises have been awarded but are not yet fully operational, suggesting an ongoing growth trajectory.

The appointment of a seasoned marketing executive like Hake underscores Winmark’s commitment to evolving its marketing strategies to meet the demands of the modern consumer. This includes leveraging data analytics to personalize marketing campaigns, enhancing digital engagement, and building stronger brand loyalty across its diverse franchise network. The future success of Winmark in the resale market will depend in part on its ability to stay ahead of consumer trends, and Lisa Hake’s experience will be invaluable in charting a course for future expansion.

About Winmark

Winmark – the Resale Company®, is a nationally recognized franchisor focused on sustainability and small business formation. It supports entrepreneurs interested in operating resale franchises. At June 28, 2025, there were 1,371 franchises in operation and over 2,800 available territories.

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to future events or the future financial performance of the Company. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual events or results could differ materially from those anticipated. Shareholders and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements.