For Subscribers

Not Just Fun and Games Play N Trade's franchise model incorporates a business-like devotion to fun and games.

By Kim Orr

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

It takes a certain kind of person to start a Play N Trade franchise. Jimmy Kindred, executive vice president of franchise development for the retail videogame franchise, is exactly that person. But he's not what you might imagine; he hasn't spent his life's waking hours glued to a TV or a computer screen, refusing food or water for fear that it might interrupt Link's quest to rescue Princess Zelda. No, Kindred is first and foremost a businessman, and, despite his franchise company's devotion to the hardcore gaming set, he admits it is entrepreneurial spirit that gets the most points in this game. "Early on, our franchisees were gamers; now they're definitely more businesspeople," says Kindred, 37. "We happen to sell games, but it's the business of gaming that we're in."

So if it wasn't an ardent love of gaming that inspired him to start franchising the now 250-unit Play N Trade, what was it? Years earlier, in a land far, far away (Mesa, Ari., approximately 400 miles from his current headquarters in Newport Beach, Calif.), Kindred founded wireless communications franchise Yakety Yak Wireless with a college buddy. Their success spurred them to look for new ventures they could develop through T-Street, the umbrella company they created to house the Yakety Yak brand. That's when they discovered Play N Trade, a small Colorado chain of videogame stores, and decided its similarly techie consumers would make it a perfect franchising partner.

Today, it's that same love of business that takes Play N Trade franchisees to the next level of an $18 billion gaming world, Kindred says. "Having a franchise owner [in the stores] really makes a difference. A lot of the videogame purchases are made by mothers and fathers who may not have a clue. We need them to feel comfortable in our stores."

As it turned out, franchising Play N Trade was, indeed, a winning move: With more than 500 franchisees waiting to get started, a new store design that doubles inventory and franchise-wide sales projected at $85 million for 2009, Kindred's game is far from over.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Science & Technology

Build a Profitable One-Person Business That Runs Itself — with These 7 AI Tools

Discover seven tools to automate content, leads and sales so you scale solo.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business Solutions

Cut Overhead, Not Capabilities: Microsoft Office Pro 2021 Is Just $49.97

Get Microsoft's pro tools at a startup-friendly price.

Travel

8 Smart Ways to Save on Your Summer Business Travel (and Have Fun, Too!)

Discover savvy strategies for an efficient, enjoyable summer travel experience, whether for business or pleasure.

Business Solutions

Enjoy a Lifetime of Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus for Just $250

Keep track of all your company's finances in one place with expense tracking, invoicing, bookkeeping and more, all in one user-friendly program.