Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Keith Jenkins Named Vice President of Real Estate

Executive Team Creates Position to Facilitate Nationwide Expansion Plans

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 28, 2007 – Keith Jenkins has been named vice president of real estate for Play N Trade Franchise, Inc., one of the fastest-growing franchises worldwide, and Yakety Yak Wireless, Inc., one of the largest wireless franchises in the nation.

Jenkins brings more than 20 years of experience to the newly-created position, including management positions with Ameriquest Mortgage, El Pollo Loco, the San Diego Unified Port District and First Interstate Bank of California. He has a strong background in corporate real estate acquisitions, dispositions, retail and office site leasing, facility and construction management. He reports to Roger Lloyd, co-chief operating officer for Yakety Yak and Play N Trade, and is responsible for leading nationwide expansion plans for both the Yakety Yak and Play N Trade brands.

“Keith’s managerial and hands-on experience are the ideal combination for identifying and acquiring premium locations that best suit our growth objectives,” said Lloyd. “The position requires broad expertise in reviewing and approving site locations, negotiating retail leases, preparing and maintaining overall build-out project schedules, as well as creating an overall plan for retail development to ensure that real estate locations best suit company needs.”

“Quality of location is crucial to launching a successful retail operation and I look forward to working closely with our franchisees to achieve optimum site ROI,” Jenkins said. “My experience in lease and contract negotiations, securing permits and licenses, and managing construction projects will be an asset to the company as we increase our national footprint for both brands.”

Jenkins holds a juris doctor degree in law from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Notre Dame.

Monday, March 26, 2007

Play N Trade Offers Opportunity to be Part of One of Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2007 “Top 50 New Franchises” at 16th Annual International Franchise Expo

Play N Trade Exhibiting in Booth #1146

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 26, 2007 – Play N Trade Franchise, Inc., one of the fastest-growing franchises worldwide, will offer entrepreneurs and business owners the opportunity to be part of one of Entrepreneur magazine’s 2007 “Top 50 New Franchises” at the International Franchise show, booth #1146 in the Washington Convention Center, March 30 – April 1 in Washington, D.C.

“As the foundation of our business model, individual store owners receive support at much more personal level than from any other franchise,” said Yuvi Shmul, CEO of Play N Trade. “All of the executive team members have been small business owners, and we are committed to providing guidance to our franchises in running their businesses. It all starts with affordable franchise fees, and continues with world-class training, sales and marketing programs, technical assistance and all of the tools and resources necessary to achieve success.”

The company continues to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing franchises worldwide, and is on track to achieve its sales goals of 200 stores open and 700 opportunities sold by the end of 2007.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Play N Trade Sells 100 Franchises in 10 Weeks

Company Continues to Establish Itself as the Fastest-Growing Franchise Worldwide

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 20, 2007 – Play N Trade Franchise, Inc. today announced that on March 15, it sold its 100th franchise in 2007, continuing to establish its position as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the world. The company has now sold more than 230 stores, continuing to successfully execute its growth strategy to reach 200 open stores and 700 opportunities sold by the end of 2007.

“Our company spirit is what is driving our growth and success, and what makes Play N Trade the place where entrepreneurs want to be. The individual store owner is the foundation of our business model, and we pride ourselves in supporting our franchisees on a personal level,” said Yuvi Shmul, CEO of Play N Trade.

“What sets us apart begins with our affordable franchise fees, and continues throughout our relationship. We provide site location assistance and offer continual free training and support that covers all aspects of owning and operating a small business, including extensive sales, marketing and management instruction,” Shmul said. “The executive management team participates in weekly conference calls with franchisees to address industry issues, company initiatives and market trends, and is available anytime by phone or email to answer individual franchisee questions.”

The Play N Trade executive team members all have experience as small business owners, and continue to be very involved in providing guidance to franchisees for running their businesses. Executive team expertise is backed by a robust corporate infrastructure that provides franchisees with technical support, in-store digital advertising, access to a variety of advertising and marketing collateral such as door hangers, post cards, counter-top displays and direct mailers to support local promotions, as well as a locally-branded Web site to build customer loyalty, and a proprietary POS (Point of Sale) system.

“All you have to do is bring the passion; Play N Trade provides all the tools, resources and training you will need to have a successful business,” said Tanya Hagre, Play N Trade franchisee from Minneapolis, Minn. “Thank you Play N Trade for empowering and enabling me and my husband to build the life of our dreams.”

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Nathan Clark Wins First “Play N Trade National Halo 2 Tournament Champion” Title and Grand Prizes

Nicholasville, Kentucky Play N Trade Video Game Store Hosts National Champion


NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 13, 2007 – Play N Trade Franchise, Inc., the fastest-growing video game retailer in the U.S., today announced its first National Halo 2 Tournament Champion – Nathan Clark. From the Nicholasville, Ky. store, Clark battled gamers from across the country for three hours to win the title of Play N Trade National Halo 2 Tournament Champion, as well as a $1,500 in-store gift card and 32-inch high-definition LCD TV.

“The tournament was phenomenal. It was awesome to watch because every round was very competitive and the excitement kept building up until the very end,” said Dave Moody, Nicholasville, Ky., Play N Trade store owner. “We had store employees and other spectators rooting for Nathan all the way. We are proud to have the national champion come from our store.”

On March 10, the local winners from 22 Play N Trade stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico competed in the National Halo 2 Tournament, which consisted of multiple round/single elimination tournaments of 15 minutes or 50 kills, whichever happened first.

The final round came down to seven players. With just 1:12 left to play, the 17-year-old Clark was the first to reach 50 kills, beating gamers from Evans, Ga.; Alexandria, Va.; Lake Charles, La.; Buena Park, Calif.; Kalispell, Mont., and Lincoln, Neb.

“It feels good to be the Play N Trade National Halo 2 Tournament Champion,” Clark said. “I was hoping to win, but not really expecting that I would. The competition was tough, with the lead going back and forth all throughout the games. It was a very exciting evening, the prizes are great, and I’ll be back next year to defend my title.”

Clark is from Nicholasville and attends East Jessamine High School, where he is a junior. The first-person shooter video games like Halo 2 are his favorite to play because “they are more action-packed and fast-paced.” The National Halo 2 Tournament was the first time he has competed in a Play N Trade gaming event.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Yakety Yak and Play N Trade Launch Ad Giants

Effectiveness of Franchisee Marketing Support Enhanced

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 7, 2007 – Yakety Yak Wireless, Inc., one of the largest wireless franchises in the nation, and Play N Trade Franchise, Inc., the fastest-growing video game retailer in the U.S., today announced the launch of Ad Giants, a Web-based brand-management tool, designed to provide an enhanced level of franchisee sales and marketing support. The Ad Giants tool is currently used by large retailers such as Wendy’s and will provide a scalable solution as the Yakety Yak and Play N Trade franchises grow.

“Ad Giants will serve as our media database, containing all in-store marketing material and advertising collateral, such as door hangers, postcards, counter-top displays and direct mailers, that can be easily customized by franchisees to support local promotions,” said Jerry Paquette, creative director for Yakety Yak and Play N Trade. “Incorporating this system into our sales and marketing program strikes the ideal balance between providing the flexibility franchisees require, while maintaining corporate brand standards.”

Yakety Yak and Play N Trade franchisees can select from a wide variety of advertising templates and customize them, maintaining the nationally-recognized brand of both franchises, while providing the ability to craft messages designed to resonate with specific audiences.

“The launch of Ad Giants is another example of the remarkable sales and marketing support Yakety Yak and Play N Trade provide to our franchisees,” said Harry Smith, vice president of marketing for Yakety Yak and Play N Trade. “Franchisees can now take advantage of the corporate creative team’s design and copywriting expertise to produce local marketing materials that are of the highest professional quality.”

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Play N Trade Announces First-Round Winners

Winners Will Compete for “Play N Trade National Halo 2 Tournament Champion” Title and Grand Prizes

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 6, 2007 – Play N Trade Franchise, Inc., the fastest-growing video game retailer in the U.S., today announced the winners of the first round of the Play N Trade National Halo 2 Tournament.

Vying for the title of Play N Trade National Halo 2 Tournament Champion, a 32-inch high-definition LCD TV, and a $1500 in-store gift card, all local store winners will compete on March 10 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time in a multiple-round, single elimination tournament. The first-round winners each received a $200 in-store gift card and will be awarded a free edition of Halo 3 immediately upon release.

“The first round of competition for the National Halo 2 Tournament was a great success, with over 800 gamers participating at local Play N Trade stores across the country,” said Yuvi Shmul, CEO of Play N Trade. “Our stores define the ultimate gaming experience where everyone from hard core enthusiasts to casual gamers and even their parents will enjoy an engaging community atmosphere. Play N Trade events offer gamers the opportunity to be part of the Play N Trade experience, and we will be holding additional local and national tournaments throughout the year.”

The first round winners of the Play N Trade National Halo 2 Tournament are:
Alexander Tom, Farmington, N.M.; Andrew Gorton, Kalispell, Mont.; Brandon Potts, Garner, N.C.; Chris Brubaker, Buena Park, Calif.; Chris Pohl, Parker, Colo.; Daniel Pledger, Kitty Hawk, N.C.; Eric Hooper, Fernandina Beach, Fla.; Fredrix Vazquez, Hatillo, Puerto Rico; John Perham, Layton, Utah; Jordon Knapp, Evans, Ga.; Kahai Tavares, Mililani, Hawaii; Mark Gonzales, Draper, Utah; Matthew Townsend, Walpole, Mass.; Michael Arredondo, Elk Grove, Calif.; Michael Coito, Chubbuck, Idaho; Michael Lucchino, Lincoln, Neb.; Nathan Clark, Nicholasville, Ky.; Reginald Nash, Lake Charles, La.; Sam Ables, Broussard, La.; Steven Bybee, Lodi, Calif.; Tito Galvin, Alexandria, Va.; and Ty Pittman, Douglas, Ga.

“Congratulations to all of the local winners,” Shmul said. “Competing against each other at the next level for the national title will be the ultimate test of their skills. The Play N Trade National Halo 2 Tournament will be exciting for the players and fun for those who come to watch.”

The Play N Trade National Halo 2 Tournament Champion will also be invited to visit corporate headquarters in Newport Beach, Calif., where he and a guest will meet company executives and enjoy a day in Southern California, complements of Play N Trade.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Yakety Yak and Play N Trade Make Major Donation

Funds Will Support Inaugural Primary Care Services in Ghana


PHOENIX, Ariz., March 1, 2007 – Yakety Yak Wireless, Inc. and Play N Trade Franchise, Inc., have made a major donation to the non-profit Peacework Medical Projects to assist in funding the organization’s first trip to Ghana, West Africa, to provide primary care medical services.

Peacework volunteers include physicians, physician assistants (PA), registered nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and other medical professionals. From March 2-18, 2007, the group will perform basic physical examinations and medical screenings, administer treatment, dispense medicine and conduct health education classes for the local indigent population. The volunteers will spend one week in Accra, the capital of Ghana, and five days in a rural village, where they will see patients from several villages in the area.

“This is the largest donation we have received to date and it will go a long way in making our first trip to Ghana possible. As we have done for the past seven years in Central America, we will return to Ghana for two weeks every year to provide basic medical services. Our strength is in our consistency and commitment to the places we serve,” said Pam Burwell, PA, and founder of Peacework. “We extend our sincere thanks to Yakety Yak and Play N Trade for believing in our small, grassroots organization and our philosophy of humanitarian efforts.”

Peacework began in 2001, when a group of nine Phoenix-based medical professionals established a two week primary care clinic in the mountains of Honduras, and treated 1,200 patients, many who would never have received medical attention otherwise. The clinic in Honduras is held each January.

“Volunteers must pay their own personal and travel costs to participate in the Peacework clinics, and we are pleased to be able to support those who take the time to help people who are in real need of medical care,” said Yuvi Shmul, CEO of Play N Trade, whose wife, Kari, PA, is one of the medical professional making the trip to Ghana.

For more information about Peacework, please visit www.peaceworkmedical.com. To make a donation, please send check or money order to: Peacework Medical Projects; 1046 E. Clarendon Avenue; Phoenix, AZ 85014.


About Yakety Yak
Yakety Yak Wireless is one of the largest wireless franchises in the nation, offering a unique shopping experience from leading brands such as Sprint®, Nextel®, T-Mobile®, Verizon®, Amp’d Mobile®, Alltel®, Cricket®, Motorola® and Bluetooth®. Rather than limiting our customers to a single product or service, we assist customers in choosing the wireless products and services that best fit their needs. Our innovative system and customer-centric approach have revolutionized the way people buy wireless communication solutions, and made Yakety Yak the one-stop shop for the consumer looking to get new or upgraded phone service or the latest wireless accessories. For more information on where to find the nearest Yakety Yak or open your own store, please visit www.yakitup.com or call 1.888.YAK.IT.UP.


About Play N Trade
Play N Trade Franchise, Inc. is the fastest-growing video game retailer in the U.S. Our stores define the “ultimate gaming experience” by providing exceptional customer service and an engaging community atmosphere that is inviting to everyone from the amateur gamer to the hard core gaming enthusiast. We offer one of the widest selections of new and used video games, accessories and consoles from leading manufacturers, as well as in-house tournaments, a “try before you buy” policy and console repair service. Whether you are a hard core gamer salivating for the latest titles, a parent looking for sound advice, or you simply want to “get in the game” by opening your own Play N Trade, we have a solution for you. Please visit www.playntrade.com or call 888.PNT.GAME for more information.


About Peacework Medical Projects
Peacework Medical Projects is a small, grassroots non-profit organization based in Phoenix, Ariz. Since 2001, Peacework Medical Projects has conducted 13 two-week-long primary care clinics in Central America. Peacework is a secular organization, and bears no political agenda, other than simply existing to help and hope for those in need. For more information, please visit www.peaceworkmedical.com.