Mister Minit is in expansionist mode, with a 20-store acquisition underway in Western Australia, reports newly-minted CEO Maria Walton.
Walton told Franchise Executive, the business has a clear strategy.
“We are very clear about this – we are not a franchise company. We are in the shoe repair, key, watch, engraving business and use franchising as a means of distributing our services.
“However, we are very keen to expand in our own industry and currently are undertaking a 20-shop acquisition in Western Australia.”
Internationally Mister Minit has 17 stores in Malaysia, 17 in Singapore, and 40 in New Zealand. Growth across south east Asia will focus on adding to the retail footprint in Malaysia, Walton said.
New CEO will expand the Mister Minit footprint
Walton joined the firm as HR manager in 2000, and has spent 14 years as the national franchise manager. In 2017 she became a director of Mister Minit, and managed all facets of operations.
Walton took on the CEO role for Asia Pacific in July, bringing more than 35 years in retail to the position. She has held senior roles in food retailing, hardware and retail services.
“As an executive leader of the business I’m proud I contributed to a performance record compounding growth year after year, starting in 2000 with the exception of the two Covid years,” Walton said.
Former CEO Mark Rusbatch held the leadership role for 23 years. He is now chairman of Mister Minit Oceania, incorporating the Australian, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysian businesses.
Mister Minit has a distinctive franchise model, supporting its employees into franchise ownership roles.
“We finance our own team, an opportunity that they would not have had otherwise in their lifetime,” said Walton.
“I am very proud of what this unique model has done, providing employees with a wealth choice, development opportunities and boosting their personal pride.”