Play N Trade- A Recession-Resistant Opportunity That Lets This Former Executive Embrace His Entrepre

Play N Trade- A Recession-Resistant Opportunity That Lets This Former Executive Embrace His Entrepreneurial Spirit

Two years ago, Tony Gioia found himself facing a fate that's become all too common for those in corporate America.

"After 20 years in the mortgage and finance industry, I learned that the company I worked for was closing and that I would have to go around and close all the doors of the branch offices that I oversaw as the Vice President of the Northeast region," Gioia recalled.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Gioia began exploring his business ownership options immediately, "That night, sitting in my hotel room, I went online and discovered Franchise.com… I really liked that the site gives you a snapshot of each concept…you can read up on a variety of options in a short amount of time. I picked four franchises that I was interested in. The Play N Trade video game retail franchise was one of them," he said.

"One week later, Play N Trade was the only one that captured my interest and drew me in. After all those years in the mortgage and finance industry, I saw where the housing market was going, and realized it was time to make a change…I wanted to try out my inner entrepreneurial desire."

"Even though the economy wasn't doing well, video games were- and are- on fire. Video games attract a far-reaching demographic… I have four kids so I knew that the market was there. I recognized the need for increased competition in the marketplace, the strength of the video game industry and that Play N Trade is the next generation in gaming. Play N Trade offers customers so much more- they have a better look, better customer service and they offer more services like repairs, birthday parties and tournaments that the competition doesn't offer. They're heads and tails above the competition. You put those things together with the tools and backing they provide and you have a great opportunity."   

Gioia's instincts proved correct. Since becoming a multi-unit Play N Trade franchisee in late 2007, he's opened two stores in Long Island and in the process, discovered an additional outlet for his talents. "As I was looking at possible store locations they mentioned the area developer opportunity to me…No New York stores were open at that time and part of what I loved about my old job in the mortgage business was expanding, developing and growing an entire area," he said.

Approximately one year ago, Gioia purchased the area development rights to Long Island and Queens. "After my first full year as an area developer, we have eight stores that will be open by the end of the year, including my stores. The area developer opportunity allows me to grow the business, help franchisees become successful and…start from scratch and build the territory like I did at my old company… I like to build things," he said. "Ultimately, we're planning to open 40 to 50 stores in Long Island and Queens."

As a Play N Trade area developer and multi-unit franchisee, Gioia spends time interacting with customers as well as prospective and current franchisees. "Some days I'll work in a store from open to close and other days I'll work from home, contacting prospective franchisees and providing them with information about the Play N Trade opportunity. I also have five franchisees who have opened or are going to be opening stores in my area. I provide them with my expertise, support and guidance. They don't report to me, but I'm here if they need me," he explained.

"I have a lot on my plate, but I don't feel pressured the way I did in corporate America. That's the beauty of it…it's flexible so I don't feel pressured. I'm able to do what I need to do with my family," he said.

In addition to drawing on his professional background, the training that Gioia received also prepared him for success. "I attended store owner training and area developer training at the Play N Trade corporate headquarters in Newport Beach, CA. The training provided a fantastic overview of store operations, in-store tournaments, repairs, Point of Sale (POS) systems and marketing, it's an ever-evolving training program; they do a great job with it. They give you everything you need and get you so excited about opening your store."

"The home office provides great support. I don't think I've ever gone without a returned phone call or answer to a question. They're dedicated to the success of every franchisee…They do all of the right things to support franchisees," he said.  

Although Gioia has a passion for video games, "I grew up playing Atari, Nintendo, took 15 years off from video games and then over the last five to six years of playing with my kids, it crept back into my life," he notes that prospective Play N Trade franchisees don't have to be avid gamers.

"Plenty of savvy gamers line up to work at Play N Trade stores, so franchise owners don't have to be avid gamers," Gioia said. "However, I absolutely think that Play N Trade franchisees should be positive, energetic, entrepreneurial, outgoing, involved in the community and be wrapped up in customer service."

"The franchise concept definitely works.... If you know how well the video game industry performs and where it's going, you know that this is a good business to be in," he said.

"The best part is that it doesn't feel like a corporation. They want you to live out your entrepreneurial spirit."