Win Publishing relocates to Springfield

Win Publishing, a Nixa-based fundraising company for high schools, is relocating to the Queen City nine months after it changed ownership.

John Martinez, who bought the company from Steve Gilbert, said a July 1 move date has been set for Win Publishing to occupy space at 909 E. Republic Road, a building that is owned by and houses Connell Insurance Inc. Lease terms were undisclosed for the relocation to Springfield from 1211 Eaglecrest St.reet in Nixa.

"We needed the space, the right building and the talent pool, as well," Martinez said.

Win Publishing designs, prints and distributes high school sports posters and schedules, selling advertising and sponsorships that are split with athletic departments and booster clubs. The company's website lists school districts in Ozark and Webb City among representative clients.

Martinez said he's leasing 5,300 square feet in the two-story Springfield building, about 3,500-4,000 square feet of which will be used for Win Publishing. The portion of the building not used by Connell Insurance most recently housed Lindenwood University and also was the past home of Missouri Employers Mutual.

The remainder of Martinez's space will be used as the headquarters for his newest business endeavor: a franchise of Las Vegas-based First Choice Business Brokers. He said he owns the rights to several territories, including Springfield, Branson, Kansas City and St. Louis.

Martinez said he recognized a need for more business brokers in the area.

"There's a lot of demand," he said, noting “instead of selling houses, we're selling businesses. "

“Most business owners think if they don't have someone to pass it down to, then they just have to close. There's a big knowledge gap there about exit options."

Between Win and FCBB, Martinez said he currently employs 19, 11 of which are at the publishing business. He plans to ramp up FCBB's workforce to 25 this year.