UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.       )

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

April 28, 2021

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TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF WINMARK CORPORATION

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Notice is hereby given to the shareholders of Winmark Corporation that our Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at our corporate offices, 605 Highway 169 N, Suite 100, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55441 on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time, to consider and act upon the following matters:

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Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2021 will be entitled to vote at the meeting and adjournments of the meeting.

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You are cordially invited to attend the meeting. Even if you do not plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to sign, date and return the proxy at once in the enclosed envelope.

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Dated March 9, 2021

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Winmark Corporation

605 Highway 169 North, Suite 100

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55441

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

April 28, 2021

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PROXY STATEMENT

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GENERAL

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The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Winmark Corporation will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at 3:00 p.m., Central Daylight Time, at our corporate offices, 605 Highway 169 N, Suite 100, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55441, for the purposes set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

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Winmark qualifies as a “Smaller Reporting Company” under Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Therefore, Winmark has determined to comply with the disclosure requirements applicable to Smaller Reporting Companies in this Proxy Statement. Winmark has elected to voluntarily include some disclosures not required by a Smaller Reporting Company.

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The enclosed proxy is solicited by our Board of Directors. Such solicitation is being made by mail and may also be made by directors, officers and regular employees of Winmark personally or by telephone. Any proxy given pursuant to such solicitation may be revoked by the shareholder at any time prior to the voting thereof by so notifying us in writing at the above address, attention: Corporate Secretary, or by appearing in person at the meeting. Shares represented by proxies will be voted as specified in such proxies, and if no choice is specified, will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendations: FOR Proposal #1 to set the number of members of the Board of Directors at seven, FOR each of the seven nominees set forth in Proposal #2 to serve for a one year term, FOR Proposal #3 in favor of the advisory vote to approve executive compensation, FOR Proposal #4 ratifying the appointment of GRANT THORNTON LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2021 fiscal year. With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the Annual Meeting, Brett D. Heffes and Anthony D. Ishaug will vote as recommended by the Board or, if no recommendation is given, in their own discretion.

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Shares voted as abstentions on any matter (or a “withhold authority” vote as to directors) will be counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum and for purposes of calculating the vote with respect to such matter, but will not be deemed to have been voted in favor of such matter. If a broker submits a “non-vote” proxy, indicating that the broker does not have discretionary authority to vote certain shares on a particular matter, those shares will be counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum, but will not be considered present and entitled to vote for purposes of calculating the vote with respect to such matter.

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Effect of Not Casting Your Vote. If you hold your shares in street name it is critical that you cast your vote if you want it to count in the determination of the size of the Board, the election of seven directors and the advisory vote on executive compensation (Proposals 1, 2 and 3 of this Proxy Statement). Your bank or broker is not permitted to vote your uninstructed shares in determining the size of the board, the election of directors or approval of executive compensation on a discretionary basis. Thus, if you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote in the election of directors or in the advisory vote relating to executive compensation, no votes will be cast on your behalf on Proposals 1, 2and 3. Your bank or broker does have discretion to vote any uninstructed shares on the ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal 4 of this Proxy Statement). If you are a shareholder of record and you do not cast your vote, no votes will be cast on your behalf on any of the items of business at the Annual Meeting.

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All of the expenses involved in preparing, assembling and mailing this proxy statement and the material enclosed herewith will be paid by Winmark. Winmark may reimburse banks, brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy material to beneficial owners of stock. This proxy statement and accompanying form of proxy are first being mailed to shareholders on or about March 24, 2021.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING AVAILABILITY

OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 2021 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

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Under rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), Winmark is providing access to its proxy materials both by sending you this full set of proxy materials and by notifying you of the availability of its proxy materials on the Internet.

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You may access the following proxy materials as of the date they are first mailed to our shareholders at  www.winmarkcorporation.com by following the tab under “Investor Relations” and the link for “Proxy Materials”:

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These proxy materials are available free of charge and will remain available through the conclusion of the Annual Meeting. Additionally, we will not collect information, such as “cookies,” that would allow us to identify visitors to the site.

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OUTSTANDING SHARES AND VOTING RIGHTS

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The Board of Directors has fixed March 8, 2021, as the record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Persons who were not shareholders on such date will not be allowed to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on March 8, 2021, 3,741,653 shares of our Common Stock were issued and outstanding. Common Stock is the only outstanding class of capital stock entitled to vote at the meeting. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on each matter to be voted on at the meeting. Shareholders are not entitled to cumulative voting rights.

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Under applicable Minnesota law, approval of each of the proposals to be voted on at the meeting except the election of the nominees requires the affirmative vote of the holders of the greater of (i) a majority of the voting power of the shares represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting with authority to vote on such matter or (ii) a majority of the voting power of the minimum number of shares that would constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. The election of the nominees requires the affirmative vote by a plurality of the voting power of the shares present and entitled to vote on the election of directors at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

(Proposals #1 and #2)

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At the meeting, the Board of Directors is to be elected to hold office until the 2022 Annual Meeting or until successors are elected and are qualified to serve. Our Bylaws provide that the number of directors on our Board shall be fixed by the shareholders, subject to increase by the Board of Directors in an interim period between shareholder votes. The Nominating Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the shareholders set the number of directors at seven. The Nominating Committee also recommended to the Board of Directors that the shareholders re-elect the nominees named below.

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Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted, if authority to do so is not withheld, to set the number of directors at seven and for the election of the nominees named below, unless one or more of such nominees should become unavailable for election, in which event such shares shall be voted for the election of such substitute nominees as the Board of Directors may propose. Each person nominated has agreed to serve if elected, and we know of no reason why any of the listed nominees would be unavailable to serve.

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Information Concerning Nominees:

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Brett D. Heffes, age 53, has been Chairman of our board of directors since March 1, 2020, was appointed to our board of directors and was named our Chief Executive Officer in February 2016. Prior to being appointed to his present position, Mr. Heffes served as our President from February 2011 to February 2016, as our President of Finance and Administration from December 2007 to February 2011, and as our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from November 2002 to September 2008. In his current capacity as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Heffes provides our board with valuable insight regarding Winmark’s operations in both the franchising and leasing businesses. Additionally, he brings experience in executive management, financial management, capital markets and corporate governance matters related to his prior service on other public company boards of directors.

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Lawrence A. Barbetta, age 58, has been a member of our board of directors since April 2012. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of eLab Analytics, a provider of cloud computing based industry-specific business intelligence applications since 2008. From 2001 to 2006 Mr. Barbetta was with Siebel Systems, most recently as Senior Vice President and General Manager. He joined Siebel Systems with the acquisition of nQuire Software, a company founded by Mr. Barbetta and where he served as Chief Executive Officer and President from 1997 to 2001. Through his entrepreneurial experiences, and as a senior executive team member with large public software companies, Mr. Barbetta brings to our board expertise managing high-growth businesses and an extensive understanding of the rapidly changing technological landscape.

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Jenele C. Grassle, age 61, has been a member of our board of directors since January 2001. She currently serves as Associate Director, Alumni Career Services at St. Olaf College. She served as Vice President, Merchandising for Bluestem Brands, Inc. from June 2012 until March 2017. Ms. Grassle served as Vice President, Merchandising for Aimia, formerly Carlson Marketing, from May 2008 to December 2011. Ms. Grassle served as the Vice President/General Merchandise Manager at Value Vision Media, Inc. from July 2007 to April 2008, as Vice President, Jewelry from July 2006 to July 2007 and as Divisional Merchandise Manager, Ready-to-Wear, Accessories and Cosmetics from February 2005 to July 2006. Ms. Grassle’s background as an executive officer and her expertise in retail management including merchandising, operations and marketing provides expertise as well as leadership skills to our board.

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Kirk A. MacKenzie, age 82, has been a member of our board of directors since May 2000 and served as its Vice Chairman from that time until February 2011. In addition, he is currently a private investor. From January 1982 to March 1999, Mr. MacKenzie was Executive Vice President of Winthrop Resources Corporation, a business equipment leasing company. Mr. MacKenzie’s experience in equipment leasing, as well as his previous public company executive experience provides significant insight and expertise to our board.

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Paul C. Reyelts, age 74, has been a member of our board of directors since May 2000 and serves as Lead Director. He served as the Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of The Valspar Corporation, a global leader in the coatings industry, from April 1982 until February 2008. He remained an Executive Vice President of Valspar Corporation until his retirement in May 2009. In addition, Mr. Reyelts is a director of Schafer Richardson Development, LLC, and serves on the Board of Trustees of The MacPhail Music Center, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation Board, the Minneapolis Foundation, the Gold Medal Park Conservancy Board, the University of Minnesota College of Design Advisory Board and is Chairman and Treasurer of Friends of the Falls. As the former Chief Financial Officer of a NYSE-listed public company, Mr. Reyelts brings experience in financial and executive management, corporate governance and risk management to our board. In addition, he has an extensive knowledge of the capital markets due to his prior experience that has proven useful to our board.

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Gina D. Sprenger, age 59, was appointed to our board of directors in January 2021. She currently serves as Chief Strategic Retail Officer for Fanatics, Inc., the global leader for licensed sports merchandise. She served as Executive Vice President, Merchandising for Bluestem Brands, Inc. from May 2011 to July 2016. Prior to that, Ms. Sprenger served in multiple roles over 25 years at Target, most recently as Senior Vice President Merchandising. Ms. Sprenger’s extensive experience in merchandising, retail management and ecommerce provides valuable expertise to our board.

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Mark L. Wilson, age 72, has been a member of our board of directors since May 2000. He currently serves as Of Counsel at the law firm of Henson & Efron, P.A. From 1999 to 2006, he served as President of Weisman Enterprises, Inc. and its affiliates, a vending and small transaction management company. In addition, Mr. Wilson served as a past member of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Community Foundation as Past Chair, The St. Paul Foundation as Past Chair, Intergenerational Living and Health Care, Inc. and GiveMN.org. Mr. Wilson is currently a member of the Board of Directors of The Goodman Group, The Goodman Family Operating Foundation, Gold Medal Park Conservancy and Friends of the Lock and Dam. Mr. Wilson’s background in legal matters and executive management provides significant insight and expertise to our board. He provides valuable guidance on the issues of corporate governance, risk management and general management.

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Board Recommendation

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The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR Proposal #1 to set the number of members of the Board of Directors at seven. The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR each of the seven nominees set forth in Proposal #2 to serve for a one year term.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

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Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

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We have adopted the Winmark Corporation Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the “Code of Conduct”), that applies to our directors, officers and employees. The Code of Conduct is publicly available on our web site at www.winmarkcorporation.com. If we make any substantive amendments to the Code of Conduct or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver from a provision of the Code of Conduct to our directors or executive officers, we will disclose the nature of such amendments or waiver on our web site or in a report on Form 8-K.

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Leadership Structure of the Board

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In accordance with Winmark’s bylaws, our Board of Directors elects our Chief Executive Officer and our Chairman, and each of these positions may be held by the same person or may be held by two persons. The Board does not have a policy regarding whether the role of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer should be separate.

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Because our Chief Executive Officer also serves as Chairman of the Board, Winmark has a Lead Director whom is nominated by the Governance and Nominating Committee and is elected by a majority of the independent directors. Our Lead Director presides over meetings of our independent directors and is an additional resource to the Board with respect to governance and financial matters.

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After careful consideration, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has determined that Winmark’s current Board structure combining the principal executive officer and board chairman positions and utilizing a Lead Director is the most appropriate leadership structure for Winmark and its shareholders given its ownership and operating structure.

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Majority of Independent Directors; Committees of Independent Directors

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The Board of Directors has determined that all of our non-executive director nominees (Mses. Grassle and Sprenger and Messrs. Barbetta, MacKenzie, Reyelts, and Wilson), collectively constituting a majority of the Board of Directors, are independent directors in accordance with rules of the NASDAQ since none of them are believed to have any relationships that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Mr. Heffes is precluded from being considered independent by NASDAQ rules since he currently serves as an executive officer of Winmark.

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Each member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee has been determined, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, to be independent in accordance with NASDAQ rules.

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Standing Committees

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The Board of Directors has three standing committees, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee. Each of these Committees’ duties are set forth in a charter, which are available on our website at www.winmarkcorporation.com under the “Investor Relations” heading.

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Audit Committee

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The Audit Committee provides oversight by reviewing financial reports and other financial information of Winmark, reviewing our systems of internal control regarding finance, accounting, legal compliance and ethics, and reviewing our auditing, accounting and financial reporting process. The Audit Committee monitors our financial reporting process and internal control system. The Audit Committee coordinates, reviews and appraises the audit efforts of our independent registered public accounting firm. Further, the Audit Committee communicates directly with the independent accountants, financial and senior management and Board of Directors regarding the matters related to the Committee’s responsibilities and duties. The Board has determined that Paul C. Reyelts, an independent director, is the Audit Committee financial expert given, among other factors, his prior experience as a chief financial officer of a NYSE-listed public company. The current Audit Committee members are Paul C. Reyelts (Chair), Lawrence A. Barbetta, Kirk A. MacKenzie and Mark L. Wilson. The Audit Committee held four (4) meetings during fiscal 2020.

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Compensation Committee

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The Compensation Committee’s purpose is to assist the Board of Directors in the discharge of its responsibilities relating to (a) fair, reasonable, and competitive compensation practices for our executive officers and other key employees which are consistent with our objectives; (b) oversight of broad-based employee compensation policies and programs; and (c) fair, reasonable and competitive compensation and benefit programs for our nonemployee directors. The current Compensation Committee members are Mark L. Wilson (Chair), Jenele C. Grassle and Gina D. Sprenger. Prior to Ms. Sprenger’s election to the Compensation Committee following the issuance of the Compensation Committee report on page 10, Paul C. Reyelts served as the third member of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee held two (2) meetings during fiscal 2020.

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The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities, which are discussed in detail in its charter, include, among other duties, the responsibility to:

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Compensation decisions for nonemployee members of the Board of Directors, including equity awards, are made by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee also makes decisions regarding the equity compensation of any other Winmark employees. The Compensation Committee has not elected to utilize the services of a compensation consultant in determining executive compensation, though they have the discretion to utilize the services of a consultant as outlined in the Compensation Committee’s Charter. To the extent the Committee determines to expend in excess of $5,000 during any fiscal year on consultants, it shall advise the Board of such excess expenditures.

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Our Chief Executive Officer, with the input of other officers at his discretion, provides the Compensation Committee with recommendations for the compensation of all executive officers and nonemployee directors.

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

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The Compensation Committee had no interlocks.

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Nominating Committee

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The purpose of the Nominating Committee is to advise the Board of Directors and provide oversight on matters related to (a) the size of the Board, the selection and nomination of Board Members; and (b) recommendation to the Board for the Board’s approval of Board committee members. The current Nominating Committee members are Jenele C. Grassle (Chair), Gina D. Sprenger and Mark L. Wilson. Prior to Ms. Sprenger’s election to the Nominating Committee on February 24, 2021, Paul C. Reyelts served as the third member of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee held one (1) meeting during fiscal 2020.

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Winmark does not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of director candidates recommended by shareholders since it is our practice to consider director recommendations from any source. The Board is comprised of a majority of independent directors, which ensures consideration of director candidates from any source based on the criteria set forth below. Each Nominating Committee member is independent. The Board will consider director candidates recommended by shareholders according to the following membership criteria.

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Board Membership Criteria

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In selecting the new directors, the Nominating Committee shall consider any requirements of applicable law or listing standards, a candidate’s strength of character, judgment, business experience and specific area of expertise, factors relating to composition of the Board, principles of diversity and such other factors as the Committee shall deem important.

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The Nominating Committee will consider the attributes of the candidates and the needs of the Board and will review all candidates in the same manner, regardless of the source of the recommendation.

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Shareholder Nomination of Directors

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A shareholder who wishes to recommend one or more directors must provide a written recommendation to our Corporate Secretary at the address below. Notice of a recommendation must include:

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with respect to the shareholder:

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-      name, address, the class and number of shares such shareholder owns;

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with respect to the nominee:

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-      name, age, business address, residence address,

-      current principal occupation,

-      five year employment history with employer names and a description of the employer’s business,

-      the number of shares beneficially owned by the nominee,

-      whether such nominee can read and understand basic financial statements, and

-      membership on other boards, if any.

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The recommendation must be accompanied by a written consent of the nominee to stand for election if nominated by the Board of Directors and to serve if elected by the shareholders. We may require any nominee to furnish additional information that may be needed, or interview a prospective candidate, to determine the eligibility of the nominee.

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Risk Oversight

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Our Board is charged with providing oversight of Winmark’s risk management processes. Specifically, the Audit Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing the risk management function. In carrying out its responsibilities, the Audit Committee works closely with Winmark’s Chief Financial Officer. The Audit Committee meets quarterly to discuss the financial affairs of the Company, and such other times as circumstances dictate. In addition, at least annually, the Audit Committee reviews a risk assessment and an overview of the risk management processes of the Company.

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Meeting Attendance

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During fiscal 2020, the Board of Directors held five (5) meetings. All directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors on which they served.

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We have not adopted a formal policy with regard to Board Members’ attendance at annual meetings of shareholders; however, all directors are encouraged to attend such meetings. All of the directors attended the Annual Meeting last year.

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Shareholder Communications

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Shareholders may communicate directly with the Board of Directors. All communications should be directed to our Corporate Secretary at the address below and should prominently indicate on the outside of the envelope that it is intended for the Board of Directors or for non-management directors. If no director is specified, the communication will be forwarded to the entire Board. Shareholder communications to the Board should be sent to:

Corporate Secretary

Winmark Corporation

Attention: Board of Directors

605 Highway 169 N, Suite 400

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55441

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

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The executive officers of Winmark are as follows:

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Brett D. Heffes has been Chairman of our Board of Directors since March 1, 2020 and has been a member of our Board of Directors and has served as our Chief Executive Officer since February 2016. Mr. Heffes served as President of Winmark Corporation from February 2011 to February 2016. From November 2002 to February 2011, Mr. Heffes served in a number of positions for Winmark including President of Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

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Anthony D. Ishaug has served as our Chief Financial Officer since September 2008, Treasurer since November 2009 and Executive Vice President since December 2016. Prior to joining Winmark, Mr. Ishaug was employed as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Department 56, Inc., (a division of Lenox Group, Inc.), a giftware and collectible company, from January 2008 until September 2008. From April 2005 to January 2008, Mr. Ishaug served as Controller and Treasurer of Lenox Group, Inc.

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Renae M. Gaudette has served as our President of Franchising since March 2020. Ms. Gaudette served as Vice President of Franchising from February 2017 to February 2020 and as Vice President, Franchise Operations from February 2014 to January 2017. From May 1995 until February 2014, Ms. Gaudette served in a number of positions for Winmark including Director of Plato’s Closet, Director of Training, as well as various operational roles.

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Leah A. Goff has served as our Vice President of Human Resources since September 2005. From April 1997 to March 2000 and October 2000 to September 2005, Ms. Goff served as our Human Resources Manager.

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The term of office of each executive officer continues until terminated by Winmark or the officer.

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There are no arrangements or understandings among any of the executive officers of Winmark and any other person (not an officer or director of Winmark) pursuant to which any of the executive officers were selected as an officer of Winmark.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

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Overview of Compensation Structure

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The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has the responsibility for approving, monitoring and generally overseeing compensation of each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 11. We refer to these executive officers as our Named Executive Officers or NEOs. Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brett D. Heffes, provides the Compensation Committee with the information necessary to evaluate NEO compensation.

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Compensation Philosophy

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We believe that our success depends upon a team of senior officers working together to promote the growth and financial success of the Company. As such, our compensation structure for NEOs emphasizes the collective accountability to our shareholders, employees, and to one another by examining the performance of the NEOs as a group for a meaningful amount of each NEOs compensation. The NEOs’ compensation structure is intended to provide each team member with the appropriate incentives to work towards the achievement of goals by the Company as a whole, and to encourage each NEO to remain a long-term contributor to our success. Given the significant ownership of each NEO, it is also important to note that long-term share appreciation is the key factor in how the NEOs will be financially rewarded, more so than current year cash compensation. This is of particular interest given the Company’s continued decision to not award share grants and to issue equity compensation in the form of stock options. Our NEOs experience value creation from the equity compensation they receive only if they create value for all shareholders. For a company our size, we believe this is the proper approach.

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Factors considered by Mr. Heffes in recommendation of the compensation for the NEOs are both objective and subjective. They include a review of financial performance, operational performance, leadership, capital allocation and overall company governance. Compensation is also varied due to changes in functional responsibility. During the 18-month period ending December 26, 2020, there was a substantial change in the executive management of Winmark and Mr. Heffes, Mr. Ishaug and Ms. Gaudette have assumed significant increases in responsibility. We continue to believe it is important to retain the flexibility and discretion to modify all elements of compensation awarded to individuals based upon their general business and company experience, leadership, potential future contribution, and the performance of the businesses for which they are responsible.

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We receive feedback from shareholders on our compensation programs through the advisory vote on the compensation paid to our NEOs, which we held for the first time at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and currently hold every year. The advisory vote on the compensation paid to our NEOs has historically received on average an over 93% approval of shares voted on the proposal. We will continue to take this feedback into account when making decisions regarding NEO compensation.

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Summary of Compensation Components

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The primary components of compensation for NEOs are:

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Base Pay. Base pay levels are typically considered by the Compensation Committee annually, and may also be considered upon a promotion or other change in job responsibility. Base pay provides the NEOs with regular compensation for services performed during the fiscal year, and is used to establish a pay range for the annual incentive bonus. The NEOs’ base pay is designed to be regionally competitive, but is not specifically compared to a peer group.

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Annual Incentive Bonus. In addition to base pay, each NEO is eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus. The annual bonus for each NEO, awarded at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, may range in amount from 0% to 100% of that NEO’s salary. The annual incentive bonus is designed to motivate and reward the NEOs for furthering the achievement of the Company’s short and long-term objectives during the fiscal year. This component of compensation also emphasizes the accountability each NEO has to contribute to the growth and financial success of the Company, and motivates the NEOs to achieve individual and company expectations. We specifically review financial performance, operating performance, leadership, capital allocation and governance criteria in determining annual incentive compensation. At our discretion each individual NEO may have their bonus increased or decreased based upon the individual’s performance, leadership and potential future contribution.

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Long-Term, Equity-Based Incentive Compensation.  The third primary component of compensation is long-term incentive compensation in the form of stock options. We use equity-based compensation in the form of stock option grants to align the interests of the NEOs with those of shareholders. Options granted to the NEOs by the Compensation Committee under our current employee stock option plan vest over time and such vesting is contingent upon the continued employment of the NEO, creating an incentive for the executive to remain an employee for an extended period. Typically, equity-based incentive compensation is awarded to NEOs by the Compensation Committee semi-annually on or about the first of June and during the Compensation Committee’s December meeting, although the Compensation Committee retains the discretion to award options at any time. We restrict the number of individuals receiving stock options to NEOs and a small number of other key employees. Although previous awards are considered, the amount of options a NEO receives depends primarily upon the NEOs performance as a group, the total number of option shares recommended for issuance, and the total number of people included in the annual stock option grants. As with the other elements of compensation, we maintain the discretion to adjust each NEO’s option award based upon their individual performance, leadership and potential future contribution.

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Change of Control Payments and At-Will Employment. Our NEOs are at-will employees operating without employment contracts.  None of our NEOs are awarded change-of-control payments, pension agreements, or pre-determined severance arrangements other than the potential acceleration of option vesting as a result of a “Transaction” as described on page 13. Instead, by not committing to base salary, annual incentive bonuses or stock options over a long term, we preserve the flexibility to make a change if any NEO is underperforming expectations. Although we have in the past, and at our discretion may in the future, negotiate severance agreements with our NEOs upon their termination, we are under no obligation to do so.

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Consideration of Risk Related to Compensation Policies

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We believe that our compensation policies, practices and programs work together to minimize exposure to excessive risk while appropriately pursuing strategies that emphasize maximizing shareholder value. The balance of the compensation components and the importance placed on the achievement of long-term financial and strategic objectives do not encourage risk-taking that is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

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Compensation Approval Process

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Role of the Chief Executive Officer

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Mr. Heffes has a unique perspective regarding the compensation of NEOs. As one of our largest individual shareholders, Mr. Heffes has a strong interest in maximizing shareholder value. As our primary executive officer, Mr. Heffes has access to and makes decisions regarding all facets of our businesses, and has the ability to evaluate the performance of each NEO. He provides information to the Compensation Committee, who ultimately approves the compensation of our NEOs.

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Mr. Heffes reviews the overall performance of all of our business segments and each individual NEO’s performance, taking into account our compensation philosophy and the compensation factors described above. After receiving input from other NEOs at his discretion, Mr. Heffes makes an initial assessment regarding each element of compensation for the NEOs, including himself. His assessment is submitted to the Compensation Committee for discussion at its annual meeting in December. The final approval of all NEOs’ compensation, including that of Mr. Heffes, is at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee.

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Compensation Committee Process

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The Compensation Committee meets annually to review and approve the compensation of our executive officers and non-employee directors, as well as to oversee broad-based employee compensation policies. The Compensation Committee reviews the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer regarding NEO annual incentive bonus compensation for the current year, NEO option grants for the current year, and NEO salaries for the following year, with the power to approve, modify or reject the proposed awards. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for determining compensation and annually evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer.

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Compensation Committee Report

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The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

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The Compensation Committee

Mark L. Wilson, Chairman

Jenele C. Grassle

Paul C. Reyelts

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES

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Summary Compensation Table

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The table below summarizes the total compensation paid or earned by each of the Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) for the fiscal years ended December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018.

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CEO Pay Ratio

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The annual total compensation for fiscal year 2020 for our CEO, as noted above in the Summary Compensation Table, was $856,400. The annual total compensation for fiscal year 2020 for our median employee was $80,219. The resulting ratio of our CEO’s pay to the pay of our median employee for fiscal year 2020 was 10.7 to 1.

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In determining the median employee, a listing was prepared of all employees as of December 26, 2020, the last day of our fiscal year, with their corresponding annual total compensation determined in the same manner as the Total Compensation shown for our CEO in the Summary Compensation Table above. For those employees that were not employed for the full fiscal year, their annual salary was used to compute their annual total compensation. The listing was then ranked from lowest to highest in annual total compensation, which excluding the CEO, totaled 89 employees. The median employee was determined using the annual total compensation of the employee ranked 45^th on the list.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 2020

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The table below summarizes option awards outstanding for each of the NEOs as of the end of fiscal 2020.

Option Awards

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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

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We have not entered into contracts or agreements with the NEOs, individually or as a group, guaranteeing payments to them upon any termination or a change of control of Winmark. However, our 2010 Stock Option Plan (“2010 Plan”) and 2020 Stock Option Plan (“2020 Plan”), which provide option awards to our NEOs, provide that optionees are eligible for certain benefits when a “Transaction” occurs, as defined therein. A “Transaction” includes the acquisition of the Company through the sale of substantially all of our assets or through a merger, consolidation, exchange, reorganization, reclassification, extraordinary dividend, divestiture or liquidation. Generally speaking, all of the outstanding and unvested stock options granted under the 2010 Plan and 2020 Plan become immediately exercisable upon the occurrence of a Transaction unless the Board selects to either: (a) terminate the 2010 Plan and 2020 Plan and cancel outstanding options not exercised prior to reasonable exercise period; (b) pay optionees, either in cash or shares of the surviving corporation’s stock, the difference between the fair market value of the stock price and the stock option exercise price; or (c) continue the 2010 Plan and 2020 Plan and allow optionees the right to exercise their respective options for an equivalent number of shares of stock of the succeeding corporation.

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As of December 26, 2020, the NEOs had the following outstanding and unvested options to purchase shares of our Common Stock that could accelerate upon a change in control:

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Director Compensation

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Cash Compensation Paid to Board Members

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For the fiscal year ended December 26, 2020, nonemployee members of the Board of Directors were entitled to receive an annual cash retainer of $30,000 and an attendance fee of $1,000 for each Board, Compensation Committee or Nominating Committee meeting. Members of the Audit Committee were entitled to receive an attendance fee of $2,000 for each Audit Committee meeting. The Lead Director received an additional annual retainer of $5,000. For fiscal 2021, the annual cash retainer for non-employee members of the Board of Directors will increase to $35,000.

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Stock Option Award

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Pursuant to the terms of our 2020 Stock Option Plan, each nonemployee director is eligible to receive stock option grants as determined by the Compensation Committee. In June and December 2020, each current nonemployee director received a stock option grant of 750 shares pursuant to the 2020 Stock Option Plan. These options vest 25% per year for four years, beginning one year from the date of the grant, and expire at the end of 10 years. All of the outstanding and unvested stock options granted under the 2020 Stock Option Plan become immediately exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company.

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Fiscal Year 2020 Director Compensation

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The following table sets out the fiscal 2020 compensation for each of our current nonemployee directors.

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Our executives who also serve on the Board of Directors do not receive compensation for their services as directors. The compensation for Mr. Heffes, our Chief Executive Officer whom serves on the Board of Directors, is outlined in the Summary Compensation Table on page 11.

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Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons

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There were no reportable related party transactions in fiscal 2020.

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Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

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The Board of Directors has a formal written related party transaction statement of policy, which sets forth Winmark’s policies and procedures for the review, approval or ratification of any transaction with a related party required to be reported in our company’s filings with the SEC. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors must approve any related party transaction subject to this policy before commencement of the related party transaction. The audit committee may, in its sole discretion, approve or deny any related party transaction. In the event Winmark’s management becomes aware of a related party transaction that has not been previously approved by the Audit Committee, such transaction will be submitted to the Audit Committee, which has the authority to ratify, amend, terminate or rescind the transaction as deemed appropriate in its discretion.

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Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

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The following information reflects certain information about our equity compensation plans as of December 26, 2020:

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Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

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Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) requires our directors and executive officers to file initial reports of share ownership and reports of changes in share ownership with the SEC. Our directors and executive officers are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to us and written representations from our directors and executive officers, all Section 16(a) filing requirements were met for 2020, except that Mark L. Wilson filed a Form 5 on February 11, 2021 to report the sale of 8,000 shares of our Common Stock on November 4, 2020.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, DIRECTORS

AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

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The following table sets forth the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by (i) each person known by us to own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) each Named Executive Officer in the Summary Compensation Table, (iii) each director, (iv) each director nominee and (v) all directors and executive officers as a group. All persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock owned, unless otherwise noted. The number of shares listed is as of March 8, 2021, the Record Date, unless otherwise noted.

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*       Less than 1%

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ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

(Proposal #3)

General

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Section 14A of the Exchange Act requires that Winmark seek a non-binding advisory vote from its shareholders to approve executive compensation.

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The Corporation has designed its executive compensation program to attract, motivate, reward and retain the senior management talent required to achieve our corporate objectives and to increase long-term shareholder value. As previously discussed, there are three primary components to NEO compensation: (1) base pay, (2) annual incentive bonus and (3) equity based compensation (see discussion in EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION, pp. 8-10.)

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Board Recommendation

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The Board recommends that the shareholders approve the compensation awarded by the Company to the NEOs, as described in the tabular disclosures and other narrative executive compensation disclosures in this Proxy Statement (pp. 8-11) as required by the rules of the SEC. We believe that our compensation policies and practices are centered on a pay-for-performance philosophy and are strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders. This is particularly true, in light of the ownership of the NEOs as a group.

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The advisory vote to approve executive compensation is non-binding. The approval or disapproval of this proposal by shareholders will not require the Board or the Committee to take any action regarding the Company’s executive compensation practices. The final decision on the compensation and benefits of our NEOs remains with the Board of Directors.

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RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

(Proposal #4)

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General

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The Audit Committee has the authority to appoint and discharge the independent registered public accounting firm and has chosen to retain GRANT THORNTON LLP to serve as independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2021. The Board is submitting such appointment of GRANT THORNTON LLP to the shareholders for ratification. If the appointment of GRANT THORNTON LLP is not ratified, the Board of Directors will require the Audit Committee to reconsider its selection. Representatives from GRANT THORNTON LLP expect to be present at the meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

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Principal Accounting Fees and Services

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The following is a summary of the fees billed by GRANT THORNTON LLP for professional services rendered as our independent registered public accounting firm during the 2020 and 2019 fiscal years.

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Audit Fees. Consists of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, the audit of our internal control over financial reporting, review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports, and services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

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Audit-Related Fees. Consists of fees billed for services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services primarily consist of employee benefit plan audits.

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All Other Fees. Consists of business technology advisory services related to our retail point-of-sale system.

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Pursuant to its Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all audit and permitted non-audit services to be performed for Winmark by its independent auditors or any other auditing or accounting firm.

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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

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The Board of Directors maintains an Audit Committee comprised of four of Winmark’s independent directors. The Board of Directors and the Audit Committee believe that the Audit Committee’s current member composition satisfies the rule of the NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (“NASDAQ”) that governs audit committee composition, Rule IM-5605-4, including the requirement that audit committee members all be “independent directors” as that term is defined by NASDAQ Rule 5605(a)(2).

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In accordance with its written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors with fulfilling its oversight responsibility regarding the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices of Winmark. In discharging its oversight responsibilities regarding the audit process, the Audit Committee:

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Based upon the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Winmark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2020, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Members of the Audit Committee:

Paul C. Reyelts, Chairman

Lawrence A. Barbetta

Kirk A. MacKenzie

Mark L. Wilson

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Board Recommendation

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The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR Proposal #4 to ratify the appointment of GRANT THORNTON LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for Winmark. Under applicable Minnesota law, approval of the proposal to be voted on at the meeting requires the affirmative vote of the holders of the greater of (i) a majority of the voting power of the shares represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting with authority to vote on such matter or (ii) a majority of the voting power of the minimum number of shares that would constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.

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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2022 ANNUAL MEETING

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Rule 14a-8 of the SEC permits shareholders of a company, after timely notice to the company, to present proposals for shareholder action in the company’s proxy statement where such proposals are consistent with applicable law, pertain to matters appropriate for shareholder action and are not properly omitted by company action in accordance with the proxy rules.

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The Winmark Corporation 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is expected to be held on or about April 27, 2022. Proxy materials for that meeting are expected to be mailed on or about March 23, 2022. Under SEC Rule 14a-8, shareholder proposals to be included in the Winmark Corporation proxy statement for that meeting must be received by Winmark Corporation on or before November 23, 2021. Additionally, if Winmark Corporation receives notice of a shareholder proposal after February 6, 2022, the proposal will be considered untimely pursuant to SEC Rules 14a-4 and 14a-5(e) and the persons named in proxies solicited by the Board of Directors of Winmark Corporation, Inc. for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders may exercise discretionary voting power with respect to the proposal.

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ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

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A COPY OF OUR FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 26, 2020 (WITHOUT EXHIBITS) ACCOMPANIES THIS NOTICE OF MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT. THE ANNUAL REPORT IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. WE WILL FURNISH TO ANY SHAREHOLDER, UPON ORAL OR WRITTEN REQUEST, ANY EXHIBIT DESCRIBED IN THE LIST ACCOMPANYING THE FORM 10-K, UPON THE PAYMENT, IN ADVANCE, OF REASONABLE FEES RELATED TO THE FURNISHING OF SUCH EXHIBIT(S). ANY REQUEST SHOULD INCLUDE A REPRESENTATION THAT THE SHAREHOLDER WAS THE BENEFICIAL OWNER OF SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK ON MARCH 8, 2021, THE RECORD DATE FOR THE 2021 ANNUAL MEETING, AND SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO ANTHONY D. ISHAUG, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND TREASURER, AT OUR PRINCIPAL ADDRESS OR BY TELEPHONE AT (763) 520-8500.

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OTHER BUSINESS

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The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be presented at the meeting. In the event any other business is presented at the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will have authority to vote on that business in accordance with their judgment.

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