Tell us a little about your career journey: I began working in the running industry a little over 12 years ago. I worked as a manager operating a New Balance store. During that time, I learned how to manage people, purchase products for the store and fit customers based on their needs/wants. After 7 years with NB, I moved to Raleigh and began my career with Fleet Feet, where I am now the Inbound Manager for the Distribution Center. What are you currently excited about in your job? Improving our processes to make the DC operate more efficiently. Improving our processes allows us to serve our stores and e-commerce customers better. What is the most valuable career advice you’ve been given? Find a career that aligns with your passions. What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? Achieving 100% physical inventory accuracy this past year! Outside of work, tell us how you sweat and live passionately. When I am not working, I enjoy finding new trails around the Triangle or watching (tv or live) any and all sports. What world record do you think you have a shot at beating? Hot dog eating contest. I blame working for a college baseball league (and free hot dogs) for this unnecessary skill I have acquired.
This week’s employee spotlight shines on Annabelle Smith, Community Outreach Director at Fleet Feet Northville in Michigan. After a pre-COVID career in project management and finance, Annabelle Smith made a shift into the specialty running world, starting with a part-time role at Running Fit (now Fleet Feet). What was meant to be a temporary change quickly became a fulfilling passion, which allowed Annabelle to focus on Community Outreach. "Annabelle has modeled what it means to be dedicated to our core value of "It’s A Privilege To Serve." From working with individuals on her team or our Outfitters on the floor to engaging with large-scale health systems. Annabelle keeps an eye out for opportunities while simultaneously engaging in the moment fully. One of the most impactful achievements has been her development of recurring classes for large medical institutions. I can honestly say that Annabelle represents what it means to live Fleet Feet. From her time as a part-time outfitter to her current role her success in each of these roles has been a key driver of our growth as a market." - Chris Healy, Operating Partner Q: What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? A: Fleet Feet Michigan was at the Detroit Free Press Marathon Expo for the first time this year. It was incredible to see my team and our store teams come together with so much excitement for our community. We had a lot of fun with our events leading up to and during the marathon weekend.
This week’s employee spotlight shines on Kevin Kirk, Retail Experience Manager (RXM) at Fleet Feet Utah. Kevin says that running has completely changed his life. He grew up watching his dad run, then fell in love with the sport when he started to compete in seventh grade. He continued to run competitively at Weber State and Utah Tech, where he developed as an athlete and found a strong sense of community. Now, as RXM, he’s passionate about helping others discover how running can impact their lives. Whether it's finding the right shoes or offering advice, Kevin wants to support every customer in their journey to find confidence, motivation, and joy through movement. Get to know him: Q: What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why? A: I would say building connections with people is my strong suit. I also think bringing enthusiasm to the things that I do is another strong suit that I have. Q: Outside of work, tell us how you sweat and live passionately. A: My passion is definitely running. I started my post-collegiate marathoning career in March at the Los Angeles Marathon. I ran my second marathon at the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis in October and ran 2:16:33. I genuinely love the running community and how running brings people together and truly does change everything. Q: What’s one song or artist that you’re embarrassed to admit you like? A: I guess you could call me kind of a Swifty.
his week’s employee spotlight shines on Jessica Dailey, field marketing manager at the Fleet Feet Store Support Team. Jessica started working at Fleet Feet Carrboro as the marketing manager in March of 2019. She then moved to the Fleet Feet Store Support Team as the retail operations coordinator in June of 2021 and was promoted to franchise operations manager in 2022. Finally, she moved into a field marketing manager role on the sales operations team in June of 2024. Jessica truly represents our core mission and values. She is driven, passionate, competitive, puts her coworkers and customers first and is always thinking of ways to improve things for others. We are thrilled to have her support and collaboration. The sales operations team is lucky to have her. Get to know her: Q: What’s your go-to productivity trick? A: Google Keep, which functions like a digital Post-It note, helps me stay organized by providing a simple, easy-to-manage platform for tracking both short- and long-term projects. Q: What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why? A: Being adaptable. This skill has helped me quickly problem solve, to continuously learn in an ever-evolving retail landscape, and to be resilient and learn from my experiences. Q: What world record do you think you have a shot at beating? A: As a Golden Retriever owner, it has to be: The Most Dog Hairs on a Single Article of Clothing.
This week’s employee spotlight shines on Cydne Sobczak, Inventory Manager at Fleet Feet Fayetteville. Cydne started as a part-time Outfitter and was quickly promoted to Inventory Coordinator after the store's Operating Partner noticed her talent for attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Cydne is now a full-time Inventory Manager who keeps the back of the house looking like a pharmacy. Amongst the many responsibilities Cydne has such as: cycle counts, physical inventory, e-commerce fulfillment, receiving shipments, return authorizations and merchandising she also serves as an assistant Retail Experience Manager when needed. We are beyond grateful to have her on the Fleet Feet team. Get to know her: Q: Tell us about your career journey. A: We have a Santa run planned for December. I am super excited to help out with that and see that event succeed. It will be awesome seeing all those Santa's running around! Q: What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on? A: I am currently working on my leadership skills by being the shift manager during my morning shifts. Q: What’s your go-to productivity trick? A: My go-to trick is to make a list! Put the hardest task at the top and work your way down to the easiest and try to get as many tasks ticked off as you can. Q: Outside of work, tell us how you sweat and live passionately. A: I take my dogs on a walk and try to get in a run or a lift everyday. I also love to go for hikes or bike rides in the woods
This week’s employee spotlight shines on Tracen Warnick, Market Manager at Fleet Feet Longmeadow in MA. Tracen keeps all things running smoothly in his market, from recruiting and training staff to running training programs, building community relationships and more. He is enthusiastic about growing the Longmeadow business, and driven to create meaningful experiences for his community through running. While Tracen is an elite runner, he wants runners of all abilities to experience a running community. He is a kind and caring individual who leads his team by the Fleet Feet core value, “Do the Right Thing.” Get to know him: Q: What is your favorite thing about your role? A: I love being involved with the community. There are many charities we are involved with and we partnered with one this summer to provide a 5k training program to underprivileged youth in the area. Q: What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? A: I created a summer group run program for high school cross country runners. It was fun to see many kids from different high schools who either didn't know each other or were competitors, all coming together to run with each other. Q: What’s one thing you wish you’d known when you started working at Fleet Feet or what advice would you give to a newbie? A: I remember being so intimidated that I didn't know every detail of every shoe and I wish I knew that it's okay. The most important skill is can you make customers feel good.
We’re proud to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Retailers for 2024 in the multi-brand footwear category! We think everyone deserves to move comfortably, whether they’re walking, running or spending all day on their feet. It’s an honor to be recommended by our customers, who are at the heart of everything we do.
This week’s employee spotlight shines a light ⭐ on Mimi Bowen, Operating Partner at Fleet Feet Monterey and Fleet Feet Aptos. Starting as an Outfitter nearly eight years ago, Mimi worked her way up to a Retail Experience Manager at Fleet Feet Durham, while completing the Operating Partner Development Program (OPDP). In 2023, Mimi accepted the Operating Partner position at Fleet Feet Monterey and Fleet Feet Aptos. If you’ve never met Mimi, she is a ray of sunshine, has an infectious energy and has excelled at engaging her staff and creating a positive and fun work environment while growing her local pub run from 15 people to 50 people on a weekly basis. Get to know her. What is your favorite thing about your role? Making a difference in people's lives, whether it be a customer or an employee. What are you currently excited about in your job? Having an engaged and fun staff that makes it so enjoyable to go into work everyday! What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on? Delegation, taking the time to teach and explain how things should be done properly so my staff can learn and grow. What is the most valuable career advice you’ve been given? My old boss would tell me to control what I could control. I think of that so often and it helps me re-prioritize what's truly important. What’s your go-to productivity trick? Time blocking, and putting calendar reminders on my phone.
This month’s employee spotlight shines a light on another exceptional team member: Joshua Davis. Josh came to Fleet Feet through the JackRabbit acquisition in 2021 where he was the Store Manager at the Fleet Feet McKinney location until he was promoted to Operating Partner II for the Dallas and Fort Worth markets consisting of eight stores. Josh has been instrumental in achieving financial objectives, enhancing employee performance and staffing based on day-to-day sales volumes as he oversees Operations and Ashley Enloe continues to oversee Community Outreach in their respective markets. Get to know him: Q: What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on? A: I'm currently working on becoming a more effective and decisive communicator. I believe that honing this skill will not only help me lead my team more efficiently but also inspire confidence and clarity in our daily interactions. Q: What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? A: I don't know if I can point to a single accomplishment. But one thing that I can say makes me most proud is seeing someone on my team grow in their career and accomplish their goals. Q: Outside of work, tell us how you sweat and live passionately A: Outside of work, I love to stay active and live passionately by working out, hiking, and visiting national parks. My wife Jackie and I have a goal to visit all 63 national parks. Q: What’s one item you can’t leave home without? A: Trusty energy drink
On Sunday, Fleet Feet Adams Morgan celebrates its 40th anniversary! This store, the first Fleet Feet outside of California, ignited Fleet Feet's journey to becoming a nationwide brand. Over the past four decades, Fleet Feet Adams Morgan has touched countless lives and stood as a pillar in Washington, D.C.'s running community. From beginners taking their first steps to seasoned marathoners, they've provided support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Their dedication to fostering a vibrant and healthy community has made a lasting impact on countless individuals and families. A heartfelt congratulations to Phil and Jan Fenty, who originally opened the store, and to their son Shawn and his wife Kim, who took the helm just over 15 years ago and continue to uphold the legacy. Their story is a testament to the power of following your dreams and the incredible journey of owning your own business. Here's to many more years of success, growth, and inspiration!
