Former Fleet Feet employees now own 18 of Fleet Feet’s 77 franchises, and the company’s goal is to substantially increase the number of store employees in its franchise development program.

According to Fleet Feet, Incorporated President Jeff Phillips, “We continue refining our franchise selection process to ensure candidates have the skill sets to execute our business model and make a positive contribution to the brand before they are awarded a franchise. Looking for those candidates within our existing system fosters organic growth and is important for protecting our brand culture.”

Fleet Feet, Incorporated kicked off this initiative in December of 2006 with its first Discovery Days program for store employees interested in becoming future franchise owners. The two-day event provided veteran employees an opportunity to learn more about franchise ownership.
The first Discovery Days alumnus to open his own franchise is Andy Avedisian, whose Birmingham, AL, store opens today. Mr. Avedisian spent four years working at Fleet Feet Sports Johns Creek, GA, where he trained extensively in biomechanics and shoe fitting. Fleet Feet Sports Johns Creek owners Joe and Shannon Braley consider him one of the best employees they’ve ever had, and credit him with revolutionizing their customer service.

“We seldom have someone as qualified as Andy opening a new store,” says Luke Rowe, Vice President of Business Development for Fleet Feet, Incorporated. “The skills and experience he gained while working at Fleet Feet Sports Johns Creek make him an ideal candidate for franchise ownership.”