Fleet Feet, Inc. honored the contributions and accomplishments of its franchisees, employees and vendors during its annual National Franchise Conference here June 20-24, 2010.
Franchise owners and employees from 75 Fleet Feet Sports stores and representatives of 60 industry vendors gathered for a week of education, networking and business planning. The education component focused on customer experience, FIT and biomechanics, and featured Dan Mann, founder of the Mann Group, presenting a newly-created sales training tool designed specifically for Fleet Feet Sports stores. Franchisees participated in business roundtable discussions where vendor executives, Fleet Feet Sports franchisees, and Fleet Feet, Inc. staff discussed current business issues. Franchisees also attended an exclusive trade show that included sixty specialty vendors.
A reception and presentation were held as part of the event to unveil a new consumer branding campaign that captures and directs the momentum Fleet Feet Sports is building. The new message strikes the heart of the brand and will enable franchisees to build stronger and deeper connections with individuals.
“Fleet Feet Sports has evolved from a place to buy running products to a brand that is changing the lives of individuals by creating a culture of inclusiveness and belonging where each person can live a more fit life,” said Fleet Feet Sport President Jeff Phillips. “Our franchisees�â¬ï¿½ ability to connect with new customers from all walks of life is creating a broad platform for continued growth.”
As part of the event, Fleet Feet, Incorporated honored its franchise owners and vendors at its annual Awards Dinner. 2010 award winners include:
Fleet Feet Sports Brand Builder Award
Emily and Keith Davis of Fleet Feet Sports Winston-Salem, North Carolina
This award recognizes a Fleet Feet Sports franchisee, opened for more than three years, for excellence in establishing and promoting the Fleet Feet Sports brand in their community and for contributions to the national Fleet Feet Sports network.
Fleet Feet Sports New Store Development Award
Krista and Tom Dugosh, Fleet Feet Sports Murfreesboro, Tennessee
This award recognizes an outstanding Fleet Feet Sports franchisee who has been in business more than one year and fewer than three years.
Fleet Feet Sports Pinnacle Award
Debby and David Spetnagel, Fleet Feet Sports St. Louis, Missouri
This award recognizes a franchise that demonstrates excellence in customer acquisition, staffing & customer service, financial & inventory management, and vendor relations, while embracing Fleet Feet Sports initiatives such as FITLOSOPHY®, No Boundaries®, Customer Experience/Data Consolidation and the Balanced Score Card. Excellence in these areas define the very best of Fleet Feet Sports today and in the future.
Fleet Feet Sports Lifetime Commitment to Running Award
Dave McGillivray, Founder, DMSE Inc. and Boston Marathon Race Director
This award recognizes an industry leader who has shown career-long dedication to the business and sport of running.
Fleet Feet Sports Vendor Service Award
Derek Lanz, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.
This award recognizes outstanding service and support to Fleet Feet Sports franchises by a vendor representative.
Fleet Feet Sports Supplier of the Year
Superfeet Worldwide, Inc.
This award recognizes a manufacturer for providing excellent product, support and services to Fleet Feet Sports stores.
Thom Abrams, Jeff Gray, Bill McLean, and Brad Parry of Superfeet Worldwide were specifically honored for their contributions and support of the Fleet Feet Sports brand.
Fleet Feet Sports Ambassador Award
Jeff Wells, Fleet Feet Sports Louisville, Kentucky
This award recognizes individuals for being outstanding advocates of the Fleet Feet Sports brand.
David Strassburg of The Strassburg Sock was recognized for his extraordinary support of all Fleet Feet Sports stores.
Fleet Feet Sports Jane Ketchin Bryl Memorial Scholarships
Drew Barton, Fleet Feet Sports, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Grace Bentley, Fleet Feet Sports, American Fork, Utah
Jaclyn Glotzbier, Fleet Feet Sports, Mahwah, New Jersey
Shannon Havens, Feet Sports Hartford, Connecticut
Rhonda Leib, Fleet Feet Sports Gaithersburg, Maryland
Ryan Mittwede, Fleet Feet Sports Jackson, Mississippi
Kyle Snell, Fleet Feet Sports, Tucson, Arizona
Established in 1999 in memory of Jane Ketchin Bryl of Fleet Feet Sports Albuquerque, the $650 scholarships are awarded to Fleet Feet Sports employees and/or children of Fleet Feet Sports store owners or corporate staff who will attend a college or university in the fall. With her dedication to her family and her community, Jane Ketchin Bryl embodied the Fleet Feet Sports philosophy to help people reach their goals whether in business, education or life.
Currently there are 90 Fleet Feet Sports locations nationwide.
