Franchisees and employees from 75 Fleet Feet Sports stores and representatives of 60 industry vendors gathered for a week of education, networking and business planning at Fleet Feet, Inc.'s annual National Franchise Conference.

 

The education component for the conference, held June 20-24, 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.  A trade show was also held. Finally, a reception and presentation were held as part of the event to unveil a new consumer branding campaign.

 

“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' ability to connect with new customers from all walks of life is creating a broad platform for continued growth.”

 

Fleet Feet also honored the contributions and accomplishments of its many partners:


  • Fleet Feet Sports Brand Builder Award (recognizing a franchise opened for more than three years for excellence in establishing and promoting the Fleet Feet brand): Emily and Keith Davis of Fleet Feet Sports, Winston-Salem, NC;

  • Fleet Feet Sports New Store Development Award  (recognizing franchises opened more than one year and fewer than three years for excellence in establishing and promoting the Fleet Feet brand): Krista and Tom Dugosh, Fleet Feet Sports, Murfreesboro, TN;

  • Fleet Feet Sports Pinnacle Award (honoring excellence in customer acquisition, staffing & customer service, financial & inventory management, and vendor relations): Debby and David Spetnagel, Fleet Feet Sports, St. Louis, MO;

  • Fleet Feet Sports Lifetime Commitment to Running Award (recognizing an industry leader who has shown career-long dedication to the business and sport of running): Dave McGillivray, Founder, DMSE Inc. and Boston Marathon Race Director

  • Fleet Feet Sports Vendor Service Award (honoring a vendor rep): Derek Lanz, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.

  • Fleet Feet Sports Supplier of the Year: Superfeet Worldwide, Inc.

  • Fleet Feet Sports Ambassador Award (recognizing outstanding advocates of the Fleet Feet Sports brand): Jeff Wells, Fleet Feet Sports Louisville, KY; David Strassburg, The Strassburg Sock

  • Fleet Feet Sports Jane Ketchin Bryl Memorial Scholarship recipients: Drew Barton, Fleet Feet Sports, Tulsa, OK; Grace Bentley, Fleet Feet Sports, American Fork, UT; Jaclyn Glotzbier, Fleet Feet Sports, Mahwah, NJ; Shannon Havens, Feet Sports, Hartford, CT; Rhonda Leib, Fleet Feet Sports, Gaithersburg, MD; Ryan Mittwede, Fleet Feet Sports, Jackson, MI; Kyle Snell, Fleet Feet Sports, Tucson, AZ.