Fleet Feet, Inc. recognized the significant contributions of franchisees, employees, and vendors during its annual National Franchise Conference in Squaw Valley, Calif., July 5-9, 2004. Franchise owners and managers representing some 50 stores as well as executives from Fleet Feet, and vendors adidas, Asics, Brooks, Hind, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike, Saucony, and Superfeet participated in the five-day event.

“Fleet Feet’s annual conference is unique in the sporting goods industry because it brings together the largest group of running specialty retailers and major running footwear vendors in one place,” said Jeff Phillips, president, Fleet Feet, Inc. “No doubt the sharing of information, the learning, and the strengthening of relationships that happens in these few days go a long way to advancing running specialty as a whole.”

Celebrating the success and contributions of Fleet Feet owners and vendors is a part of the annual tradition with an awards dinner on Tuesday evening. The 2004 award winners included:

  • Fleet Feet Brand Builder Award:
    David and Debby Spetnagel, Fleet Feet St. Charles and Chesterfield, MO

    The Brand Builder Award recognizes a franchisee for excellence in establishing and promoting the Fleet Feet brand in his/her community, as well as contributions to the national Fleet Feet franchise network.

  • Fleet Feet Ambassador Award:

    J.D. Denton, Fleet Feet Davis, CA

    The Ambassador Award is given to an individual for his/her outstanding contributions to Fleet Feet.

  • Fleet Feet Rookie of the Year Award:

    Jeff Wells, Fleet Feet Jackson, MS

    Rookie of the Year award recognizes an outstanding Fleet Feet franchise open more than a year and less than three years.

    Fleet Feet Lola Amcher Vendor Customer Service Award:
    Mirna Rodriguez, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.

    Named in honor of Lola Amcher, the first recipient of this award, the Fleet Feet Customer Service award is presented to a vendor representative for his/her outstanding customer service to Fleet Feet franchises nationwide.

  • Fleet Feet Footwear Vendor of the Year:

    Brooks Sports, Inc. (Third consecutive year to receive this award.)

    Fleet Feet selects one of its footwear manufacturers for this award for providing excellent products and support to Fleet Feet stores nationwide.

  • Fleet Feet Jane Ketchin Bryl Memorial Scholarships:

    Sarah Ann Day, Fleet Feet Davis

    Dustin Fee, Fleet Feet Fair Oaks and Roseville

    Meghan Hall, Fleet Feet Scotts Valley, Monterey, and Aptos,

    Mae Hignett, Fleet Feet Pittsburgh

    Kent Purcell, Fleet Feet Nashville

    Nicole Steele, Fleet Feet, Inc., Sacramento

    Established in 1999 in memory of Jane Ketchin Bryl of Fleet Feet Albuquerque, the $500 scholarships are awarded to Fleet Feet employees and/or children of Fleet Feet store owners or corporate staff. With her dedication to her family and her community, Jane Ketchin Bryl embodied the Fleet Feet philosophy to help people reach their goals whether in business, education or life.