At its annual National Franchise Conference, Fleet Feet, Inc. honored Saucony as its Footwear Vendor of the Year at the annual awards dinner. New Balance and Nike also received awards.


New Balance was recognized for their support of the No Boundaries National Training Program. In its second year, No Boundaries guides participants toward becoming active by pursuing an achievable goal of walking or running a 5K for the first time.


Nike's David Drees received the Fleet Feet Sports Lola Amcher Vendor Customer Service Award for outstanding vendor rep.


Among franchise owners, Suzanne and Dink Taylor of Fleet Feet Sports Huntsville, AL received the Brand Builder Award given to exceptional franchisees open more than three years. Arlene and Charles Woodruff of Fleet Feet Sports Albany, NY won the New Store Development Award for exceptional franchisees open more than one year and fewer than three years.


Jeanne and Pete Snell, Fleet Feet Sports Tucson, AZ, won the Pinnacle Award for demonstrating excellence in customer acquisition, staffing & customer service, financial & inventory management, and vendor relations.


The conference, held from June 27- July 1 in Cambridge, MD, drew franchise owners and employees from 80 Fleet Feet Sports stores and reps for 60 industry vendors. The conference featured workshops on customer experience and financial management, roundtable discussions, as well as an expanded trade show that included more than sixty specialty vendors.


“Solid operational and financial management practices have allowed Fleet Feet Sports to thrive in a challenging economic environment,” said Fleet Feet, Inc. President Jeff Phillips. “Continued evolution of best practices combined with innovative new ideas will drive our business into the future and ensure our ongoing success.”