Run Matters

We are calling episode 6 of the Run Matters Podcast, Powered by Skechers Performance the “Connection Episode”. From the opening subject du jour lightning round right to the “Run to the Finish” segment, we talked about how the specialty running channel is at the heart of most connections, whether it’s between brands and retailers or retailers and their local community. Our first conversation features Keith Shelton, the Director of Merchandising and Product Development for the Skech...

In Episode 6 of the Retail Matters edition of the Run Matters Podcast, Mark and I learn how a former bakery owner made the pivot to become an owner of one of the hottest running stores in the running rich state of South Dakota.605 Running Company’s Greg Koch shares his story in this episode of the Retail Edition of The Run Matters Podcast powered by Skechers performance.Koch’s recipe relies heavily on community Involvement and an extensive coaching program, led by former collegiate all-Americ...

This episode of the Retail Matters Podcast features Shoes and Brews in Longmont, CO. Mark and Neil had a fun discussion with store owner/manager and mom, Ashlee Anderson as she explained how the five owners put this concept together and what it has meant for the local community. Shoes and Brews has been able to tap into the younger, family-oriented demographic to make themselves an important part of this community and create a new type of running r...

If there was any one word that describes the past 12 months, it is disruption. But disruption is not always a bad thing. In fact, for many in the running community, it has been a chance to make lemonade from a giant bowl of lemons. S01E05 of The Run Matters Podcast begins with a discussion between lead product developer at Skechers Performance, Kurt Stockbridge and one of running’s up and coming stars, Edward Cheserek. “Ches” has been using the time during the pandemic...

We then sat down with Ken Sung, co-owner of Gazelle Sports in Central Michigan. Ken discussed how Gazelle used this time during the pandemic to take a step back and look closely at its business and then make the needed changes to get ready for the next three to five years. Ken then went on to talk about his entrepreneurial efforts that include both a farm to table full-service restaurant and a brand-new Gourmet Bagel Shop. Neil is still waiting for the dozen bagels Ken promised him.

We are calling Episode 4 of the Run Matters Podcast, “The Collaboration Episode” for two reasons. The first collaboration in this episode features Amanda Brooks and Co-host, Neil Schwartz as they talk about his plan to get out and start running. Neil is in the early “walk/run” stage but hopes to get to his goal in two to three months. We heard Neil say” This whole process scares the crap out of me” but he is starting to build new habits.The next collaboration takes listeners behind the scenes...

We sit down for a candid, sometimes emotional, conversation with Colin Peddie, owner of Marathon Sports. Marathon has 18 stores, across three different names throughout the New England Area. Colin talks about how he grew his business from one to 18 stores without borrowing a dollar and shares the business philosophy and strategy that allowed him to accomplish this amazing feat. He also shares his harrowing first-hand experience from the day of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, which ...

After listening to the 3 interviews that are included in Episode 03 of the Run Matters Podcast, you will understand why we call this the “Inspiration Episode”. From the first segment that features running coach, Amanda Brooks, to the last segment with Colin Peddie from Marathon Sports in New England, we focused on what inspires you and how we can all be better in 2021. Hang in for the end of the segment with Amanda as she agrees to take on a project in 2021 and inspire Neil to get out r...

Justin Craig is the co-owner of RUNdetroit in Midtown Detroit, Michigan. Justin originally comes from Seattle where he worked in Orthopedics including spine specialty and later, foot & ankle. Justin has a vast knowledge in the biomechanics of running and foot & ankle injuries. He and his business partner Alia Polsgrove opened RUNdetorit in 2013 as the first running specialty store in the City of Detroit. Their store offers solutions for a variety of running and walking nee...

In episode 2 of the Run Matters Podcast, we don’t waste any time getting into one of the most important topics that every runner faces on a daily basis. In our Run to the Finish segment with Amanda Brooks, we talk about motivation and how runners can handle getting their head in the right place before they lace up their shoes and hit the street or trail. Amanda has something she calls “the five-minute rule” that every runner encounters on those days when they just don’t feel like gettin...