Fleet Feet, Incorporated announced that John Long will convert his Minneapolis-based Marathon Sports Run/Walk store to a Fleet Feet Sports franchise. Long is a veteran running store owner and industry leader. This will allow Long to tap into the resources and support that come with being a part of a national brand and take his successful business to the next level.
Fleet Feet Sports will gain one of the top specialty retailers in the country and brand presence for the first time in the Twin Cities market.
"We feel the vision and incredible leadership team that Jeff Phillips has created make this conversion to Fleet Feet a great opportunity for our community and our organization," said John Long. "We are excited to grow the brand and utilize our history in the Twin Cities to continue to serve our community's health and wellness goals for years to come. The opportunity to have our company remain locally owned when we decide to pass the torch on to the next generation of owners, meets perfectly with our vision and Fleet Feet Sports' commitment to supporting locally owned business leaders in our communities."
Long brings with him 21 years of running retail experience. He has owned Marathon Sports Run/Walk since 2005, first as a partner with Steve Hoag, the original founder, and then outright. Prior to that, he was a partner at Run N Fun in St. Paul from 1993-1999.
Over the past several years, Long has established relationships with many Fleet Feet Sports franchise owners through his work with the IRRA and the vendor community. Long will join fellow IRRA board member John Rogers, who brought his two Maine Running Company stores under the Fleet Feet Sports brand umbrella in September. Through his close relationship with Rogers and several Fleet Feet Sports top franchise owners, Long was able to forge a relationship with the Fleet Feet leadership team and get a firsthand look at the resources the company offers small business owners.
Throughout the process, the Fleet Feet Sports leadership team developed a deep respect for Long and his wife Joleen, and recognized the value John and his skill set will bring to the Fleet Feet Sports brand.
"John is an industry leader and innovator ?he is a natural at reaching across boundaries to bring industry leaders together and explore ways to grow and improve the business," said Fleet Feet Sports President and CEO Jeff Phillips. "We are thrilled to have John join our stable of franchise owners as we continue to expand and strengthen our brand across the country."
Fleet Feet, Incorporated is the industry leader in franchising successful, community-oriented, specialty stores serving runners, walkers and lifetime fitness enthusiasts. With 119 locations in 34 states and the District of Columbia, Fleet Feet, Incorporated offers support to its local store owners out of its corporate headquarters in Carrboro, NC.
