The current economy isn't an excuse as much as it is an opportunity for the folks at Running Fit.
"Our greatest growth has been in the midst of this horrible economy," says Randy Step, who co-owns Running Fit with Steve Angerman. The two longtime friends and lifetime runners (click here for Step's blog Obsessed Runner) have been at the helm of the company for 25 years.
The Ann Arbor-based firm that focuses on running-based gear and events has enjoyed some of its best success in the last few years. Its gross sales have increased 15 percent in each of the last three years, while the event side of the business (think 5K races and the like) has grown exponentially at the same time.
"Our events are fun and quirky," Step says. "It's what we’re known for."
Running Fit's email list is now 40,000 people strong, allowing the company to hold more running events and classes than ever before. It has also expanded its staff to 100 people and a couple of interns to accommodate that growth. While a few of those new hires have been on the retail level, nearly a dozen are working out of the company's new headquarters in the old Church of the Nazarene on Jackson Road.
Step and Angerman plan to expand their offerings at their new headquarters to include Yoga for runners and sports massage. That all means more job opportunities at the company, which is also looking at opening new retail locations within the next couple of years.
Source: Randy Step, co-owner of Running Fit
Writer: Jon Zemke
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