July 2008 Newsletter

Hi Folks!

It's a small world, so we all ought to work together.
In the past ten days I've traveled through five different states. Now to some of you this may sound like no big deal, but for a guy trying to run a business such as Fleet Feet, leaving for longer than a day requires significantly more than just an airline ticket and a toothbrush. Trust in all its forms is a necessary intangible. I trusted my staff to run the store while I was away. They did - and they did it with flying colors. I feel like a proud father. I want to share these feelings with my Fleet Feet family.
My first major stop was Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, for Fleet Feet Sports' annual conference. The main purpose of our gathering was to reconnect with other franchisees from across the nation and determine ways to better service our customers (that's YOU!). Per usual, it was an enlightening week to say the least. I left with a ton of new ideas. I also had a chance to review the results of the customer satisfaction survey I emailed to you all a couple months ago. Your comments and suggestions formed the topics of a full-day seminar. Some of you graciously pointed out the glaringly obvious while others helped us see the forest from the trees. All of your comments will help make us better at what we do. For this I thank you.
After Wisconsin I flew to Eugene, Oregon for the Track and Field Olympic Trials. Let's just say that you needn't be a fan of the sport to feel the emotional tug of the games. I repeatedly found myself covered in goose bumps while witnessing the efforts of the athletes. Something primal rises to the surface when one watches such competition. To some it inspires the rebirth of a dormant desire within themselves. To others, joyful tears reflect the moment. Though I've never been a track and field guy myself, watching the Trials always seems to be a celebration of the human spirit. We could use more of this these days.
Needless to say, as I watched sprinter Tyson Gay cross the finish line of the 100m dash in world record time (9.68 seconds), I became a part of Hayward Field's thunderous celebration. My entire section was ecstatic and repeatedly high-fived while hooting and hollering. All that mattered was that moment. Then later, as it grew quieter in Track Town, I remembered the cheers and couldn't help but smile. It seemed that everyone I walked by in downtown Eugene was thinking the same thing. As individuals we are amazing. As people connected by spirit we are nothing short of spectacular.

Upon my arrival home I bumped into a customer who, due to the fires, had been evacuated from her home. I think her exact words were, "I feel blessed Tom. It only got the garage." These few words taught me a lot. I'd like to thank her for this.
So...anyone want to meet up for a walk or run? Connect with us at one of our weekly events.
Keep on Keepin' on.

Tom

July 2008