December 2009

Hi Folks!

In some of my previous emails I mentioned that I've lived a scattered, yet interesting life so far. Not since my high school days have I spent more than three years in one place. When I came to Aptos I arrived with everything I owned in a VW van. I slowly acquired furniture and a perfect place to live. I put down roots for the first time in my life. It felt good.

During my short time in Aptos my staff and I have managed to fend off all the economic negativity heard on the news. In fact, we beat the odds and grew the business by more than 50% in less than two years. We wholeheartedly believe that our business is about connecting with people. I don't think it's a fluke that this philosophy has successfully led our charge through the looming recession.

Fleet Feet is a national franchise of 91 stores. It's still got a "mom and pop" feel because we refuse to allow size get in the way of service. The guys in corporate take care of franchisees like family. The CEO of Fleet Feet, Tom Raynor, called me on my second day in Aptos and sent me home. Literally. It was 1:00 am and I was burning the midnight oil but he told me he wanted to hear the door close behind me. He said that we need to make sure we take care of people. Ourselves included. Aptos' commitment to people stems from the top. It's how we live and how we work. In that order.

Last month I was presented with an opportunity. I was asked to be a part of a training team that will attempt to bottle all the good things I did in Aptos and translate it franchise-wide. It would require me to relinquish my ownership in Aptos and move cross-country. The offer was a huge compliment to my staff and an honor to me. It validated all my long hours and sleepless nights. But it meant change. And I thought I was done with that.

As proud as I am of what I've done in Aptos, and as comfortable as the community has made me feel, I am still the same guy who has bounced around the world always trying to make a positive impact wherever I landed. Having a chance to work nationwide with a variety of stores in different markets makes this sort of lifestyle a lucrative career path. At this point in my professional and personal life it made sense. I accepted the offer.

My departure will be bittersweet. I've made some wonderful, lifelong friends and have had an opportunity to feel the embrace of an entire community. I will be back occasionally but in a different capacity. Aptos will always be the place I chose, for the first time in my life, to stay. But as it ends up, I wasn't meant to stay here forever.

My friend and store manager, Jon Knapp will be the new owner of Fleet Feet Aptos as of January 1, 2010. Jon and I have worked a lot together and run a lot of miles together. He, his wife, his son and a baby on the way are embracing their new opportunity as I am mine. I leave you in good hands.

Words cannot express how thankful I am for you all. There are so many things I'll miss - the beach, the redwoods, great weather and great people. But most of all I'll miss welcoming you as you come into my store. It's Jon's turn to do that now.

Happy holidays to you and your families.

To Your Health,

Tom Griffen
tagriffen@yahoo.com