I am in my last few days at my current store - BlueMile. It has been a series of mixed feelings for me as I wrap things up. For starters I have an outstanding staff. No matter what has been thrown at them(and they have had a lot thrown at them), they have responded the best possible way. They have endured ownership change twice. They have seen people they loved working with come and go. They have shifted to a different tone. Change isn't always easy, but I have done my best to make it as positive as possible for them, and they responded well.
My departure did not come as a surprise, as my staff knew I was looking for new challenges. They are very excited for me, and still saddened that I'm leaving. I feel the same way. Still they have carried on with their usual professional attitude and positive outlook.
I am so appreciative of staff past and present who have made my job fairly easy. I was lucky to have three assistant managers during my years who were some of the best people I could imagine working for me. Angela, Paul and Jason are all great people. I respect and admire them. I'm also proud of the careers they have started for themselves. I'd like to think I did my best to prepare them for what lies ahead in their respective careers.
Melissa, Angie, Greg, Frank, Brandon Allison, Debbie, Joy and Marlo are my current staff, and they are amazing. Some staff you have to hand hold. While this may be true in the training stages, if you are good at training, you should never have to hand hold a staff member. These folks know their jobs, and to be honest could run the store themselves(though I won't recommend that).
I am glad to have worked with my fellow managers, as we have shared some experiences that only other managers could understand. You are good people, and I will miss that camaraderie.
There are people who are no longer with BlueMile who I owe a huge debt to - Janet, Gareth, Justin, Derek, Bradley and Michael are people I relied on for support and encouragement when I needed it. Their departures left a void, which to be honest just could not be filled. I would work with these people a millions times over. They are that good.
My initial goal when I came to Indianapolis was two-fold. One was to have the chance to move up to a manager position. Second was the chance to work with a running hero of mine, Bob Kennedy. Done and done. I am forever grateful for the chance to prove I could manage a store successfully. I am also so happy that for a time I got to work for Bob Kennedy. He is a man who knows what the future of running specialty is, and is smart enough to get people on board who can fulfill that vision.
So the end of this chapter means a new one is about to begin. During conversations for my new job I was initially told this was a lateral move. No, it isn't. This is a chance to take what I have learned in 7+ years in running specialty and start something new, in a new city. I see nothing but positive in this.
Providence Running Company will be a clean canvas, and I am eager and excited to created some art on it. I have always believed a running store should be the center of a running community, and now I get to create that center.
Again, much love and thanks to my BlueMile family. I carry all you have shared with me, and I hope to pass all that on in my new adventure.
Charlie
