The Move

Most everyone at this point knows we are moving to North Carolina. In a sense I am going home. I will be working with Fleet Feet Sports in Carrboro, NC. Anyone who has read this blog knows I started with Fleet Feet in Chicago almost 10 years ago, so I see this as a homecoming of sorts.

In my new job, I will be doing community outreach and training programs for the flagship store in Carrboro. Fleet Feet offered me this opportunity or a floor manager position in Menlo Park, CA. In the end, I felt more drawn to this opportunity. This also gives me a chance to learn more of Fleet Feet's processes so I can eventually be on a path to ownership.

I've been cautious in talking about my time at Providence Running Company, and with RSG/Jack Rabbit. I did not leave in bad circumstances. There was no ill will, or bad feelings. I felt Fleet Feet offered me another chance to grow, and to eventually own my own running store.

I will say this about my former company, I believe there is a trend in the industry to make running specialty, less special, and more about selling stuff, and RSG is leading that trend. Everyday I was asked point blank why I wasn't directing more people to the online business, or why I wasn't doing more to sell waterproofing products to people. At times, I was left with the impression that if I didn't do these things, I was somehow a bad manager. Sorry, I am not a bad manager for not selling enough of a product that is actually counter intuitive to what runners know about their products. I had also heard stories of managers being threatened for not selling enough magazine subscriptions.

Now, I don't feel the blame is on the higher ups of the company. I think the blame is on over eager district managers who are more interested in pumping their numbers and saving their jobs. They were too busy doing a job, they forgot to do their jobs, which is empowering managers and staff to deliver outstanding service. RSG is owned by Finish Line who has shareholders they answer to. I get it. I get bottom line philosophies. What I don't get is almost weekly job threats. Instead of threats, how about working with your people to improve the bottom line, and don't just dictate?

Ok....rant over. The point is people will come to our stores because of our people, and the trust that we will offer the best service, do the best job, and make honest suggestions for the customer. I think some people in the corporate group think lost that notion.

I'm not saying anything in this blog, that I have not expressed to my former company. We parted amicably, and I am on to great things.

Fleet Feet understands what I want to accomplish, and I understand what they want to accomplish, and I could not be happier with the decision to head over to them.

North Carolina also holds a special place in my heart, as I attended drama school in Winston-Salem for three summers, and have nothing but wonderful memories from that experience. While I know North Carolina is nothing like Rhode Island, I am looking forward to being reacquainted with the state.

In a few weeks Mark and I will head to North Carolina to look for a new home. It's a busy and exciting time for us, and I will share what we find.

Charlie