We are calling episode 6 of the Run Matters Podcast, Powered by Skechers Performance the “Connection Episode”.  From the opening subject du jour lightning round right to the “Run to the Finish” segment, we talked about how the specialty running channel is at the heart of most connections, whether it’s between brands and retailers or retailers and their local community.  Our first conversation features Keith Shelton, the Director of Merchandising and Product Development for the Skechers Performance division.  Keith is all about making connections with the specialty retailers that are at the heart of the performance running category.  We then spoke with Greg Koch, owner of 605 Running in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and how he has made the connection with Benson Lang’at to help his customers and the rest of the local running community make a tighter connection to their events and gaining the most possible from their relationship to 605.  The show then wraps up with our “Run to the Finish Segment” featuring our in-house running coach Amanda Brooks.  Amanda and Mark talked about making the connection to running on a track as an alternative to road or trail running.  

This is the last episode of season 1.  Look for bonus “best of” episodes and interviews with Meb, Ches and others from Season 1 of the Run Matters Podcast, powered by Skechers Performance during the month of April.

In Episode 6 of the Retail Matters edition of the Run Matters Podcast, Mark and I learn how a former bakery owner made the pivot to become an owner of one of the hottest running stores in the running rich state of South Dakota.

605 Running Company’s Greg Koch shares his story in this episode of the Retail Edition of The Run Matters Podcast powered by Skechers performance.
Koch’s recipe relies heavily on community Involvement and an extensive coaching program, led by former collegiate all-American Benson Lang’at, who joined us for the discussion. Lang’at is a clinical psychologist whose coaching methods incorporate the perfect mix of mental and physical health. Hear how Sioux Falls has adopted this son of Kenya and supported him on his inspiring virtual Boston Marathon run last year. It’s all on Episode 6 of Retail Matters edition of the Run Matters Podcast.

This episode of the Retail Matters Podcast features Shoes and Brews in Longmont, CO.          

Mark and Neil had a fun discussion with store owner/manager and mom, Ashlee Anderson as she explained how the five owners put this concept together and what it has meant for the local community.  Shoes and Brews has been able to tap into the younger, family-oriented demographic to make themselves an important part of this community and create a new type of running retail experience at the same time.