Toro Talk Nov 8

November 8, 2010

When I first opened Fleet Feet in 2001, it was just Tricia White, a couple of other part time employees, and myself selling shoes and running the show, 7 days a week, no days off. Once we could afford more employees in 2002 we hired a gentlemen who claimed to have a bunch of experience, and worked out only a very short time when we found out he was telling our customers that he was the owner, (bad idea). That gentlemen if you want to call him that, I hear is now working at a Nike outlet store somewhere in North Carolina and I’m sure now claiming he is one of the owners of Nike. Tricia White is now the owner of one of the best running stores in the country in Carrboro, North Carolina...oh the ever changing landscape of employees! As of today I would have to say that we have one of the strongest cast of employees that we have had at Fleet Feet and we continue to add to that cast. From working in the running industry since the late 80’s - early 90's, I have seen a wide range of employees. For the most part, having employees in your running store means most of them will move onto something else. Yes, running stores are a stepping stone for most folks as they find out what they would like to do down the road. Some, but very few will make a living in the running industry, but I do what I can to encourage them to.

In a few years give or take few, someone else will own Fleet Feet Savannah and continue what this old guy started. I have had the pleasure to see my first employee own her own running store and another will become a physical therapist soon. I have had two high school employees that have become men, one an officer in the military and another will soon be an incredible engineer, and another one of my first part time high school employees is married and now tackling the very important task of being a mom. It was really cool to watch those kids grow up. All you can do for your employees is the best you can do, cheer them on and help them when they’re up, and be there for them in a time of need or when things are just not right. Do they show appreciation for that? Most do, some don’t, but their responses are not up to me. My dad used to tell me, “don’t tell me you care, show me you care”.

So as we grow and employees come and go, come and grow with us. Fleet Feet Savannah is always looking for quality employees who want to work in this industry temporarily until they find their place in the sun, or if they just need some part time work as many of our employees do, or full time to advance their dreams in being in the running business as I have since the 9th grade. I thought for sure I would own the Rookie Shop, a sporting goods store in Beaufort, SC that no longer exists, but nothing could be cooler then owning that shop back in high school.

If you are interested in joining the Fleet Feet Savannah Team full or part time based on your needs and ours, here is something to think about before you apply.

Come see us and join us if:
1. You have a passion for fitness and people
2. You love Savannah and you want to see this town get better and fitter
3. If you work well with others and are a team player
4. If you want to be in the service business - not retail
5. If you're fun, you walk, you run, and you’re on the move
6. You care, not because you say it, but because you show it

Don’t apply or join us if:
1. You’re a whiner
2. If the world only revolves around you
3. If you don’t know what team means and you can’t function in that arena
4. If you can’t finish what you started
5. If you can’t communicate
6. If you are going to tell our customers that you are the owner

Fleet Feet Sports Savannah, come and grow with us. For more information on employment at Fleet Feet Savannah, go to www.fleetfeetsavannah.com/employment and download an application and bring it to the store with your resume and make sure Billy or Robert gets it.  

Robert Espinoza

"Keep Your Chin Up for Strength, and Down For Prayer"

Fleet Feet Sports Savannah