My Letter of recommendation for our Fleet Feet store
During the summer of 2002, I decided to begin running. I
first bought all my running shoes according to price and
color. Whatever was on sale, or looked good, was was my
shoe of choice. Once I decided to buy some
‘real’ running shoes, I did my online research
to find the best shoes for me. A friend also recommend I
try out Fleet Feet, the local running store. Armed with my
internet information, I walked in and immediately found the
running shoes I wanted. I confidently told Blaine Lewis,
the owner, exactly what I wanted.
What he asked me next was surprising:
“What makes you think you want those shoes?”
I did not realize it then, but I was getting the best
customer service around. Blaine wanted me to have a
positive running experience in my first pair of running
shoes. We talked it over, tried on several pair of shoes
and even went out for a run around the parking lot. We
decided on a pair of New Balance which were the best fit
for my running style. I bought the shoes and trained for
and completed the Marine Corps Marathon in the fall of
2004. I continue to go to Fleet Feet for running shoes,
training supplies and endurance advice.
I have seen Blaine and his wife, Robin, in other situations
since then. They are out in the public eye attending races
and handing out water and nutrition. They are frequently
out early on the greenway, getting to know the morning
runners. Blaine even came to my fifth grade classroom to
give a spelling test as part of my volunteer program. He
was well prepared and genuinely excited about talking to
the students about running a race as well as running a
business.
Fleet Feet Sports, along with its customer support, is the
type of business we need in Roanoke. Blaine, Robin and the
staff are focused on getting each customer into the right
shoe for an optimum experience. Whenever I visit the store,
I am greeted in a friendly manner. I am often asked about
my early morning runs, my running partners, my recent and
future races as well as my family. I have friends who are
walkers and runners. I have friends who have children who
run on team teams. I have recommended Fleet Feet to them
and dozens of others regardless of fitness level. They have
all come away with a sense of excitement about their new
shoes.
