A Humble and Unconventional Beginning
It all started in 1972 when two friends and school teachers, Sally Edwards and Elizabeth Jansen, decided to open the first Fleet Feet store. From that single store located in Sacramento, CA, on the second floor of an old Victorian, Fleet Feet has expanded to become the hub of running communities across the country. On June 1st, 2021, the 45th anniversary of that first store's opening, current Fleet Feet CEO Joey Pointer sent to the employees of 185 Fleet Feet stores a synopsis of the brand's 45-year history. Learn more about why Fleet Feet is such a special business and read below to see how Fleet Feet St. Louis got its start.
Fleet Feet St. Louis: A New Chapter
In late 1992, after lifelong runner David Spetnagel had worked as an aerospace engineer for both NASA and McDonnell Douglas, he convinced his wife, Debby, to turn running – their hobby and passion – into their second careers. On April 12th, 1993, they opened their first franchised Fleet Feet store in St. Charles. At the time, there were only 18 Fleet Feet stores across the USA. Today there are over 250 Fleet Feet stores serving runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts in almost every state across the nation.
After 30 years of ownership, the Spetnagels agreed to sell their franchise to Eric and Lissa Johnson, owners of Fleet Feet Springfield (MO) in 2023. Welcome to Fleet Feet St. Louis 2.0!
The Johnsons’ journey started in 2008 when they helped open Springfield’s only independent running store, The Starting Block (which was eventually renamed Ultramax). Eight years later, Eric and Lissa purchased the store and converted it to a Fleet Feet franchise. Fleet Feet Springfield is a highly respected and successful member of Fleet Feet Nation, making it very much like Fleet Feet St. Louis.
Similar to David, Eric has big goals for the future of FFSTL and the background to make it happen. Eric is an entrepreneur who is constantly working to improve his business by asking questions and trying new things. He is a member of the Franchise Advisory Council and wholeheartedly supports Fleet Feet Store Support initiatives, but he is also willing to operate outside the box in his search for constant improvement. He recognizes the importance of team and surrounds himself with excellent people. And like Debby, Lissa’s work as a financial professional provides a solid understanding of business finance. This unique combination of qualifications will be sure to advance Fleet Feet St. Louis’ long-term viability and help it thrive for many years to come.
 Amy Training Assistant |
 Andy Running Club Coach |
 Angela St. Charles Manager |
 Bethany Outfitting Team Leader |
 Brandi Running Club Manager |
 Chris Human Resources Manager |
 Chris Outfitter |
 Christine Outfitting Team Leader |
 Danny Outfitting Team Leader |
 Deb Distribution Center Assistant |
 Earth Outfitter |
 Eleanor Outfitter |
 Eric Owner |
 Eric Distribution Center Manager |
 Erica Marketing Coordinator |
 Faith General Manager |
 Gabe Outfitter |
 Gio Outfitter |
 Isai Outfitter |
 Jillian Outfitter |
 Jim Distribution Center Assistant |
 Jodi Functional Flexibility Instructor |
 Jodi South County Manager |
 Jordan Outfitting Team Leader |
 Joseph Outfitter |
 Kathy Outfitting Team Leader |
 Katie Outfitter |
 Katie Special Order Buyer |
 Kayla Outfitting Team Leader |
 Kristine Massage Therapist |
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