Shows
My First Job In SportsMFJIS S01E10 - J.D. WoodIn Episode 10 of My First Job in Sports, Mark Sullivan and Neil Schwartz spoke to J.D. Wood, Head of Business Development for the Dallas Sports Commission. Sports Commissions are an integral part of the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s that are responsible for bringing both fan-based and participation-based sports events to localareas. Sports Travel is estimated to deliver just over 45 Billion dollars in total economic impact domestically. There are currently 850 Sports Commissions that serve as a great point of entry for those looking to get that all-important first job in sports.Guest Bio:J.D...
2021-10-1230 min
Run MattersThe Connections EpisodeWe 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 wit...
2021-03-2940 minRun MattersRetail Matters: Greg Koch, 605 Running CompanyIn 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...
2021-03-2624 minRun MattersRetail Matters: Ashlee Anderson of Shoes and BrewsThis 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.
2021-02-2326 minRun MattersThe Disruption EpisodeIf there was any one word that describes the past 12 months, it is disruption. But disruption is not always a bad thing. In fact, for many in the running community, it has been a chance to make lemonade from a giant bowl of lemons. S01E05 of The Run Matters Podcast begins with a discussion between lead product developer at Skechers Performance, Kurt Stockbridge and one of running’s up and coming stars, Edward Cheserek. “Ches” has been using the time during the pandemic to train for some middle-distance events and keep in peak shape for what he hopes will...
2021-02-2341 minRun MattersRetail Matters: Ken Sung of Gazelle SportsWe then sat down with Ken Sung, co-owner of Gazelle Sports in Central Michigan. Ken discussed how Gazelle used this time during the pandemic to take a step back and look closely at its business and then make the needed changes to get ready for the next three to five years. Ken then went on to talk about his entrepreneurial efforts that include both a farm to table full-service restaurant and a brand-new Gourmet Bagel Shop. Neil is still waiting for the dozen bagels Ken promised him.
2021-02-0125 minRun MattersRetail Matters: Ken Sung of Gazelle SportsWe then sat down with Ken Sung, co-owner of Gazelle Sports in Central Michigan. Ken discussed how Gazelle used this time during the pandemic to take a step back and look closely at its business and then make the needed changes to get ready for the next three to five years. Ken then went on to talk about his entrepreneurial efforts that include both a farm to table full-service restaurant and a brand-new Gourmet Bagel Shop. Neil is still waiting for the dozen bagels Ken promised him.
2021-02-0125 minRun MattersThe Collaboration EpisodeWe are calling Episode 4 of the Run Matters Podcast, “The Collaboration Episode” for two reasons. The first collaboration in this episode features Amanda Brooks and Co-host, Neil Schwartz as they talk about his plan to get out and start running. Neil is in the early “walk/run” stage but hopes to get to his goal in two to three months. We heard Neil say” This whole process scares the crap out of me” but he is starting to build new habits.The next collaboration takes listeners behind the scenes with Kurt Stockbridge, lead product developer for Skechers Performance...
2021-01-2836 minRun MattersRetail Matters: Colin Peddie of Marathon SportsWe sit down for a candid, sometimes emotional, conversation with Colin Peddie, owner of Marathon Sports. Marathon has 18 stores, across three different names throughout the New England Area. Colin talks about how he grew his business from one to 18 stores without borrowing a dollar and shares the business philosophy and strategy that allowed him to accomplish this amazing feat. He also shares his harrowing first-hand experience from the day of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, which took place less than 10 yards from his main store on Boylston Street. Mark and Neil enjoyed the conversation so much, they recorded some be...
2020-12-2134 minRun MattersThe Inspiration EpisodeAfter listening to the 3 interviews that are included in Episode 03 of the Run Matters Podcast, you will understand why we call this the “Inspiration Episode”. From the first segment that features running coach, Amanda Brooks, to the last segment with Colin Peddie from Marathon Sports in New England, we focused on what inspires you and how we can all be better in 2021. Hang in for the end of the segment with Amanda as she agrees to take on a project in 2021 and inspire Neil to get out running. Sandwiched in between Amanda and Colin, running superstar and Skechers Ambassador, Meb K...
2020-12-1546 min
Davidson Hang Reflections and Lessons from a life worth livingEpisode 60: Davidson Hang Reflections and Lessons: Best Books of 2020 RecommendationsThese are my favorite books I’ve read in 2020 that I would recommend.
1. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness- Eric Jorgenson, Jack Butcher, Tim Ferriss
2. I Can See Clearly Now– Wayne W. Dyer
3. The Magic of Thinking Big– David J Schwartz
4. Spirit Run: A 6,000-Mile Marathon Through North America’s Stolen Land–Noé Álvarez 5. What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence–Stephen A. Schwarzman 6. The Impossible First: From Fire to Ice—Crossing Antarctica Alone–Colin O’Brady
7. Time Travel: Through Consciousness and Advanced Technology–...
2020-12-0910 minRun MattersRetail Matters: Justin Craig of RUNdetroitJustin Craig is the co-owner of RUNdetroit in Midtown Detroit, Michigan. Justin originally comes from Seattle where he worked in Orthopedics including spine specialty and later, foot & ankle. Justin has a vast knowledge in the biomechanics of running and foot & ankle injuries. He and his business partner Alia Polsgrove opened RUNdetorit in 2013 as the first running specialty store in the City of Detroit. Their store offers solutions for a variety of running and walking needs including; shoes, apparel, essentials, training and overall knowledge for enjoyable and efficient running. Justin speak on various topics for major corporations and universities ranging fr...
2020-11-2320 minRun MattersThe Motivation Episode, featuring Edward CheserekIn episode 2 of the Run Matters Podcast, we don’t waste any time getting into one of the most important topics that every runner faces on a daily basis. In our Run to the Finish segment with Amanda Brooks, we talk about motivation and how runners can handle getting their head in the right place before they lace up their shoes and hit the street or trail. Amanda has something she calls “the five-minute rule” that every runner encounters on those days when they just don’t feel like getting out of bed. In the “retail matters segment”, Justin Craig from RUN...
2020-11-1935 minRun MattersRetail Matters: Chris Farley of Pacers RunningEach episode will feature an in-depth interview of a leading run specialty retailer conducted by Running Insight Editor at large Mark Sullivan and industry data guy Neil Schwartz. Farley talks about managing his team through the pandemic, doubling down on bricks and mortar and his optimism for the future of the channel as well as his new store in Georgetown. Chris Farley is the owner and President of Pacers Running//Chief Running EnthusiastA lifelong runner, Chris has been in the running specialty industry since 1999 and is considered a subject matter expert in ru...
2020-10-1623 minRun MattersThe Mebisode, featuring Meb KeflezighiEpisode 1 of the Run Matters Podcast presented by Skechers Performance kicks off with a lively list of regular features and special guests, including a timely segment on running safety in the Run to the Finish segment featuring Social Media sensation Amanda Brooks. Hosts Mark Sullivan and Neil Schwartz then speak to our featured retailer, Chris Farley from Pacers Running in the DC area. Run Matters then spends some quality time with “The Michael Jordan of Running,” Meb Keflezighi. There is so much more to Meb than just his amazing career as a world-class runner. He is also a world-class family...
2020-10-1534 minRun MattersTrailer: Run Matters Podcast Presented by SkechersRun Matters is a podcast powered by Skechers Performance™ created to help runners navigate the challenges of change and stay connected with runners of all levels. Hosts Mark Sullivan and Neil Schwartz will be joined on a regular basis by writer and run coach, Amanda Brooks, the mind behind the Run To the Finish blog along with Kurt Stockbridge, the lead product designer for Skechers Performance. Each show will feature conversations with elite runners Meb Keflezighi and Edward Cheserek alongside interviews with the top running store owners in the country.
2020-10-1302 min